How long does gorilla habituation last.
Uganda is a stunning and attractive safari destination. There are two options available when visiting Uganda on a primate safari: the standard Gorilla Trekking (1 hour) and the exclusive Gorilla Habituation Experience (GHEX) which lasts 4 hours, from the time the trekking team finds the gorilla family. The difference in length of time spent with the gorillas is the most significant difference between the types of experiences offered.
The GHEX is considered the best experience because it allows for increased intensity and depth while interacting with the gorillas, as well as providing an opportunity to see a gorilla family in its natural habitat for an extended period. The four-hour period for encounters is only offered in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Therefore, the GHEX is one of the most sought-after safari experiences available to those interested in seeing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
Extended Observations and Behavior.
For the one hour of trekking, visitors have a fast-paced trek with little time to set up their gear or really get settled into taking photographs. During that one hour of the trek, there simply is not enough time to experience some of the more in-depth and meaningful behaviors that take place during the GHEX experience when you are provided with four full hours of time.
The following are a few behaviors that can be witnessed during an extended period of time:
Foraging/Nesting: Visitors are able to view gorillas while they forage (which is generally a peaceful and quiet experience). They will be able to see how and where the gorillas construct their nests for sleeping, as well as the way in which different family groups will work together to create their bedding for the day/evening.
Family Dynamics: An extended time period allows the viewer to see a complete range of gorilla interactions. These interactions typically include: The dominance of the silverback male, mothers grooming their young, and young gorillas engaging in playful activities, including wrestling with other in the group.
Photographing Gorilla Behaviors: Photographers have more freedom and opportunity to try various lenses and viewpoints to capture the best image possible of gorillas in the wild. A longer timeframe allows the photographer to try different techniques and/settings to capture the best image possible.
Exclusivity and Intimacy.
For instance, on a GHEX, compared to the eight-person standard setup for other treks, there will be only 4 persons allowed to go, which gives them a more intimate setting. Additionally, the intimacy is heightened due to the less of human noise and interference, making it much easier for visitors to observe and not disrupt the gorillas in their natural habitat more than standard trek has done. With the greater amount of viewing time, as well as the small amount of group size for the GHEX, permits are more expensive ($1,500.00) than standard ($800.00).
Time and Commitment for the Full Day of Treks and Search Time.
With the interaction time guaranteed at 4 hours for GHEX, the entire Gorilla Habituation Experience takes a full day, starting in the early morning and going well into the late afternoon.
Length of Full Expedition.
Unlike the standard trek, the GHEX starts earlier due to the need for a briefing around 6:30 AM, which allows for earlier entry into the rainforest. While time spent in the rainforest can be broken down into two parts, which are search time and trek time. The trek time is getting the group to the nearest gorilla family and the most direct route. Search time is finding the gorilla family within the highly-variable range of a distance of up to 8 hours away and depending on where the gorillas nested the night before. Trekking and searching for the gorillas require that the group hike along trails and also through thick rainforest, which presents challenges as well.
Once the family has been found and the guides decide that the interaction is safe, your four hour encounter clock starts ticking.
Semi-Habituated Groups.
An important point to keep in mind is that the groups you will visit during the GHEX will be semi-habituated, meaning that they are still undergoing a multi-year process of acclimatization to human presence. They may exhibit wilder behavior, display shyness and have less predictability than groups that have been fully habituated; they will tend to move around more, or remain relatively hidden in foliage. However, the activity and unpredictability of these semi-habituated groups is a part of the authentic experience, giving you a true taste of the more natural side of these beautiful Mountain Gorillas.
Conservational Benefits.
Time spent with the gorillas is meant not only for viewing, but is your contribution to the conservation efforts associated with this gorilla family in the long term, which is an integral part of the mission of the GHEX.
“Habituation”, A Long Process.
The daily interaction over the course of two to five years with a family in order to produce a safe, ethical one hour tourist experience for the family is what is known as the habituation process. This process will involve researchers, trackers and park rangers visiting the family on a daily basis until they develop enough of a comfort level to be habituated to humans. They will also reduce the distance between themselves and the family as time passes and continue speaking amongst themselves.
Your role as an observer of these wild gorillas is to help with their habituation to humans for a total of 4 hours’ worth of time in the company of the guides and researchers who are assisting with this process. While you are simply observing the gorillas and learning about them through listening to the guides and/or researchers, you will also be providing the gorillas with an opportunity to get accustomed to being around people (specifically, you). The guides and/or researchers will provide you with considerable insight about their behavior, names, roles and conservation, which will all help to educate you on the plight of gorillas at the same time as enabling you to become more active in your own way in assisting with gorilla conservation efforts.
To conclude, the Gorilla Habituation Experience provides tourists with a unique opportunity for 4 hours with the gorillas, while the standard gorilla trek lasts approximately 1 hour. The Gorilla Habituation Experience is highly beneficial due to the additional resources and expertise provided, allowing for an in-depth understanding of gorilla behavior that can enhance your experience as a participant and observer in the conservation efforts of the Mountain Gorilla.