BESIDES GORILLA TRACKING, SEVERAL ACTIVITIES CAN BE DONE AROUND RUHIJA;
The lodge is a good base to explore for Gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Ruhija sector.
Birdwatching
A walk into the forest, which ranks the best in Uganda, with 23 highly localized forest Albertine Rift endemics, will expose you to your dream forest bird species. Ruhija, being the highest peak of the forest, offers the best view of rare species such as; white starred robin, grey cuckoo shrike, strange weaver, banded Prinia, brown chested Alethe, slender billed Greenbul, yellow streaked Greenbul, white browned Crombec, mountain Illadopsis, Ludher’s bush shrike, grey bush shrike, grey green bush shrike; all these and many others are among the 345 species recorded in this park.
Visit the Mubwindi swamp a rewarding steep mountain as you drop from 2,400m to 2,050m. Birding in the bamboo zone is good for handsome francolin, archers robin chat, stripe breasted tit, purple breasted sunbird, mountain Greenbul, duikers, warblers, dusky Crimson wing, mountain Illadopsis, mountain yellow warbler to mention a few. Birders who come with camping equipment can camp at Ruhija campground.
Forest walk and Nature walk
This walk will expose you to Bwindi’s broad biodiversity with varied mammal species, which include; primates like Chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s monkey, blue monkey baboon, while the black and white Columbus with its lovely flowing white tail is prominent. The shoddy trail will expose you to an array of butter fly species, species of moths, species of reptiles, tree species, the bamboo forest, flowers and many other attractions.
The Ruhija ridge top route offers visitors the insight of a deep valley containing the undisturbed rainforest as they watch the duikers, primates and both forest and grassland bird species. Visitors can also climb through the bamboo zone to find afro-montane vegetation and panoramic views towards Lake Bunyonyi and Mafuga forest.
Village Walk
Ruhija is a great place for village walks and guests who are interested in visiting the local community, Please let our staff know for special arrangements.
Options include visiting a local school, a traditional local healer, a banana brewery or combine the community tour with a nature tour towards the forest.
Whatever tour you take will equip you with knowledge on how the people in and around Ruhija live.
If required, the lodge can arrange a private performance for the guests at the lodge by children from the local orphanage – A beautiful sing and dance performance that will take you away into the Ugandan culture.
Do not forget the visit to the Batwa community. The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is home to some of the greatest biodiversity on the planet, a profusion of exotic plants and animals that includes the endangered mountain gorilla. For thousands of years, the forest was also home to an indigenous people; the Batwa pygmies.
Step back in time to see how the Batwa lived for millennia in the Bwindi, one of the most beautiful jungles on earth. Enjoy an incredible day hike in the rainforest with Batwa guides, see how the Batwa lived and hunted, learn about medicinal plants, and watch for animals and birds.
You will hear ancient legends and traditional songs, watch energetic dances, and join in on a mock hunting party. You can even test your skill with a Batwa bow and arrow.
Gorilla tracking is the main activity in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Track gorillas with us and explore them for their true self. We offer tracking that will truly redefine your travel experiences. We talk the language of comfort and offer unique camping styles that cater to all with destinations people only dream of.
Discover a world of thrilling adventure in a place surrounded by nature and blessed with year-round sunshine. Whether you are a wildlife enthusiast, adrenaline junkie or simply love being in nature, there is something for everyone. This area is a naturalist’s paradise and endless hours can be spent exploring the great outdoors, with many activities to suit your mood.
GETTING HERE
Access is either by air charter from Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip or by road. Driving; Gorilla Mist Camp is 405km from Kampala. It’s an interesting journey of about 10 hours’ drive.
By air; 45minutes flight from Entebbe International Airport in Entebbe or Kajjansi airstrip in Kajjansi (15km from Kampala city) to Kisoro airstrip or Kihihi airstrip. Gorilla Mist Camp is 3hrs drive from the airstrip.
VISIT BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST – 10 – TOP THINGS TO DO AND SEE
10-Top Tourist Activities in and near Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda
Discover the Things to do and See in the Ancient Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a park that is home to the most Mountain Gorillas in Africa.
