Why Book a Gorilla Habituation Safari?

Why Book a Gorilla Habituation Safari?

If you’re considering a gorilla safari in Bwindi, a Gorilla Habituation Safari offers a unique and immersive experience that sets it apart from traditional trekking. This incredible adventure allows you to spend an extended period—up to four hours—with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. With only four national parks worldwide home to these magnificent creatures—Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in the DR Congo—Bwindi is the only place where you can participate in the habituation process. This means you can join researchers and park rangers as they work to help semi-habituated gorillas get accustomed to human presence.

How to Book a Gorilla Habituation Safari

The first step to securing your Gorilla Habituation Safari is obtaining a Gorilla Habituation Permit, which can be purchased directly from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Each permit costs $1,500 per person per trek. To ensure you don’t miss out, it’s advisable to book your permit at least 3 to 5 months in advance, as there are only two semi-habituated gorilla groups available, meaning just eight permits are offered for this experience.

Once you have your travel dates, reach out to us. We can check availability and assist with the booking process. After securing your permit, we’ll send you a scanned copy for your records, so you can rest assured that your gorilla encounter is confirmed.

What Does a Gorilla Habituation Safari Cost?

The overall cost of a Gorilla Habituation Safari varies based on your travel style—luxury, mid-range, or budget—as well as the length of your stay. The primary expense is the Gorilla Habituation Permit, which is $1,500 per person. Additional costs include accommodation, which can range from $100 for budget options to $300-$700 for luxury lodges.

For example, a popular 3-Day Gorilla Habituation Budget Safari can cost:

• $3,000 for a solo traveler
• $2,490 per person for two people sharing
• $2,470 per person for three people sharing
• $2,450 per person for four people sharing

This package is all-inclusive, covering the Gorilla Habituation Permit, budget accommodation, transport in a 4×4 safari van, an English-speaking driver-guide, and drinking water. Additional expenses such as tips, Uganda visas, flights, and alcoholic beverages are not included.

When Is the Best Time for a Gorilla Habituation Safari?

Gorilla Habituation Safaris can be enjoyed year-round; however, the best time to visit is during Uganda’s drier months—January, February, and from June to early September. These periods generally provide easier access to the park and better visibility of the gorillas. Interestingly, the rainy season can also be a favorable time to visit, as it promotes abundant food growth, which keeps the gorillas closer to their feeding areas.

Where to Stay During Your Gorilla Habituation Safari

The Gorilla Habituation Experience is conducted in the southern region of Bwindi, specifically between the Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors. In Rushaga, you can choose from a variety of accommodations, including:

• Rushaga Gorilla Camp
• Four Gorillas Lodge
• Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge
• Nsongi Camp
• Icumbi Gorilla Safari Lodge
• Gorilla Safari Lodge
• Gorilla Valley Lodge
• Karungi Camp

In Nkuringo, options include:

• Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
• Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
• Lake Mutanda Resort

All these lodges are conveniently located near the start point for the Gorilla Habituation Experience.

Getting to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

To reach Bwindi, you can fly into Entebbe International Airport and travel to southwestern Uganda by road, which takes about 9-10 hours. Alternatively, you can fly to Kisoro Airstrip for easier access to the southern part of the park. If you prefer traveling via Rwanda, you can fly into Kigali International Airport and drive to Bwindi, which takes approximately 4-5 hours, including immigration time at the border.

We recommend obtaining the East African Visa, which allows multiple entries into Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda for $100, a cost-effective option compared to purchasing individual visas.

Why Choose Trek Africa Expeditions for Your Gorilla Habituation Experience?

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we specialize in organizing memorable gorilla trekking experiences across Uganda and Rwanda. Our highly-rated services on TripAdvisor showcase our commitment to providing eco-friendly, unforgettable adventures that protect biodiversity and uplift local communities. Alongside gorilla trekking, we offer a variety of activities, including chimpanzee trekking, Big Five safaris, mountain hiking, and cultural encounters, ensuring you enjoy the best of what Africa has to offer.

Feel free to contact us to learn more about booking your Gorilla Habituation Safari in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park!