Book a 3 Days gorilla habituation safari in Bwindi national park from Kigali, a special primate package that allows you to spend more time with a group of rare mountain gorillas in the wild. Gorilla habituation experience is unusual primate adventure that involves following the semi/unhabituated gorilla groups as a way to make mountain gorillas get used to human presence. On gorilla habituation experience, expect to spend a long day with a team of researchers, conservationists, trackers/scientists as you unearth in depth how these apes behave in the wild.
The unique bit about gorilla habituation is that you are guaranteed 4 hours to enjoy a face-to-face interaction with mountain gorillas in the wild unlike an hour during the normal gorilla trek. It is only in Bwindi National Park where gorilla habituation is conducted and you will enjoy this thrilling adventure in the Rushaga sector.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is situated in the southwestern Uganda and is home to over 120 mammal species including more than 459 mountain gorillas. These are distributed across the park’s 4 main sectors; Rushaga, Nkuringo, Ruhija, and Buhoma. Bwindi National Park was officially established in 1991 and this was primarily to protect mountain gorillas plus other wildlife.
Visiting Bwindi for gorilla habituation experience is a lifetime opportunity to encounter mountain gorillas in the wild and taking their pictures. A valid Bwindi gorilla habituation permit costs USD 1500 per person. Note, your 3 days gorilla habituation from Kigali starts and ends in Rwanda. It involves crossing the Chanika border to Kisoro- Rushaga for your gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Tour Details
Safari Highlights
- A captivating mountain gorilla habituation experience
- Explore Bwindi Impenetrable National Park mountain gorillas
- Access Bwindi from Kigali with border crossing inclusive
- Photography with mountain gorilla group in Rushaga
- Stay in a classic accommodation
- Travel safely in a 4×4 tourist vehicle
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Kigali to Rushaga sector in Bwindi National Park
Day 2: Rushaga gorilla habituation experience
Day 3: Departure from Rushaga for Kigali in Rwanda
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Kigali to Rushaga sector in Bwindi National Park
Wake up early to organize for your road trip and later, enjoy a cup of tea/coffee. Your driver guide will take you through what the 3 days gorilla habituation from Kigali tour includes and what you should expect. From Kigali, depart for Bwindi National Park in southwestern Uganda.
You will be crossing the Chanika border to Kisoro/Katuna border to Kabale town then connect to Bwindi. In Bwindi, your focus will be Rushaga region where gorilla habituation will be enjoyed. Rushaga is one of the southern gorilla trailheads in Bwindi National Park and is where the highest concentrations of gorilla groups are found.
On arrival at Rushaga, expect to check in your gorilla accommodation for you to relax and also have dinner served to you. The rest of the evening in Rushaga will be for relaxation in your respective lodges.
Accommodation
- Luxury: Four Gorillas Lodge, Gorilla Leisure Lodge
- Midrange: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Lodge
- Budget: Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Mutanda Lake Resort
Meal plan: Half board
Travel time: 4-5 hours
Day 2: Rushaga gorilla habituation experience
After a hefty breakfast, report to Rushaga for briefing about guidelines and safety measures to be followed during mountain gorilla habituation experience. Expect to begin your actual gorilla habituation early after briefing and this will be done with the presence of an experienced park ranger guide/trackers, researchers, and conservationists.
Today’s primate excursion takes you a long day and ensure that you go with some packed lunch and enough drinking water. On locating the gorilla group in the wild, you will have a maximum of 4 hours to stay with gorillas and exploring how they behave.
You will get back to spend the rest of the evening at the lodge, reflect on your long day mountain gorilla habituation adventure and more. Enjoy your dinner and later retire for the night in your respective lodges.
Accommodation
- Luxury: Four Gorillas Lodge, Gorilla Leisure Lodge
- Midrange: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Lodge
- Budget: Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Mutanda Lake Resort
Meal plan: Full board
Day 3: Departure from Rushaga for Kigali in Rwanda
After a delicious cup of tea/coffee in your accommodation in Rushaga sector, check out and today, you will be transferred back to Kigali city. Driving to Kigali from Bwindi will go for about 4-5 hours and expect to enjoy the breathtaking views of the countryside in Uganda and Rwanda. On getting to Kigali, you will be dropped to the airport or hotel for relaxation and today will mark the end of 3 days gorilla habituation from Kigali.
End of safari
Safari package includes
- All Bwindi Park entry fees
- Airport transfers
- All ground travel in a 4×4 vehicle
- Accommodation and meals as per the itinerary
- Mountain gorilla habituation experience
- Full time English-speaking driver guide
- Border crossing
- Relevant government taxes
Safari package excludes
- Tips
- Airfares (domestic & international)
- Extra activities
- Cost on obtaining visas, passports
- Travel Insurance cost
- Alcoholic drinks
- Laundry services requested by you
- Telephone bills
- Shopping inclusive of souvenir expenses
When to visit Bwindi National Park for gorilla habituation
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park welcomes primate enthusiasts with interest to enjoy gorilla habituation and other activities at any time of the year. However, favorable weather conditions characterized by low/no rainfalls fall during the dry season which is the best time to visit the park to engage in a number of activities including gorilla trekking.
The longest dry months in Bwindi usually fall around June, July, August, and September. The shortest drier months start from December, January, to February. The rest of the months (off/low months) are also open for visitors to plan their gorilla safaris to Bwindi National Park.
Essentials to carry for your 3 days gorilla habituation experience in Rushaga
The list of items required of any primate lover on gorilla habituation tour to Rushaga include waterproof hiking boots, daypack (should be waterproof), long trousers, snacks, long-sleeved shirts, a sweater, a rain jacket, an insect repellents, first aid kit, enough drinking water, safari hat, sunscreen, toiletries and others.
