First of all, gorilla habituation experience is the methodical gentle process of introducing the wild mountain gorilla to be fully accustomed to human presence and behavior through the use of experienced forest trackers and research teams, which is done in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park; the Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors are the only two of the four sectors where gorilla habituation experiences are done. Gorilla habituation always lasts for four full hours, observing, studying, and interacting with the semi-habituated gorilla families alongside the team of researchers and forest trackers. Only a limited number, a maximum of four tourists, are permitted for an entire day. While the gorilla trekking experience is only limited to one hour, gorilla habituation is four hours of engaging with, interacting and observing the wild mountain gorillas.

As a result, a gorilla habituation permit costs 1500 USD and must be reserved in advance from  the Uganda Wildlife Authority or approved local tour operator whom the Uganda Tourism Board licenses. For gorilla habituation experience, the maximum four-tourist participants; they need to be physically active and strong stamina since there is tracking through the dense forest of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. While photography is allowed with cameras, flashlights are prohibited, as they can incite animosity in the wild mountain gorillas, which are still undergoing habituation process

Difference between  Gorilla habituation experience vs. gorilla trekking

Duration for the activity: for gorilla habituations experience it duration always last for four hours or full day, depending on the gorilla’s movement while gorilla trekking last for only one hour.

Group size of tourists: while gorilla trekking experience, the size of tourists is up to eight tourists for gorilla habituation, a maximum of four tourists per day.

Cost of gorilla permit: Any participant in the gorilla experience must have a permit reserved in advance from either the Uganda Wildlife Authority or a local tour operator. Gorilla habituation permits cost 1500 USD, while gorilla trekking permits cost 800 USD.

Location sites where it is done: The gorilla habituation experience is only done in two sectors, which are Rushaga and Nkuringo, while gorilla trekking is done in multiple sectors, which include Nkuringo, Buhoma, Rushaga, and Ruhija.

Gorilla families; for gorilla habituation the gorilla families are constantly undergoing habituation process while gorilla trekking they are fully habituated.