Gorilla trekking in Uganda is a thrilling adventure that will indulge you deep in the tropical rainforest of Bwindi and Mgahinga. Uganda has the highest gorilla population per country in East Africa with approximately half of the world’s endangered mountain gorilla population found in Uganda. Mountain Gorilla trekking is one of the most incredible wildlife experiences on the continent – shouldn’t miss while in Uganda. Besides the normal gorilla trekking, Uganda offers Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Unlike the standard gorilla treks that give you the chance to spend up to one hour in the company of the gorillas in their natural habitat, Gorilla Habituation Experience offers you the chance to spend up to 4 hours with mountain gorillas.
The best way to understand the ways of these gentle giants is by joining the rangers and conservationists in the habituation process of gorilla families in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest on your Gorilla Habituation Experience.
Gorilla Habituation Experience also known as “four hours gorilla trek” is a gorilla trekking experience that allows visitors to spend up to 4 magical hours with these highly intelligent and emotional gorillas in their natural habitat. The experience is always carried out at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Usually, a normal gorilla trek will take you through dense forests in search of habituated mountain gorilla families, and upon finding them; visitors will be allowed to spend up to an hour observing the group.
However, the Gorilla Habituation Experience will surpass the standard gorilla trek as it will grant you exclusive four hours to observe the group, take enough photos, and collect every single detail of these gentle giants in the wild. The experience is available only in the Rushaga sector in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Comparing the permit prices, the standard gorilla trekking permit is much cheaper compared to the Habituation Permit. The standard trek costs $700, while the Gorilla Habituation costs $1,500.
It is important to note that During the Habituation experience, the gorilla groups that are visited are less accustomed to human presence (they are still being ‘habituated’). It is the most recommended for those that are yearning to better understand gorilla behaviors and social dynamics, as well as get incredible photographs, without being rushed.
Are you wondering how you will be able to arrange permits, find the right accommodation for your trekking route, and organize travel to and from – there is no need to worry as we got you covered. Our expert team will help you arrange your Uganda Gorilla trekking safari, Contact us today.
Gorilla Habituation Experience in Uganda can be done year-round. Temperatures in Bwindi hover between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius throughout the year. Uganda has two dry seasons; from June to August and again from December to February. These are the best recommended periods to go gorilla trekking in Uganda.
Gorilla Habituation Experience packing list
While traveling to Uganda for your gorilla trekking safari, the following should be at the top of the list of things to pack; waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support and grip. Light breathable, waterproof jackets and trousers. long-sleeved shirts. Hat and sunglasses.
A lightweight backpack, with enough room for lunch, a reusable water bottle, extra layers, snacks, and some essentials like sun cream, insect repellent, after-sun, bite relief cream, and lip balm. Camera with spare batteries and waterproof covering. You shouldn’t forget the Binoculars as well.
Bwindi offers some fantastic accommodation options both within and near the park. Some of these accommodations offer fabulous views of the mountains, especially the locally-run lodges with traditional architecture.
Top of the list are Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge and Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge. These lodges blend high-end modern amenities with elegant yet unshowy wood and stone architecture. The other options include Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Buhoma Lodge, and Mahogany Springs Safari Lodge.
Getting to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi National Park is fairly accessible by road or by air. From Entebbe International Airport, you can take a second flight to either Kisoro or Kihihi airstrips, both of which are located close to Bwindi. The flight takes about 1.5 hours.
Alternatively, Bwindi can be reached by car from Entebbe. From Entebbe to Bwindi, it is approximately 9 hours drive. It is possible to break up this long journey with visits to other amazing destinations like Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park for excellent game-viewing experiences.