3 days escape to Bwindi national park for gorilla habituation from Kigali

One of the most immersive wildlife adventures in Africa is a three-day trip from Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to get used to being around gorillas. The Gorilla habituation experience lets you spend up to four hours with a semi-habituated mountain gorilla family along with researchers and -park guides. This experience is different from the normal gorilla trekking, which only gives you an hour with the gorillas.

Bwindi Impenetrable national park in the southwestern part of Uganda holds the highest population of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas   with over 19 habituated gorilla groups found in four sectors that comprise this park. The gorilla habituation process is only carried out in Rushaga sector, where the gorillas are   followed up and monitored for one to two years until they accustomed to human presence.  Though these primates are exposed to humans and they share a 97% of human DNA, they remain wild animals and all the interactions must be made with extra care.

3 days escape to Bwindi national park for gorilla habituation from Kigali

The habituation process begins with gaining the acceptance of the dominant silverback and later other members of the family will follow. Researchers and rangers start the process, and visitors are allowed to access the family when its semi habituated. this gorilla habituation experience cost $1500 per person and only 4 trekkers are allowed to meet the gorilla family. These 3 days escape to Bwindi gorilla habituation experience starts and ends in Kigali.

Tour summary of 3 days escape to Bwindi national park for gorilla habituation from Kigali

  • Day1: Pickup and transfer to Bwindi
  • Day 2: Gorilla Habituation Experience
  • Day3: Departure to Kigali.

Trip details.

Your trip starts with an early morning pickup from Kigali airport or your hotel.

Your trip starts when you are picked up in Kigali in the morning. Depending on your plans, you might take a brief stroll of the city that includes visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial and Kimironko market before you leave for Uganda.

The drive, takes about 4–5 hours including the time for border checkups and documentations. Go through beautiful rolling hills, and terraced farmlands of Kabale. Upon arrival in Rushaga sector, southern part of Bwindi, check into the accommodation, relax, as you prepare for the next day, dinner and overnight

Day 2: Gorilla habituation experience

Following an early morning breakfast, head to the park centre for briefing and registration from Uganda wildlife Authority officials and guides. With the accompaniment of knowledgeable researchers, trackers, and guides, you will explore the rainforest in search of a family of semi-habituated gorillas. Upon locating the gorilla family, the real magic begins. You’ll be granted an extraordinary four-hour encounter with these gentle giants.  you’ll have the unique opportunity to observe and listen to their interactions with the gorillas. You may luckily participate in activities like sample collection and naming group members. This extended time of four hours gives you deeper insight into photography, short videos and learning gorillas’ daily activities and behavior.

After the lengthy interaction with the gentle apes, return to the lodge for relaxation and overnight.

Day 3: Return to Kigali.

After a relaxed breakfast, travel from Bwindi back to Kigali. If flight time is by your side, you may visit a craft shop for souvenirs.  Drop of at your desired hotel or Kigali airport.

End of 3 days gorilla habituation trip in Bwindi from Kigali.

Tour inclusions

  1. Gorilla Habituation Permits
  2. Full board accommodation and meals
  3. Transfers to and from the Airport
  4. Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle with fuel.
  5. An English-Speaking Driver/Guide
  6. Drinking water

Tour Exclusions:

  1. Accommodation before and after the tour
  2. Flight tickets
  3. Personal Insurance
  4. A Uganda Visa. This can be got online or at the border at $50  per person.
  5. Tips to the guide, hotel staff, porters and park guides.
  6. Alcoholic drinks , cigars, laundry and souvenirs