Gorilla Habituation Experience in Uganda

Standard gorilla trekking gives you one hour with a fully habituated family. The gorilla habituation experience is a longer, more immersive alternative offered in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi. You join the researchers and trackers as they continue accustoming a family to human presence, and you can spend several hours with the group.

It is a more expensive and demanding option, and it is limited to very small groups. This page explains how it works. For the standard version see gorilla safari packages and permits explained.

How It Differs From Standard Trekking

• More time: several hours with the gorillas rather than one hour.
• Smaller group: only a few visitors per family each day.
• More insight: you see how researchers and trackers work with the group.
• A longer day: you set off early and spend much of the day in the forest.

Who It Suits

The experience suits photographers, enthusiasts and travellers who want depth. It is physically demanding, with long periods on steep, muddy ground, and the gorillas are less predictable than in a fully habituated family. If you would like a gentler experience, standard trekking is the better fit.

Permits and Booking

Habituation permits are limited and have to be booked well in advance. Prices are set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority; see the habituation permit fees on this page. The experience is based in the south of Bwindi, so plan to stay in the area; see trekking sectors.

What to Bring

Everything on the standard trekking list, plus extra water, snacks and a lightweight rain jacket. See fitness and preparation and our packing list.

A Day With Gorillas Becoming Used to People

The gorilla habituation experience, offered in Rushaga in Bwindi, lets small groups spend up to four hours with a gorilla family that is still being habituated. You walk with trackers and researchers, learning how gorillas are slowly accustomed to humans. It is a longer, more immersive experience than a standard trek.

Who It Suits

It suits travellers with good fitness, patience and a strong interest in conservation or photography. Permits are limited, so book early and read how gorilla permits work. If you prefer a shorter experience, look at standard treks in Bwindi sectors. Prepare with fitness advice and see gorilla safari packages.

Rules and Etiquette

Keep at least the distance advised by rangers, avoid pointing or direct staring, do not eat near gorillas and never approach if you are unwell. Move slowly, speak softly and follow your guide if a gorilla approaches. Habituation involves a small group and a researcher, so be prepared for a long day, with a packed lunch and plenty of water.

What to Bring

Pack as for a long trek: boots, gaiters if you have them, gloves, rain jacket, camera in a dry bag and a walking stick. See the packing list.

Habituation Permit Fees

The UWA tariff lists the gorilla habituation experience at $1,500 for foreign non-residents, $1,000 for foreign residents and the rest of Africa, and UGX 750,000 for East Africans, until the revised tariff takes effect. From 1 January 2027, UWA lists $1,800 for foreign non-residents and $1,600 for foreign residents; the rest of Africa and East African rates are unchanged in the letter. See the notice.

About these rates. UWA states that tariff fees are subject to change without prior notice. FNR = foreign non-resident, FR = foreign resident, ROA = rest of Africa, EAC = citizen of an East African Community member state (paid in UGX). Source: Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) Conservation Tariff July 2024 to June 2026 and UWA letter ref. TDO 93/04 dated 26 February 2026.