3 DAYS GORILLA HABITUATION SAFARI
A 3-day Uganda gorilla tour takes you through a gorilla habituation experience in the lush tropical rainforest of Bwindi National Park. It is a short tour but a very exciting safari set for those who would like to get up close and enjoy a behind-the-scene experience with a group of mountain gorillas while in their natural habitat for an extended period ranging from a few hours to a full day. This safari exposes you to the real-life process of habituating mountain gorillas. Gorilla habituation is a unique and immersive experience that allows visitors to spend extended time with mountain gorillas, as they become accustomed to human presence. During this time, participants join researchers and trackers as they observe and interact with the gorillas, witnessing their natural behaviour and daily activities. This experience is distinct from regular gorilla trekking and is available primarily in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, specifically in the Rushaga sector. Bwindi National Park is home to half the mountain gorillas that still thrive on earth today. It begins and ends in Kampala or Entebbe.
SAFARI HIGHLIGHT
Day 1: Transfer to Bwindi National Park
Day 2: Gorilla habituation in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Day 3: Return to Kampala/Entebbe
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Have an enjoyable cup of tea or coffee and after, head off to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Southwest of Uganda 8-9 hours. Drive through Kampala-Masaka-Mbarara route. En route, make a stopover at the Equator crossing at Kayabwe for photo taking and relaxation. Proceed to Igongo Cultural Centre to have lunch and enrich you with Ankole culture. Later, drive to southwestern Uganda to the Rushaga sector/trailhead as per your gorilla permit. Dine and spend a night at Chameleon Hill Lodge (luxury), Gorilla Mist Camp (Mid-range) or Rushaga Gorilla Camp (Budget).
Day 2: Gorilla Habituation Day
Following breakfast, report to park headquarters for a briefing on the set dos and don’ts that you have to follow. You will be assigned to one family undergoing the habituation process. This may last a full day of face-to-face encounters with the gentle giants. After, return to the lodge for rest and later, set off on an evening walk to Batwa and Bakiga community for cultural encounter.
Accommodation options: Chameleon Hill Lodge (luxury), Gorilla Mist Camp (Mid-range), Rushaga Gorilla Camp (Budget).
Day 3: Drive back to Kampala/Entebbe
Wake up early in the morning and enjoy breakfast. Later, drive back to Kampala or Entebbe.
End of the tour.
