Combine Gorilla Habituation with Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda

Combine Gorilla Habituation with Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda

If you’re passionate about spending quality time with gorillas and chimpanzees, combining the 4-hour Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi with a chimpanzee trekking adventure is the ultimate way to immerse yourself in Uganda’s wildlife. Trek Africa Gorillas offers you the perfect package to experience both activities in the renowned Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Kibale Forest National Park.

Why Combine Gorilla Habituation and Chimpanzee Trekking?

The combination of gorilla habituation and chimpanzee trekking is an exceptional experience that provides more opportunities to interact with both mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. Gorilla habituation in Bwindi gives you the rare chance to spend up to four hours with semi-habituated gorillas. This is different from the usual one-hour gorilla trekking experience and is the perfect option if you wish to get more involved in the gorillas’ world. Afterward, you can explore Kibale Forest, home to Uganda’s largest population of chimpanzees and enjoy a thrilling chimpanzee trekking adventure.

Itinerary Overview: Gorilla Habituation and Chimpanzee Trekking

To fully enjoy both experiences, you’ll need a minimum of 5 days. Here’s a brief outline:

• Gorilla Habituation in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – Spend four hours with semi-habituated mountain gorillas, hiking through the forest alongside researchers and park rangers.
• Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest – Trek through Kibale Forest, renowned for its chimpanzee population and encounter these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.

Gorilla habituation is only available in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, while chimpanzee trekking can be done in Kibale Forest, Kalinzu Forest, Kyambura Gorge (near Queen Elizabeth National Park) and Budongo Forest (near Murchison Falls National Park).

Booking Your Gorilla Habituation and Chimpanzee Trekking Permits

To secure your spot for both the Gorilla Habituation and chimpanzee trekking, you need to purchase two permits:

1. Gorilla Habituation Permit – USD 1,500 per person
2. Chimpanzee Trekking Permit – Prices vary by location but expect around USD 250 per person.

Once you have your dates in mind, contact Trek Africa Gorillas and we’ll assist in securing your permits from Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). It’s important to book your permits well in advance, ideally 3-5 months ahead, as availability is limited. After your booking is confirmed, we’ll send you an invoice and upon payment, we’ll secure your permits and send you a scanned copy for your reference.

Costs for Combining Gorilla Habituation with Chimpanzee Trekking

The cost of your safari depends on your travel style (budget, mid-range or luxury) and the number of days you’ll spend on your journey. For example, a 3-Day Gorilla Habituation Budget Safari costs:

• Solo Traveler: USD 3,100
• 2 People: USD 2,590 per person
• 3 People: USD 2,570 per person
• 4 People: USD 2,550 per person

This price includes:

• Gorilla Habituation permit
• Budget accommodation
• Transport in a 4×4 Safari Van
• English-speaking driver-guide
• Drinking water

Additional costs like tips, visa fees, flights and alcoholic beverages are not included.

Best Time to Experience Gorilla Habituation and Chimpanzee Trekking

You can enjoy your Gorilla Habituation and chimpanzee trekking experience at any time of the year. However, the best months to travel are the drier seasons:

• January to February
• June to early September

These months offer more comfortable travel conditions and clearer views of gorillas. The rainy season also has its benefits, with fresh vegetation helping to spot wildlife with shorter treks, especially in Kibale Forest.

Where to Stay During Your Gorilla Habituation in Bwindi

The Gorilla Habituation Experience takes place in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, primarily in the Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors. For accommodations, here are some options:

• In Rushaga: Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Four Gorillas Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge, Nsongi Camp
• In Nkuringo: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Lake Mutanda Resort

All these accommodations are conveniently located near the starting points for your Gorilla Habituation adventure.

Getting to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for Gorilla Habituation

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is located in southwestern Uganda. You can reach the park by flying into Entebbe International Airport and then taking a domestic flight to Kisoro Airstrip or a road transfer from Kampala (9-10 hours). Alternatively, you can fly into Kigali International Airport in Rwanda and drive to Bwindi via the Cyanika or Katuna border (4-5 hours).

We recommend the East African Visa, which allows travel between Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda. The visa costs USD 100 and can be obtained online or at the airport.

Why Book Your Combined Safari with Trek Africa Gorillas?

Trek Africa Gorillas organizes unforgettable safari experiences in Uganda and Rwanda. We are highly rated by our clients and provide eco-friendly, high-quality tours that support local communities and wildlife conservation. Our itineraries also include chimpanzee trekking, Big 5 safaris, mountain hiking, boat cruises and cultural experiences across top African destinations.

Contact us today to plan your unforgettable trip that combines the Gorilla Habituation Experience with chimpanzee trekking.