Trip Overview
With the mountain gorilla habituation experience, visitors are guaranteed to spend 4 hours with the gorillas unlike the normal gorilla trek where visitors only have one hour upon encounter. With this habituation activity, gorillas are trained to get used to human presence over a period of 3 years, after which the groups are declared ready for normal tracking.
Clients who opt for the habituation experience are strongly advised to observe the rules and guidelines set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority for trekking, as sometimes the gorillas may turn out to be wild.
Gorilla habituation is only carried out in the Southern Sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Rushaga area). Currently, only 2 families, Bushaho and Bikyingi, are being trained for the experience, which will be officially launched for tracking soon.
It is strictly 4 visitors per day per family, for a total of 8 visitors. Tourists are advised to reserve their habituation permits in advance due to high demand. Each permit costs USD $1,500. Our gorilla habituation package is all-inclusive and we take care of all permit reservations.
Itinerary
Day 1: Travel to Bwindi Impenetrable Park
A representative from Insight Safari Holidays will pick you up from your accommodation at 7:00 AM, brief you about your habituation safari, and set off to Bwindi. It is approximately 540 km / 9 hours of driving to the Southern Sector. The drive is long but well worth it, with much to see along the way. You may even spot zebras and impalas grazing in Lake Mburo National Park.
There will be a stopover at the equator for photography and the famous water experiment, and another stopover in Mbarara town for lunch. Continue the journey, arriving in the evening for a relaxed overnight at a hotel.
Day 2: Gorilla Habituation Day
This morning marks the highlight of your Uganda safari. After an early breakfast, transfer to the briefing point. Following the briefing, head to the starting point for your trek through the densely forested, steep jungle. You should be physically fit for a successful experience, as the trek may take anywhere from 3 to 8 hours or even a full day.
Depending on your allocation, you may begin the trek from the park headquarters or be driven to a starting point deeper into the forest. Upon finding the gorillas, you are allowed to spend up to 4 hours with them and may take photos or videos. Please note that feeding mountain gorillas and flash photography are strictly prohibited.
After the experience, trek back through the forest, reminiscing about this once in a lifetime wildlife encounter. Enjoy a leisurely evening with overnight at a hotel.
Day 3: Return to Kampala
After a relaxed breakfast, prepare for your journey back to Kampala. This marks your final day in Bwindi, with lunch en route and a stopover at the equator if you missed it on Day 1. You will be dropped off at your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe, or directly at the airport if you have an evening flight.
Price Includes
- Gorilla habituation permits
- Bottled water
- English-speaking guide
- Park entrance fees
- Boat rides
- Cultural tours
- All activities mentioned in the itinerary
Price Excludes
- International flight fares
- Entry visas
- Laundry services
- Tips and gratuities
- Alcoholic drinks
