4 Days Gorilla Trek Uganda & Habituation
Participating in both gorilla tracking and gorilla habituation is absolutely fantastic offering different experiences to those who choose to do it. The demand for habituation permits is so high since only 4 permits are issued per day, unlike with the regular trekking where 8 permits are issued per group. The habituation experience is highly recommended for photographers and wildlife researchers.
4 Days Gorilla Trek Uganda & Habituation
Participating in both gorilla tracking and gorilla habituation is absolutely fantastic offering different experiences to those who choose to do it. The demand for habituation permits is so high since only 4 permits are issued per day, unlike with the regular trekking where 8 permits are issued per group. The habituation experience is highly recommended for photographers and wildlife researchers.
You can spend 4 hours with the semi-habituated gorillas and only one hour with the habituated groups. While this sounds great, do remember that the semi-habituated group can be far less relaxed while the habituated groups are more likely to be relaxed, giving you the true experience of interacting with the gorillas in their normal setting.
Remember to carry a walking stick from the briefing point and gardening gloves are essential. Gaiters are not necessary but can be useful in avoiding your bootlaces from being caught by the thick undergrowth. At least 2 litres of water, packed lunch and snacks are advisable. Porters are of great help and highly recommended since we can’t guarantee how the terrain will be during tracking.
Safari Highlights: 4 Days Gorilla Trek Uganda & Habituation
- Trek through the pristine rainforest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Experience both gorilla trekking and the exclusive Gorilla Habituation Experience in one safari.
- Spend up to one hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family during the trekking experience.
- Enjoy up to four hours observing a semi-habituated gorilla family alongside researchers and rangers.
- Gain deeper insight into gorilla behavior, conservation, and habituation processes.
- Encounter endangered mountain gorillas in their natural rainforest habitat.
- Enjoy guided forest walks through one of Africa’s oldest and most biodiverse rainforests.
- Spot a variety of birds, monkeys, and other forest wildlife along the trails.
- Take in breathtaking views of Uganda’s mist-covered hills and lush landscapes.
- Outstanding wildlife and nature photography opportunities.
- Stay in comfortable forest lodges surrounded by stunning natural scenery.
- Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, conservation lovers, and adventure travelers seeking an immersive gorilla experience.
Safari Iteniraries
Day 1: Travel to Bwindi Impenetrable Park
A representative from Hi Five Adventures will pick you from your accommodation at 7am, brief you about your habituation safari and off to Bwindi. It is approximately 540km, a 9-hour drive to the Southern Sector. The drive is quite long but worth it with much more to see on the way, you may even see the zebras and impalas grazing in Lake Mburo Park. You will have a stopover at the equator for photography and the experiment and another stopover in Mbarara town for lunch.
Continue with your tour arriving at your accommodation in the evening. Overnight at a hotel.
Day 2: Gorilla Tracking Day
After breakfast, you will go to the park headquarters for briefing from the Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger guides. After the briefing, the rangers will lead you into the thick impenetrable forest to start your search for the endangered rare species of Mountain Gorillas. The gorilla search always continues from the place where they were last seen the previous day. Upon reaching the area where these famous species are, you will only be allowed to interact with them for one hour and you should always keep maximum silence while with these gorillas. You are allowed to take photographs. To find the gorillas, it can take you almost 3 to 8 hours to find them. However, once you meet these gorillas, you will easily forget the hardships you have gone through to find them and instead save the good memories you will experience with them. After the interaction, you may choose to take a community walk or simply relax. Dinner and overnight at a hotel.
Day 3: Gorilla Habituation Day
Gorilla habituation experience happens in the Southern Sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park called Rushaga. After breakfast, the driver guide will transfer you to the briefing point where you will receive instructions on how to conduct yourself while in the forest. The habituation experience gives you more time learning about the life of gorillas in the forest and in total you are allowed to spend 4 hours in the presence of gorillas. The idea is to get gorillas a little bit used to humans in their habitat to allow for gorilla trekking in the future. After this experience, you will transfer to Lake Bunyonyi. Dinner and overnight at a hotel.
Day 4: Boat Ride and Return to Kampala
Enjoy a delicious morning breakfast, and set out for a boat ride on Lake Bunyonyi where you will go around various islands with sights of terraced hills, birds, and alike. Thereafter start off your tour to Kampala having lunch en route, reaching there late evening. End of safari!
Included in the Safari Cost
- Gorilla Permits
- Chimpanzee Permits
- Rhino Tracking
- Bottled Water
- English Speaking Guide
- Park Entrance Fees
- Boat Rides
- Cultural Tours
- All Activities Mentioned
- 3 Nights Accommodation
Excluded in the Safari Cost
- International flight fare
- Entry Visas
- Laundry services
- Tips
- Alcoholic Drinks
- Kampala accommodation fees(the night after and the eve of the safari)