4 Day Gorilla Trekking & Habituation Safari from Kigali
4 Days – 3 Nights
4 Day Gorilla Trekking & Habituation Safari from Kigali
Overview
This 4 Day Gorilla Trekking & Habituation Safari from Kigali is perfect for travelers flying into Kigali International Airport who are looking for a shorter, scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. It combines two extraordinary primate experiences: a full-day Gorilla Habituation Experience, where you spend up to four hours with a semi-habituated gorilla family, and a traditional gorilla trekking adventure where you spend one unforgettable hour observing a fully habituated family in the wild.
This short safari offers the best of both worlds, giving you the rare opportunity to witness the gradual process of gorilla habituation and then compare it to a close, serene encounter with fully habituated gorillas—all within the lush jungles of Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors in southern Bwindi.
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4 Days/ 3 Nights
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Uganda
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Guided, Private Safari
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Airport TransfersCar hireServices of an English-speaking guideRefreshments like waterAll accommodation & MealsAll activitiesAll Taxes /VATA professional driver /guideFuelGorilla Trekking & Habituation permitDrinking water
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Tips and gratuitiesAll items of personal natureInternational flightsAlcoholic drinks
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Pickup in Kigali – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Your adventure begins in Rwanda! Our professional safari guide will meet you at Kigali International Airport or your hotel in Kigali and begin your transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, located in southwestern Uganda.
The drive is filled with scenic views of rolling hills, terraced landscapes, and rural countryside. You’ll cross the border at either Katuna (Kabale) or Chanika (Kisoro), with a short break for photos or refreshments. Arrive at your lodge nestled in the forests of Bwindi for dinner and a peaceful night under the stars.
Drive Time: 4–5 hours
Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge or Rushaga Gorilla Camp
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Full-Day Gorilla Habituation Experience – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
After an early breakfast, you’ll head to the Rushaga sector park headquarters for a detailed briefing about your gorilla habituation experience. Unlike the usual gorilla trek, this special activity gives you the opportunity to spend up to four hours with a semi-habituated gorilla family, alongside researchers and trackers who are actively involved in the habituation process.
Be prepared for a challenging yet deeply rewarding trek through thick rainforest, as these gorillas are still getting used to human presence and may move quickly or behave more naturally. Along the way, your guide will share insights into the forest’s ecosystem, from unique tree species to birds and other primates.
After your encounter, you’ll return to the lodge for a well-deserved dinner and some time to relax.
Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge or Rushaga Gorilla Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi – Meet a Fully Habituated Gorilla Family
Wake up early again for your second mountain gorilla experience—this time, a traditional gorilla trek. After a morning briefing at the park office, you’ll be assigned a gorilla family to track based on your fitness level, preferences, and availability. If you have specific interests (e.g., a particular group or a shorter/longer hike), let your guide know—they’ll do their best to accommodate your request.
Your trek may last anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the movement of the gorillas. Once you find them, you’ll spend one magical hour observing their behavior, capturing photos, and quietly witnessing their everyday routines in their natural habitat.
After this unforgettable experience, you’ll hike back to the headquarters to receive your gorilla trekking certificate, then return to your lodge for your final night in the jungle.
Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge or Rushaga Gorilla Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 4: Return to Kigali – End of Safari
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the lodge before beginning your scenic drive back to Kigali, Rwanda. You’ll make a stop along the way for lunch and a chance to stretch your legs or grab some souvenirs. Your guide will then drop you off at Kigali International Airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your 4-Day Gorilla Habituation and Trekking Safari.
Drive Time: 4–5 hours
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
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Suggested Gorilla Safari Ideas
The tours featured throughout our website are intended to give you ideas for what’s possible when you travel with us. Treat them simply as inspiration, because your trip will be created individually by one of our specialists to match your tastes and budget.
