Gorillas have a unique genetic code that is surprisingly similar to humans, with a DNA match of 98.67%. They live in families bound together for life, dominated by a male silverback.
However, despite their similarities to humans, gorillas prefer not to be interfered with in their natural habitat, especially when humans pose a threat to them.
It’s challenging to determine whether gorillas actually like humans, given that they are wild animals.
Gorillas can become accustomed to human presence and can be observed in their day-to-day activities in their natural habitat through the process of habituation.
Gorilla habituation involves making gorillas acclimate to human presence, a process carried out by rangers and researchers who visit a particular gorilla family daily for a period of 2-3 years.
Once gorillas successfully pass through a habituation exercise, they are considered open for trekking.
In the wild, mountain gorillas typically do not exhibit any liking for humans unless they have undergone habituation.
Even then, it may not be accurate to describe their behavior as liking humans; rather, they become comfortable with human presence.
Before the habituation process, a gorilla family may often feel threatened and may even charge at humans.
However, there are cases, such as at the Senkwekwe gorilla orphanage in Virunga National Park in Congo, where the gorillas have become so accustomed to their caretakers that they interact and play with them.
This orphanage was established to care for orphaned gorillas rescued from poaching.
The behavior displayed by these gorillas towards their caretakers suggests that gorillas can develop some level of comfort or familiarity with humans.
Still, it should be noted that they are wild animals, and their behavior can change unpredictably.
Gorilla Trekking
If you have a fondness for mountain gorillas and wish to have a memorable encounter with these close human relatives in their natural habitat, then an African gorilla trekking is a must.
During this adventure, you can spend one hour in the presence of these magnificent apes.
You can choose to trek mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, or Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda.
Gorilla Permits
Gorilla permits are priced at $700 in Uganda, $400 in Congo, and $1500 in Rwanda. Given the high demand for gorilla trekking, it is advisable to book your permits well in advance, preferably 3-6 months before your planned travel date.
You can obtain permits through the governing board of the respective country or a trusted travel company.
