How to combine Gorilla Trekking and Gorilla Habituation in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Combining Gorilla Trekking and Habituation in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda offers an immersive and unforgettable adventure allowing you to see gorillas twice as well see the fully habituated gorillas used to human presence and the semi-habituated gorillas not used to human presence.

Day 1: Arrival in Bwindi

Arrive at the nearest airport, either Entebbe International Airport or Kigali International Airport (if coming from Rwanda). Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, either by road or air if you arrive through Entebbe, depending on your preference and budget. Check into your accommodation near the park and rest up for the upcoming adventure.

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking Day

Early morning wake-up call for breakfast. Head to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking rules and regulations. Join a guided gorilla trekking expedition into the lush forest of Bwindi. The trek can last anywhere from 2 to 8 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla families. Spend one magical hour in the presence of a habituated gorilla family, observing their behaviors and taking photos. After trekking, return to your accommodation for relaxation and reflection on the day’s adventure.

Day 3: Gorilla Habituation Experience Day

Enjoy another early breakfast before heading to the park headquarters. Begin the gorilla habituation experience, where you’ll spend the entire day with a team of researchers and trackers, habituating a wild gorilla family to human presence. Follow the gorilla group as they move through their natural habitat, observing their behaviors, interactions, and social dynamics. Enjoy a packed lunch in the forest, surrounded by the sights and sounds of Bwindi’s wilderness. After a full day of habituation, return to your accommodation in the evening, exhilarated by the experience.

Day 4: Departure

After breakfast, bid farewell to Bwindi and begin your journey back to the airport for your onward travel arrangements. This itinerary allows you to experience both gorilla trekking and habituation in Bwindi, providing a deeper understanding and connection to these majestic creatures and their habitat. Make sure to book permits well in advance, as they are limited and in high demand.

About Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi

Gorilla habituation experience involves walking/hiking through Bwindi Forest to search for semi-habituated mountain gorillas and once you find them you will spend 4 hours encounter with them as you participate in activities geared to make these mountain gorillas get used to human presence so that they can be trekked normally after a given period of time. Gorilla habituation experience gives you an opportunity to spend more hours with mountain gorillas that is 4 hours compared to one hour during normal tracking. Gorilla habituation is always on high demand given they are only 4 permits available per day and tracking is only done by 4 people per day so it is recommended you book your permit at least 2-3 months in advance.

Understanding Gorilla Trekking vs. Gorilla Habituation Experience

Gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation experience are two different ways to encounter mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Here’s what sets them apart:

Duration of Encounter

• Gorilla Trekking: In gorilla trekking, you get a one-hour encounter with the mountain gorillas once you find them in Bwindi Forest.
• Gorilla Habituation Experience: With gorilla habituation experience, you get a longer encounter lasting 4 hours with mountain gorillas in Bwindi forest.

Group Size and Tracking

• Gorilla Trekking: Gorilla trekking is done in a group of 8 tourists tracking per gorilla family.
• Gorilla Habituation Experience: Gorilla habituation is done in a smaller group of 4 tourists tracking a given semi-habituated gorilla family.

Fitness Requirement

• Both activities require participants to be fit as they can be strenuous, especially during hikes through Bwindi Forest.

Best Time for Both Activities

The best time for gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is during the drier months of January, February, and June to early September. These months make it easier to travel to the park and provide clearer views of gorillas due to less dense vegetation.

Packing Essentials for Gorilla Trekking and Habituation Experience

Footwear

• Comfortable, hard-wearing walking shoes or boots are essential. Conditions can be muddy, especially during the rainy season.
• Sandals or walking shoes are also useful for less strenuous moments.

Clothing

• Wear a long-sleeve cotton shirt and lightweight long trousers to protect yourself from undergrowth, stinging nettles, and biting ants.
• Bring a rain jacket and a sweater or fleece for varying weather conditions.
• Don’t forget swimwear if you plan to take a dip in any nearby water bodies.

Protection and Hygiene

• Pack insect repellent to ward off pesky bugs.
• Carry wet wipes for quick clean-ups.
• Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated during the trek.
• Sunscreen and a hat will protect you from the sun’s rays.

Equipment

• Bring a torch or flashlight with spare batteries for early morning starts or if your trek extends into dusk.
• Don’t forget your camera and lenses to capture unforgettable moments.
• Binoculars can enhance your wildlife viewing experience.

Extras

• Gardening gloves are recommended for gorilla tracking to protect your hands.
• A comfortable backpack to carry your essentials during the trek.

Preparing for gorilla trekking or habituation experience requires careful planning and packing. By ensuring you have the right gear and clothing, you can fully enjoy your time with these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

Preparing for Gorilla Trekking and Habituation Experience

When you plan to go gorilla trekking or experience their habituation in Bwindi National Park, you should prepare yourself. The timings and conditions can vary a lot because gorillas move around the rainforest. Be ready because the weather can change quickly. The terrain is often steep, and sometimes there are no clear paths. You might have to hike for several hours, even up to a full day, in hot and high-altitude conditions. So, it’s good to be as fit as possible.

Where to Stay in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

If you’re planning to experience gorilla habituation, you’ll have to go to the southern part of Bwindi, called Rushaga. There are several lodges where you can stay: Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Four Gorillas Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Nsongi Camp, Icumbi Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge, and Karungi Camp. In Nkuringo, there are also lodges like Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, or Lake Mutanda Resort. All these lodges are close to the starting points for gorilla habituation and trekking.

How to Get to Bwindi Forest

If you’re traveling by road, it depends on which sector of Bwindi you’re going to. Bwindi can be reached via the main highway from Entebbe/Kampala, which takes about 8-9 hours. The northern sectors, Ruhija and Buhoma, are accessible by turning off along the Kabale-Kisoro road and following signs for the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The southern sectors, Rushaga and Nkuringo, can be reached by turning off at Muko along the Kabale-Kisoro Highway.

If you’re flying, you can take a flight from Entebbe International Airport or Kampala’s Kajjansi airfield to Kisoro airstrip for the southern sectors, or to Kihihi airstrip for the northern sectors. Scheduled and chartered flights are available from domestic airline operators like Aero Link and Fly Uganda. You’ll need to arrange for a transfer from the airstrip to your lodge.

Why Choose Iconic Africa Safaris Ltd for Gorilla Trekking and Habituation Experience

If you want to book your gorilla trekking permits or plan a safari in Bwindi Forest, you can rely on Iconic Africa Safaris Ltd. We help you with the booking process and offer different safari packages, from budget to luxury options, including gorilla permits. With Iconic Africa Safaris Ltd, you can have a memorable safari holiday in Uganda, Rwanda, or DR Congo. Our team of tour consultants is dedicated to providing excellent service and ensuring customer satisfaction. If you want more information about combining gorilla trekking and habituation in Bwindi, contact us for assistance.