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What to Do After Your Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
If you’ve just completed the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, you may be wondering what other exciting activities you can do to make the most of your time in this incredible area. The Southern sector of Bwindi, home to two semi-habituated gorilla families, offers a variety of experiences that will deepen your connection to the region’s natural beauty and culture. Here are some top things you can do after your gorilla habituation experience:
1. Batwa Cultural Experience
After your gorilla trek, immerse yourself in the rich history of the Batwa people, the original forest dwellers of Bwindi. On a Batwa cultural experience tour, you’ll be guided by a local Batwa guide, giving you a chance to learn about their traditional way of life in the forest. Enjoy traditional Batwa dances, see fire-making demonstrations, and gain insight into how these fascinating people have lived harmoniously with the forest for centuries.
2. Nature Walks in Bwindi Forest
Take a nature walk to discover more about Bwindi’s diverse ecosystem. Explore the forest with an expert guide and learn about the various tree species and wildlife that inhabit this UNESCO World Heritage site. One of the highlights is the Ivi-Nkuringo trail, where you can enjoy stunning views of the 33-meter waterfall, as well as the surrounding lush landscape.
3. Birding in Bwindi
For birding enthusiasts, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a paradise. With over 350 species of birds, it’s one of the best bird-watching destinations in Uganda. In the Nkuringo region, head to the Nombe pocket forest or the Buniga forest, just a short distance from Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge. If you’re limited on time, don’t forget your birding book, as you can even spot interesting species right from the gardens at the lodge.
4. Visit Local Communities
A community visit provides a unique opportunity to learn about the lives of the Bakiga and Batwa pygmy people who live around Bwindi. These local villages offer insight into traditional lifestyles, crafts, and farming practices. You might even get involved in activities like volunteering at local schools or community projects.
5. Other Activities
If you’re looking for more ways to relax and explore, consider the following activities:
- Yoga at your lodge to unwind and reflect on your incredible wildlife experiences.
- Mountain biking around the surrounding hills for a different perspective of the landscape.
- Butterfly watching in the evenings, as Bwindi is home to a rich variety of butterfly species.
These activities provide a perfect balance of adventure, culture, and relaxation after your gorilla habituation experience.
Where to Stay in the Southern Bwindi Region
The southern side of Bwindi offers a range of accommodation options to suit different preferences. Here are some of the best lodges:
- Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge – A cozy and comfortable stay with stunning views.
- Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge – A luxury lodge offering exceptional service and beautiful scenery.
- Lake Mutanda Lodge – A peaceful retreat by the lake, perfect for relaxation.
Alternatively, if you’re staying in Rushaga sector, you’ll have easy access to Nkuringo within a 45-minute drive. Lodge options in Rushaga include:
- Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge
- Rushaga Camp
- Icumbi Gorilla Lodge
- Gorilla Safari Lodge
How to Get to the Southern Bwindi for Gorilla Habituation Experience
By Road:
To access the southern side of Bwindi, you can drive from Entebbe or Kampala, which takes approximately 8-9 hours. You’ll pass through Kabale town before reaching Nkuringo. The park can also be accessed from Kigali, Rwanda, with a shorter drive of 4-5 hours.
By Air:
You can also fly directly to Kisoro airstrip from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield in Kampala. Regular scheduled and chartered flights are available through domestic airlines like Aero Link and Fly Uganda. From Kisoro airstrip, you’ll need to arrange a transfer to your lodge.
What is the Cost of Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi National Park?
The cost of the gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi National Park depends on several factors, including the number of days you plan to stay and the type of accommodation you prefer. The gorilla habituation permit is a significant part of the cost, along with transport, lodging, and guiding services.
Here’s a breakdown of the gorilla habituation permit fees:
- $1500 for foreign non-residents
- $1000 for residents
- 750,000 UGX for East African citizens
This permit allows you to spend 4 hours with the semi-habituated mountain gorillas in Bwindi, providing an unforgettable experience in the wild. In addition to the permit, you’ll also need to account for other expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and guiding services to make your trip comfortable and successful.
Here are some popular safari options for the gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi National Park:
- 3-Day Gorilla Habituation Experience
- 4-Day Gorilla Habituation Experience
How to Book Your Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi National Park
Booking your gorilla habituation experience requires securing a permit in advance. Here’s how the process works:
- Confirm Your Travel Dates: Once you’ve decided on your travel dates, contact us to check the availability of gorilla habituation permits.
- Permit Availability: We’ll check the availability of permits with the Uganda Wildlife Authority. If permits are available for your chosen dates, we’ll inform you and send an invoice for the permit fee.
- Payment: After you make the payment, we’ll purchase your permits and send you a scanned copy for your records.
- Confirmation: Once payment is confirmed, your booking for the gorilla habituation experience is secure.
Tip: Since permits sell out quickly (there are only 4 permits available per day), we recommend booking at least 2-3 months in advance to secure your spot.
Best Time to Experience Gorilla Habituation in Bwindi National Park
The best time to go for a gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi National Park is during the dry seasons from June to October and December to March. During these months, the weather is mild with less rainfall, making trekking easier and the vegetation more manageable for better gorilla sightings and photographs.
Although you can visit year-round, April, May, and November are the wet seasons in Uganda, leading to higher vegetation growth and shorter treks since gorillas tend to stay in one area with plenty of food. Despite the rain, sightings are still likely, and the experience remains unforgettable.
Why Book Your Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi with Excursia Adventures?
When you book your gorilla habituation experience with Excursia Adventures, you’re in good hands. We guide you through every step of the booking process and offer a variety of safari packages tailored to your budget, whether you prefer a budget, mid-range, or luxury option. We also handle your gorilla permit booking and make sure your entire experience is seamless and memorable.
Don’t just take our word for it—check out our TripAdvisor reviews to see what our happy clients have said about their unforgettable adventures with us. Our team of expert tour consultants is always available to help you plan and answer any questions you have about your safari in Uganda.
Let us help you create the perfect gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi National Park!
