Gorilla Habituation Experience Safari

Gorilla Habituation Experience Safari

If you’re eager to spend more time with the magnificent mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, then a Gorilla Habituation Experience Safari is the perfect choice for you. This unique safari allows you to immerse yourself in the lives of these endangered animals, offering four precious hours with them once you locate their group during your trek. Unlike other destinations, this exclusive experience is available only in Uganda, making it a must-do for any traveler seeking to connect deeply with these incredible creatures.

At Excursia Adventures, we create memorable Gorilla Habituation Experience Safaris tailored to your needs. Whether you’re looking for budget, mid-range, or luxury options, we have a variety of safari packages that can be customized to fit your preferences. Reach out to us via email, and we’ll help you plan and book your ideal adventure.

Popular Gorilla Habituation Safari Packages

• 3-Day Gorilla Habituation Trip
• 5-Day Gorillas and Wildlife Safari
• 7-Day Uganda Gorillas and Wildlife Tour
• 25-Day Birds and Gorillas in Ugandan Forests

What is the Gorilla Habituation Experience?

The Gorilla Habituation Experience is a special trek that involves hiking through the lush forests of Bwindi in search of semi-habituated mountain gorillas. Unlike fully habituated groups, these gorillas are still adjusting to human presence. Once you find them, you’ll actively participate in efforts to help them become more accustomed to human interaction. This experience not only allows you to spend four hours with the gorillas, compared to just one hour during standard tracking, but also provides a deeper understanding of their behavior and habitat. This intimate experience is limited to small groups of just four visitors, ensuring a more personal encounter.

Where Does the Gorilla Habituation Experience Take Place?

The Gorilla Habituation Experience is exclusively offered in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, specifically in the southern sectors: Rushaga and Nkuringo. While Bwindi has four major sectors for gorilla tracking (Ruhija, Buhoma, Rushaga, and Nkuringo), only two gorilla families in Rushaga and Nkuringo are designated for this unique experience.

Differences Between Gorilla Habituation and Gorilla Tracking

While both activities occur in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, the key difference lies in the time spent with the gorillas. The Gorilla Habituation Experience allows you to enjoy a four-hour encounter, whereas the traditional Gorilla Tracking experience provides just one hour. Additionally, Gorilla Habituation groups are limited to four people, while tracking groups can include up to eight. Pricing also varies: Gorilla Habituation permits cost USD 1,500 for foreign non-residents, USD 1,000 for residents, and 750,000 Ugandan Shillings for East African citizens. In contrast, Gorilla Tracking permits are priced at USD 800 for foreign non-residents, USD 700 for residents, and 300,000 Ugandan Shillings per trek for East African citizens.

How to Book a Gorilla Habituation Experience Permit

To secure your spot for the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Forest National Park, it’s essential to obtain your permit in advance. Once you have your travel dates confirmed, simply send us an email, and we’ll check the availability of permits with the Uganda Wildlife Authority. If permits are available, we’ll inform you and send an invoice for payment. Upon receipt of your payment, we’ll promptly purchase your permits and provide you with a scanned copy for your records.

We recommend booking your Gorilla Habituation Experience at least 2-3 months ahead of your visit. Due to the limited capacity of just four visitors per group and only two groups available, permits tend to sell out quickly on a first-come, first-served basis.

How Much is a Gorilla Habituation Experience Safari?

When planning a Gorilla Habituation Experience Safari in Uganda, the cost of the gorilla habituation permit is a significant factor to consider, alongside other services like transportation, accommodation, and guiding. The pricing for the gorilla habituation permit is as follows:

• USD 1,500 for foreign non-residents
• USD 1,000 for foreign residents
• UGX 750,000 for East African citizens

This permit allows you to enjoy a remarkable four-hour encounter with the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Forest National Park. In addition to the permit, you’ll need to budget for transportation, accommodation, and guiding services to ensure a successful gorilla trekking experience. Our 4-Day Uganda-Rwanda Gorillas safari starts from just USD 1,272 per person. Feel free to contact us for more details or to make a booking.

What is the Best Time for the Gorilla Habituation Experience?

The best time for a Gorilla Habituation Experience in Uganda is from June to October and December to March. These months represent the dry season, which features mild rainfall and makes trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest much easier. During this time, vegetation is less dense, allowing for better visibility of the mountain gorillas, perfect for photography.

In contrast, the wet season from April to May and November can lead to taller vegetation that may obstruct views. However, gorilla sightings can still be achieved as the gorillas tend to stay in closer proximity to their feeding areas. Regardless of the season, the Gorilla Habituation Experience is well-organized, offering a 99% chance of encountering the mountain gorillas.

Where to Stay During Your Gorilla Habituation Experience Safari

The Gorilla Habituation Experience takes place in the southern part of Bwindi Forest National Park, making it advisable to stay nearby for convenience. Accommodation options in this area include:

• Budget Options: Rusgaha Gorilla Havens Lodge, Karungi Camp, and Nshogi Camp, with prices ranging from USD 90 to 100 per person per night.
• Mid-Range Options: Rushaga Gorilla Camp and Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, costing between USD 150 and 200 per person per night.
• Luxury Options: Four Gorillas Lodge, Clouds Gorilla Lodge, and Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, priced at USD 250 to 700 per person per night.

How to Get to Bwindi Forest National Park for Your Gorilla Habituation Experience

By Road: The southern sector of Bwindi Forest can be accessed via the main safari circuit from Entebbe or Kampala, which takes approximately 8 to 9 hours by car. You’ll need to turn off at Muko along the Kabale-Kisoro road, following the signposts leading to your lodge in either Rushaga or Nkuringo sector.

By Air: You can also fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi airfield to Kisoro airstrip to reach the southern sectors of Rushaga and Nkuringo. Both scheduled and chartered flights are available, operated by domestic airlines such as Aero Link and Fly Uganda. Be sure to coordinate with your tour operator for a transfer from the airstrip to the park.

Why Book Your Gorilla Habituation Experience Safari with Excursia Adventures?

Excursia Adventures organizes trips to Bwindi Forest National Park for the Gorilla Habituation Experience, along with a variety of other activities and customizable Uganda safari packages. Our strength lies in our dedicated team, a blend of enthusiastic young staff and experienced managers, all of whom are passionate about providing authentic experiences in Uganda.

We pride ourselves on high ratings and positive reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor, where you can read about the experiences of other travelers who have journeyed with us. Contact us today to book your unforgettable Gorilla Habituation Experience Safari in Uganda!