Luxury Gorilla Habituation Safari in Uganda

Luxury Gorilla Habituation Safari in Uganda

A luxury gorilla habituation safari offers an exclusive opportunity to spend more time with mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Unlike traditional gorilla trekking, the Gorilla Habituation Experience allows you to spend up to 4 hours with these incredible creatures in their natural habitat, giving you a truly unforgettable adventure.

Why Choose Gorilla Habituation Over Gorilla Trekking?

While gorilla trekking typically allows only one hour with the gorillas, the Gorilla Habituation Experience offers a much longer and more personal encounter. The experience involves hiking through the forest with researchers and park rangers to track semi-habituated mountain gorillas. Once found, you’ll actively participate in helping these gorillas become accustomed to human presence, a process that takes time and careful work from the team.

The mountain gorillas you encounter during the habituation process are part of the last remaining population in the world, all of which are located in only four national parks: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Of these, only Bwindi Impenetrable Forest offers the unique Gorilla Habituation Experience for tourists.

How to Book a Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi

Booking your luxury gorilla habituation safari begins with securing a Gorilla Habituation Permit. These permits are available only through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and cost USD 1500 per person per trek.

Here’s how we make the process easy for you:

1. Contact Us: Let us know your preferred dates of travel, and we will check for availability of the Gorilla Habituation Experience with UWA.
2. Reserve Your Permit: Once availability is confirmed, we will book your permit tentatively.
3. Make Payment: We will send you an invoice, and once payment is received, you’ll send us the proof of payment.
4. Secure Your Permit: After payment, we will finalize the booking and send you a scanned copy of your Gorilla Habituation Permit for your records.

Remember, there are only 8 permits available per day for the Gorilla Habituation Experience, as only two semi-habituated gorilla groups in Bwindi are open to tourists. It’s highly recommended to book your permit 3-5 months in advance to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.

What’s the Cost of a Gorilla Habituation Experience Tour?

The cost of a luxury gorilla habituation safari varies depending on your preferred travel style, itinerary, and the number of days you plan to spend on safari. The main cost is the USD 1500 Gorilla Habituation Permit, but there are additional costs for accommodation, transport, and other services.

For example, a typical 3-day Gorilla Habituation Budget Safari costs around:

• USD 3000 for a solo traveler
• USD 2490 per person for 2 people sharing
• USD 2470 per person for 3 people sharing
• USD 2450 per person for 4 people sharing

This price includes:

• Gorilla Habituation Permit
• Budget accommodation
• 4×4 Safari Van transport
• English-speaking driver guide
• Drinking water

Additional costs include tips, Uganda visa, flights, and alcoholic drinks.

For a more luxurious experience, accommodation can range from USD 300 to USD 700 per night, depending on your preferences.

Best Time for a Gorilla Habituation Experience in Uganda

The Gorilla Habituation Experience in Uganda can be enjoyed year-round, thanks to its well-organized nature in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. However, the best time to embark on this incredible adventure is during the drier months of January, February, and June to early September. These months make travel to the park easier, with more manageable trails and clearer views of the gorillas, as the vegetation is not too dense.

While the dry season is ideal for easier travel and viewing, the rainy season also has its benefits. During the rains, an abundance of food grows in the forest, making it easier for gorillas to stay closer to specific areas, which could lead to shorter treks and more opportunities for clear sightings.

Where to Stay on a Gorilla Habituation Safari in Uganda

The Gorilla Habituation Experience is only available in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, specifically in the southern regions of the park, between the Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors. There are various accommodations in these areas to suit different preferences:

• Rushaga Area:
  • Rushaga Gorilla Camp
  • Four Gorillas Lodge
  • Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge
  • Nsongi Camp
  • Icumbi Gorilla Safari Lodge
  • Gorilla Safari Lodge
  • Gorilla Valley Lodge
  • Karungi Camp
• Nkuringo Area:
  • Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
  • Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
  • Lake Mutanda Resort

All these lodges are conveniently located near the starting points for the Gorilla Habituation Experience, offering a range of options from budget to luxury stays.

How to Reach the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Uganda

The Gorilla Habituation Experience takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, located in southwestern Uganda. You can reach the park by:

• Road Transport: Drive from Entebbe International Airport or Kampala to Bwindi, which takes about 9-10 hours by road, passing through towns like Masaka, Mbarara, and Kabale.
• Fly to Kisoro Airstrip: A quicker option is flying into Kisoro Airstrip, located close to the southern part of Bwindi.
• Fly into Kigali: You can also fly into Kigali International Airport in Rwanda and drive to Bwindi via the Cyanika or Katuna Border, which takes about 4-5 hours, including immigration time.

For smoother travel across Uganda, Excursia Adventures recommends acquiring the East African Visa, which grants multiple entries to Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda. The East African Visa costs USD 100 and is more cost-effective than purchasing individual visas. Alternatively, you can opt for a single-entry visa: the Rwandan Visa costs USD 50, and the Ugandan Visa costs USD 50.

Why Book Your Luxury Gorilla Habituation Safari with Excursia Adventures?

At Excursia Adventures, we pride ourselves in crafting luxury gorilla habituation safaris tailored to your preferences. Whether you’re looking for a budget, mid-range, or luxury safari, we offer a range of packages, including gorilla habituation permits.

When you book with us, you can expect:

• Expert guidance through the booking process
• Personalized safari packages tailored to your budget and preferences
• Seamless booking of gorilla trekking permits
• An unforgettable safari experience with excellent customer service

Check out our TripAdvisor reviews to read about the memorable experiences of our satisfied clients. Our dedicated team of tour consultants is here to help you plan the perfect safari.

Get in touch with us today to book your luxury gorilla habituation safari and start your adventure with Excursia Adventures.