Booking the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi

Booking the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi

Are you looking to spend more time with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat? Booking a Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the lives of these magnificent creatures. Unlike the regular gorilla trek, where you spend one hour with the gorillas, the habituation experience allows you to spend up to four hours observing and interacting with them as they get accustomed to human presence. This unique experience is only available in Uganda, making it a must-do for any wildlife enthusiast visiting East Africa.

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we specialize in creating unforgettable Gorilla Habituation Safaris. We offer a range of packages to suit your needs, from budget to luxury, and can customize the experience to match your preferences. Contact us today to start planning your adventure.

Popular Gorilla Habituation Safari Packages

• 3 Day Fly-in Gorilla Habituation Experience
• 3 Day Gorilla Habituation Experience by Road
• 3 Day Gorilla Habituation Experience through Kigali
• 3 Day Luxury Bwindi Gorilla Habituation Experience through Kigali
• 5 Day Gorilla Habituation and Chimp Trekking Safari
• 5 Day Chimp and Gorilla Habituation Experience Safari
• 5 Day Luxury Gorilla Habituation and Chimp Trekking Safari

What is the Gorilla Habituation Experience?

The Gorilla Habituation Experience involves trekking through Bwindi’s dense forest to track semi-habituated mountain gorillas. These gorillas live in family groups but are still in the process of getting used to human presence. Once you find them, you’ll participate in activities that help the gorillas become more familiar with humans. The experience is conducted in small groups of just four people, giving you an intimate and educational encounter with these gentle giants. You’ll spend four hours with the gorillas—significantly longer than the one-hour limit in standard gorilla trekking—allowing for a deeper understanding of their behavior and lifestyle.

Where is the Gorilla Habituation Experience Done?

The Gorilla Habituation Experience is exclusively available in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, located in Uganda. This experience is conducted in the southern sectors of Bwindi, specifically in Rushaga and Nkuringo. Bwindi has four major sectors for gorilla tracking—Ruhija, Buhoma, Rushaga, and Nkuringo—but only the Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors offer the habituation experience. While 12 gorilla families in Bwindi are habituated for regular tracking, only two families are available for the Gorilla Habituation Experience.

Difference Between Gorilla Habituation and Gorilla Tracking

Both gorilla habituation and gorilla tracking take place in Bwindi, but the key difference is the amount of time you spend with the gorillas. In the Gorilla Habituation Experience, you spend four hours with the gorillas, whereas gorilla tracking gives you a one-hour encounter. Additionally, gorilla habituation is done in smaller groups of four people, compared to the eight people allowed for regular tracking.

The cost for the Gorilla Habituation Permit is USD 1,500 for foreign non-residents, USD 1,000 for residents, and 750,000 UGX for East African citizens. A Gorilla Tracking Permit costs USD 700 for foreign non-residents, USD 600 for residents, and 250,000 UGX for East African citizens.

How to Book a Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi

To book your Gorilla Habituation Experience, securing your permit is essential. Once you have your travel dates finalized, send us an email so we can check the availability of permits with the Uganda Wildlife Authority. If permits are available, we’ll notify you and send an invoice for payment. After receiving your payment, we will purchase your permits and send you a scanned copy for your records. This will confirm your booking for the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi.

Since only four people are allowed per gorilla family for habituation, permits are limited and sell out quickly, especially during peak travel seasons. We recommend booking at least 2-3 months in advance to ensure availability.

How Much Does a Gorilla Habituation Experience Safari in Bwindi Cost?

When planning a Gorilla Habituation Experience Safari in Bwindi, the cost of the gorilla habituation permit is a significant factor. This permit allows you to spend up to four hours with the mountain gorillas and is priced at USD 1,500 for foreign non-residents, USD 1,000 for foreign residents, and 750,000 UGX (around USD 200) for East African citizens per person, per trek. In addition to the permit cost, your safari expenses will also include accommodation, transportation, and guiding services.

When is the Best Time for the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi?

The best time to book a Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi is during the dry seasons, from June to October and December to March. During these months, Uganda experiences milder rainfall, making the trekking trails in Bwindi easier to navigate. The vegetation is also less dense, providing better visibility for gorilla sightings and photography.

While the wet seasons of April, May, and November bring heavier rains, making the trails muddy and more challenging, these months have their own advantages. The gorillas tend to move shorter distances since food is more readily available, which can result in shorter treks. No matter the time of year, the chances of encountering the gorillas are very high—over 99%.

Where to Stay During Your Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi

Since the Gorilla Habituation Experience is conducted in the southern part of Bwindi, it’s ideal to stay in this region. Accommodation options vary, catering to different budgets:

• Budget: Affordable lodges like Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Karungi Camp, and Nshongi Camp offer rates of around USD 90-100 per person, per night.
• Mid-range: Comfortable lodges like Rushaga Gorilla Camp and Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge cost about USD 150-200 per person, per night.
• Luxury: For those seeking a high-end experience, options like Four Gorillas Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, and Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge are available, with rates ranging from USD 250-700 per person, per night.

How to Get to Bwindi for the Gorilla Habituation Experience

By Road: The southern sector of Bwindi can be accessed from Kampala or Entebbe, with a drive time of approximately 8-9 hours. The route takes you through the scenic Kabale-Kisoro road. Look for the Uganda Wildlife Authority signpost at Muko, which will guide you toward the Rushaga or Nkuringo sectors, where the habituation experience takes place.

By Air: If you prefer to fly, domestic flights are available from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Kisoro Airstrip, which is closest to the southern sectors. AeroLink and Fly Uganda operate both scheduled and chartered flights. Your tour operator can arrange a transfer from the airstrip to your lodge in Bwindi.

Why Book Your Gorilla Habituation Experience with Trek Africa Expeditions?

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we specialize in creating unforgettable Gorilla Habituation tours in Bwindi. Our highly-rated services on TripAdvisor reflect our dedication to delivering eco-friendly safaris that prioritize wildlife conservation and community upliftment. We not only offer gorilla habituation and trekking tours but also a wide range of other safari experiences, including Big 5 game drives, chimpanzee trekking, boat cruises, mountain hiking, and cultural encounters.

Additionally, we offer tailor-made safaris across Africa’s top destinations, such as Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, and Namibia. Whether you’re looking for a gorilla trekking adventure or a comprehensive African wildlife safari, we’re here to ensure you have a memorable and responsible travel experience.

Feel free to contact us today to book your Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi!