If you are looking for a more personal experience with gorillas in the Wild, then the Gorilla Habituation Experience in 2027 – 2028 offers you the chance to spend up to 04 hours in the surroundings of these gentle giants of the great Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda.
This guide explains everything you’ll need to know about the gorilla habituation experience in Uganda for 2027 – 2028, including permits, costs, location, best time to visit and how to plan your trip.
What is Gorilla Habituation?
Gorilla habituation is a carefully managed wildlife experience in which visitors accompany researchers and trackers as they spend time with a gorilla family that is still becoming accustomed to the presence of humans.
The experience takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to a large population of endangered mountain gorillas.
Rather than simply trekking to spend only 01-hour with a habituated family, participants on the Habituation experience spend upto 4-hours following and observing the wild gorillas while learning about their behaviour, social structure and daily activities.
For travellers seeking a deeper connection with Uganda’s mountain gorillas, this is one of the most rewarding wildlife experiences in Africa.
How Long Does the Gorilla Habituation Experience Take?
One of the biggest differences between ordinary/standard gorilla trekking and habituation is the amount of time spent with the gorillas.
A standard gorilla trekking experience provides approximately one (01) hour with a gorilla family once the group has located them.
The Gorilla Habituation Experience provides up to four (04) hours with the gorillas, depending on the circumstances and guidance of the trackers and researchers.
This additional time gives visitors a better opportunity to observe behaviours that may be missed during a shorter encounter.
You may see gorillas feeding, playing, resting, climbing, grooming and interacting with other members of their family.
Where Is the Gorilla Habituation Done?
Gorilla habituation is conducted in the southwestern corner of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
The experience is particularly done in two (02) locations of Bwindi: the Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors, and one of Bwindi’s four (04) main gorilla trekking sectors.
Both sectors are located in the southern part of Bwindi and are accessible from several directions, including Kisoro and Kigali in Rwanda.
For travellers flying into Rwanda, a Kigali-to-Bwindi gorilla habituation safari can be an excellent option.
Gorilla Habituation Permit Cost in 2027–2028
A habituation permit is considerably more expensive than a standard gorilla trekking permit because it provides a longer and more exclusive experience. The Uganda Wildlife Authority has set new prices for 2027 – 2028.
What is the price of a gorilla Habituation Permit in 2027 – 2028?
- Foreign Non-residents will pay $1,800 per person/per permit.
- Foreign residents will pay $1,600 per person/per permit.
- Residents/Citizens from the Rest of Africa will pay $1,000 per person/per permit.
- East African Citizens will pay UGX750,000 per person/per permit.
In comparison, how much is a Standard /Ordinary gorilla permit in 2027 – 2028?
- Foreign Non-residents will pay $800 per person/per permit.
- Foreign residents/expats will pay $700 per person/per permit.
- Residents/Citizens from the Rest of Africa will pay $500 per person/per permit.
- East African Citizens will pay UGX250,000 per person/per permit.
Low-season permits cost $600 per person/per permit but are only available in selected months; April, May and November.