Combine Gorilla Habituation and Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Combine Gorilla Habituation and Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi for the Ultimate Primate Experience

Are you dreaming of spending more time with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat? If you’d like to enjoy both the exclusive 4-hour Gorilla Habituation Experience and the traditional 1-hour gorilla trek, combining both activities in one trip to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is the perfect option.

With the help of Trek Africa Expeditions, you can craft an unforgettable journey that allows you to not only observe mountain gorillas but also actively participate in their habituation process. For a more diverse experience, you can even add a classic gorilla trek in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

How Many Days Do You Need for Gorilla Habituation and Trekking?

To combine gorilla habituation with additional trekking days, you’ll need at least 4 days. Gorilla habituation is exclusively offered in the southern part of Bwindi (Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors), while standard gorilla trekking can be done in both Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks.

What is the Gorilla Habituation Experience?

The Gorilla Habituation Experience offers a rare opportunity to spend four hours with a semi-habituated gorilla group, accompanied by researchers and park rangers. This is not just a trek—it’s an immersive conservation activity where you help prepare wild gorillas for human interaction.

Currently, this experience is only available in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, home to one of the largest populations of endangered mountain gorillas. This unique encounter allows you to observe their natural behavior in a less crowded setting, making it ideal for photographers, researchers, or anyone seeking a deeper connection with these magnificent primates.

Booking Your Gorilla Habituation and Trekking Adventure

Booking your combined gorilla experience starts with securing the necessary permits. Gorilla Habituation Permits cost USD 1,500, while standard gorilla trekking permits are USD 700 per person per trek.

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we assist you in:

• Checking availability with the Uganda Wildlife Authority

• Tentatively reserving your permits

• Sending you an invoice and confirming once payment is received

• Sharing a scanned copy of your permit

Only two semi-habituated gorilla groups are available for this experience, with just 8 permits issued per day, so we strongly recommend booking 3–5 months in advance.

How Much Does It Cost to Combine Gorilla Habituation with Gorilla Trekking?

The total cost depends on your travel style (budget, mid-range, or luxury), number of travel days, and accommodations. Here’s an estimate for a budget 4-day trip:

• Gorilla Habituation and trekking permits

• 4×4 Safari vehicle and driver-guide

• Budget accommodation

• Bottled drinking water

Exclusions:

• Flights, Uganda visa, tips, alcoholic beverages

Contact Trek Africa Expeditions to tailor a custom itinerary based on your preferences and budget.

Best Time to Combine Gorilla Habituation with Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla experiences in Bwindi can be enjoyed year-round, but the dry seasons from June to September and December to February offer the best hiking conditions and visibility. Trails are less slippery, and gorillas are easier to locate.

That said, the rainy seasons (March to May and October to November) can also be rewarding. Gorillas tend to stay closer due to abundant food, making treks shorter and sightings equally impressive.

Where to Stay for Gorilla Habituation in Bwindi

Gorilla Habituation takes place in the Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors of Bwindi. Accommodation options range from budget to luxury lodges conveniently located near the trekking start points.

Rushaga Lodges:

• Rushaga Gorilla Camp

• Four Gorillas Lodge

• Gorilla Havens Lodge

• Gorilla Safari Lodge

• Nsongi Camp

• Karungi Camp

Nkuringo Lodges:

• Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge

• Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge

• Lake Mutanda Resort

Our team at Trek Africa Expeditions will recommend the best options based on your budget and comfort preferences.

How to Get to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

From Uganda:

• Fly into Entebbe International Airport

• Travel by road (9–10 hours) via Kampala, Masaka, Mbarara, and Kabale

• Alternatively, take a domestic flight to Kisoro Airstrip, then drive to Rushaga or Nkuringo

From Rwanda:

• Fly into Kigali International Airport

• Drive to Bwindi via Cyanika or Katuna border posts (approx. 4–5 hours including border clearance)

We recommend getting an East African Tourist Visa (USD 100), valid for Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda. This is more cost-effective than purchasing separate visas.

Why Book With Trek Africa Expeditions?

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we craft personalized gorilla trekking adventures in Uganda and Rwanda. Our team is passionate about conservation and offers authentic, eco-friendly travel experiences that go beyond just gorilla trekking.

We’re highly rated on TripAdvisor and known for seamless safari logistics, knowledgeable guides, and outstanding customer service. Whether you want to combine gorilla habituation with game drives, chimpanzee tracking, or cultural encounters, we’re here to craft your perfect African adventure.

Ready to Plan Your Gorilla Adventure?

Contact Trek Africa Expeditions today to start planning your Gorilla Habituation and Trekking Safari. Let us help you create a once-in-a-lifetime experience with Uganda’s magnificent mountain gorillas.