Uganda Gorilla Habituation Experience: Pricing and Details

Uganda Gorilla Habituation Experience: Pricing and Details

If you’re looking to spend more time with mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the Uganda Gorilla Habituation Experience is a perfect option. Unlike the traditional gorilla trekking permit, which allows you to spend just one hour with the gorillas, the habituation experience lets you stay with these incredible creatures for up to four hours. This immersive experience is ideal for those who want a deeper connection with the gorillas.

Currently, two gorilla families in the southern part of Bwindi are available for the Gorilla Habituation Experience, with rumors suggesting that another family is being habituated in the northern section of the park. This new family would serve visitors from the Buhoma and Ruhija regions.

Cost of Uganda Gorilla Habituation Experience Permit

The price for a Gorilla Habituation permit is $1500 USD per person for foreign non-residents. This fee covers your park entrance, a ranger guide, and conservation fees, as well as your four-hour gorilla encounter. The permit helps support conservation efforts and provides funding for local community projects such as schools, hospitals, and job creation.

It’s important to note that the permit does not cover accommodation or transport to Bwindi, but Trek Africa Expeditions can assist with all your transportation and lodging arrangements to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.

Flying into Rwanda or Uganda

When booking your gorilla trekking adventure, you have the option of flying into either Kigali, Rwanda, or Entebbe, Uganda. Many travelers opt for Kigali due to its proximity to Bwindi, helping them avoid a long drive. For those flying into Entebbe, the scenic drive to Bwindi offers a chance to experience Uganda’s stunning landscapes, including the famous equator crossing and the picturesque hills of Kigezi. Regardless of your airport choice, Trek Africa Expeditions will provide seamless airport transfers and transport to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Where Does the Gorilla Habituation Experience Take Place?

The Gorilla Habituation Experience is only available in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, specifically in the southern sectors: Rushaga and Nkuringo. While Bwindi has four sectors for gorilla tracking—Ruhija, Buhoma, Rushaga, and Nkuringo—only two sectors offer the exclusive habituation experience.

Gorilla Habituation vs. Gorilla Trekking

While both the Gorilla Habituation Experience and regular Gorilla Trekking are done in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, the key difference is the duration of your time with the gorillas. The habituation experience allows you to spend four hours with the gorillas, compared to just one hour for regular tracking. Additionally, you will be part of a smaller group (four people for the habituation experience versus eight people for tracking).

• Gorilla Habituation Permit Prices:

  • Foreign Non-Residents: $1500 USD

  • Foreign Residents: $1000 USD

  • East African Citizens: 750,000 Ugandan Shillings

• Gorilla Tracking Permit Prices:

  • Foreign Non-Residents: $800 USD

  • Foreign Residents: $700 USD

  • East African Citizens: 300,000 Ugandan Shillings

How Much Does a Gorilla Habituation Safari Cost?

A Gorilla Habituation Safari in Uganda includes the permit cost, transport, accommodation, and guiding services. The permit alone costs $1500 USD per person for foreign non-residents. Other costs, including transport and accommodation, will vary depending on your itinerary. For example, a 4-day Uganda-Rwanda Gorilla Safari can start from $1272 USD per person, including the permit.

Best Time to Book Your Gorilla Habituation Experience

The best time for the Gorilla Habituation Experience is during Uganda’s dry seasons, from June to October and December to March. These months offer clearer visibility, shorter treks, and a more comfortable experience. The vegetation is less dense, providing better photo opportunities. The wet season (April, May, and November) sees more rainfall and thicker vegetation, but treks may be shorter due to the gorillas not moving far from their feeding areas.

Accommodation for Your Gorilla Habituation Safari

Since the Gorilla Habituation Experience takes place in the southern part of Bwindi, it’s ideal to stay close to the park’s Rushaga or Nkuringo sectors. Accommodation options range from budget to luxury:

• Budget: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Karungi Camp, Nshogi Camp ($90–$100 USD per night)

• Mid-range: Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge ($150–$200 USD per night)

• Luxury: Four Gorillas Lodge, Clouds Gorilla Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge ($250–$700 USD per night)

How to Get to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

• By Road: Travel from Entebbe/Kampala to Bwindi takes about 8–9 hours by car. You’ll pass through beautiful scenery, including the famous equator crossing and the rolling hills of Kigezi. Your lodge will be accessible by following the Uganda Wildlife Authority signage.

• By Air: Fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Kisoro Airstrip, which is closest to the southern sectors of Bwindi. You’ll need to arrange a transfer from the airstrip to your accommodation.

Why Book the Gorilla Habituation Experience with Trek Africa Expeditions?

Trek Africa Expeditions is dedicated to providing a personalized, eco-friendly, and safe gorilla habituation experience. Our team ensures the well-being of both our guests and the communities we interact with. By choosing us, you’re supporting sustainable tourism that benefits local communities and helps conserve endangered species like the mountain gorillas.

Contact us for more information on the Uganda Gorilla Habituation Experience, including pricing, inclusions, and exclusions. Let us help you plan an unforgettable adventure!