3 Days Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi
Our 3 days Gorilla habituation experience takes to Bwindi Impenetrable national park giving you an opportunity to get close and observe the great mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Bwindi is known to be the only place in the world with the highest concentration of these endangered species and half of these live here.
Gorilla habituation experience in Uganda involves getting into the jungle led by a team of researchers, trackers, conservationists, and well-trained rangers in search of gorilla groups whose habituation process was not completed. These gorilla groups are not used to seeing human faces around them hence when they are not fully taken through the process, may turn out to be aggressive and attack humans. Its within this process of habituation that you may encounter gorilla groups that are unknown/nameless and you may get the opportunity to see a particular group named.
This safari is interesting and fun compared to gorilla trekking where you are given up to 1hr with these endangered species. This habituation process that has been recently introduced by the Uganda wildlife authority, can take between 2years to 3 years ensuring these Mountain gorillas are friendly to humans. This activity is a unique one as it can only be found in Uganda with Rwanda and DRC unable to carry it out
Once researchers are fully conversant that the gorilla group are now okay and friendly to humans, a mock exercise will be done to test their acceptance to humans and once the groups passes it, it will be made available to scientists, journalists and later introduced for trekking.
A total of up to 4 people are only advised to be part of this exciting safari with each habituation permit costing $1500. If you’re planning to be part of this process, we advise you to book your habituation slot 6 months prior to the day and we can help you with that but at cheaper commission to cover administration costs involved.
Two sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park were set aside for the Gorilla habituation experience and they do include; Nkuringo and Rushaga.
Highlight of the safari
- This safari starts and ends at Entebbe international airport.
- Batwa visit and cultural tour
- A guided walk in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Travel in a 4WD with an English speaking
- Gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi
- Airport transfers
- Two nights accommodation in the park
- Additional accommodation before and after the tour can be arranged but at an extra cost.
- Detailed itinerary for 3 days gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 1: Pickup and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
You will start your 3 days gorilla habituation safari with briefing about the trip and right after breakfast, you will set off from Kampala/ Entebbe as early as 6:30am to avoid early morning traffic jam.
On your way to Bwindi, you get an opportunity to view the beautiful countryside with various vegetation types, rolling hills and very friendly people. You will stop over at Igongo Cultural center/Agip Motel in Mbarara town for lunch.
Right after lunch, you will continue this long trip to Bwindi as you also enjoy the best part of western Uganda filled with hills and valleys made up of different vegetation types. You can also talk to the driver to stop when you feel like capturing those moments. You will finally be connected to the Rushaga sector of Bwindi.
Upon arrival, you will check into your hotel to rest from a long journey and also prepare for the next day.
Accommodation options
- Rushaga gorilla camp
- Buhoma lodge
- Gorilla forest camp
- Ichumbi Gorilla lodge
- Silverback lodge
Meal plan
Dinner
Time travel
8hrs – 10hrs
Day 2: Gorilla habituation experience Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Wake up excited and filled with joy for this fun packed day. Your day will begin with breakfast early in the morning. Once your done with breakfast, you will led to the park headquarters for briefing about what to and what you shouldn’t do while close to mountain gorillas and its here you will join a team of researchers, rangers and trackers who will lead you into the jungles to search for a particular gorilla group. During the trek, you get to encounter different wildlife species like birds, butterflies, different plant species and many others.
Once you spot the mountain gorillas in their habitat, you will be given up to 4hrs to observe, study, learn, take pictures, videos and see their behavior with the team of researchers, trackers and more. While here you may also get the opportunity to participate in the naming of these gorillas.
After the 4hrs, you will be led back to the park headquarters where the driver will pick you to your hotel of residence where you will relax, get entertained by the Batwa cultural dance group, have dinner and later rest.
Accomodation options
- Rushaga gorilla camp
- Buhoma lodge
- Gorilla forest camp
- Ichumbi Gorilla lodge
- Silverback lodge
Meal plan
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Transfer to Kampala/Entebbe
Wake up early in the morning, have breakfast and check out of your hotel for a journey back to Kampala. you will again get to enjoy the rolling hills in the western side and you can capture these beautiful scenes right onto your camera for memories, upon reaching Mbarara you will have your lunch at Agip Motel/Igongo cultural center and then continue your journey to kampala.
You can choose to stop at the equator in kayabwe to have a look at a different hand made crafts like traditional drums, necklaces, earrings, clothings, and many more others always available for sale.
From here you will continue your journey to Kampala or to Entebbe international airport where our 3Days Gorilla habituation experience will end from.
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Meal plan
Breakfast and Lunch
Time
8hrs – 10hrs
3 Days Gorilla habituation experience includes
- Ground transport with fuel inclusive
- English-Speaking driver
- Gorilla habituation permit
- Drinking water within the Vehicle
- Accommodation
- All meals
3 Days Gorilla habituation exclusions:
- Alcoholic drinks
- Laundry
- Personal purchases
- Air fares
- Telephone calls
- Tips
What to pack for the 3 Days Gorilla habituation trip
- Drinking water
- Gardening gloves
- Long sleeved shirts
- Waterproof backpack
- water proof hiking shoes
- long trousers and stockings
- waterproof camera