The only Park in Africa Chimpanzees and gorillas coexist in the same park. Home to other Primates, Forest Elephants, and rare Birds not found elsewhere. Foremost, Bwindi Forest National Park is Gorilla Country with over 400 Gorillas that live there and are thriving because of sound Conservation Practices.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is Gorillas and more, the more is not discovered by most Visitors to the Park since they focus on Gorilla Treks.
They miss the Hikes, Climbs, Biking, Birding, and intercultural visits just to name a few. The ancient forest offers many things to do and see – Discover that the Forest is not so impenetrable, but a place of Discovery like no other in East Africa.
CNN picked Bwindi Impenetrable Forest if May 2017 as one of Africa’s 5 Best Parks. Lonely Planet Picked Bwindi Impenetrable Forest as one of the most unusual Honeymoon Spots in the World.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is one of the most visited parks in
Uganda – the reason –over half of the mountain gorillas remaining in the world live here – and the good news is that they are thriving and growing in numbers. According to the last Survey – there are 400 Mountain Gorillas plus in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and here is some practical Visit Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – Information – Tips – Advice.
Most visitors who come here, come for Gorilla Trekking, there is however much more to this ancient – primeval rainforest – this is aUNESCO World Heritage Site.
One could spend many days on a Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Safari – this is one of the most fantastic places in all of Africa – not to be found elsewhere – Bwindi Forest is simply unique and has much more to offer than the magnificent Mountain Gorillas
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is one of the oldest Afro-Montane Forests in East Africa, it survived the platonic shift that created the Albertine Rift that is all around it – It is thought that Bwindi Impenetrable Forest may have been inhabited 370,000 – 400,000 years ago by the Batwa People, the original people of the Rainforest.
Due to its age, one can see plants and trees here that are not found elsewhere. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a hidden pearl in Uganda awaiting to be discovered by you, though many come here, the focus is gorilla tracking the magic and wonder of the ancient forest are missed. This 128 square mile park has much to offer – there are many activities that one can partake in, amazing scenery, plants, wildlife, birds, primates, the list is endless.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is one of the most bio-diverse forests in Africa with one of the best ecosystems on the Continent.
Here you can find 160 species of trees, over 100 species of ferns, over 1000 flowering plants, and Afro-montane vegetation that is simply incredible. It is located in southwestern Uganda and some of it along the border with the Democratic Republic – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is the source of many rivers, there are pristine creeks, waterfalls, sights beautiful to behold.
The Bwindi Impenetrable forest is at the edge of the Western Rift Valley in the highest part of what is referred to as the Kigezi Highlands. The altitudes of the park range from 1,190 to 2,067 meters, though Bwindi has a tropical climate, which can range from 7 degrees Celsius at night to 27 degrees Celsius during the day.
In Bwindi, you can find over 120 species of mammals including Primates such as the Mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Black and White Colobus, Red-Tailed Guenon, Vervet Monkeys, L’Hoest’s Guenon, Baboons, Nocturnal Prosimians, Forest Elephants (hairier, smaller, smaller tusks, 1 extra toe on each foot), small antelopes such as Duikers, Bush pigs, Giant Forest Hogs, several small species of Cats.
A Birder’s Paradise with 348 species of birds including the African Green Broadbill and Shelley’s Crimson-wing. Other birds include the Francolin, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eaters, Green Tinkerbird, Mountain and Yellow-streaked Greenbuls, Mountain Masked and Chestnut –throated Apalises, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, White-browed Crombec, Ruwenzori Batis and White-tailed fly-catcher among others, 220 species of butterflies, 27 species of frogs, chameleons, geckos – there is simply a lot of Discovery awaiting you at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Please note: One does not track Chimpanzees here – though they are found here – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is Gorilla Country. –with the most Mountain Gorillas found in any park.
Here are the 10 Top Things to Do and See in-near Bwindi Impenetrable Forest:
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is broken down into 4 regional areas. The best known was also the first Area for Gorilla Trekking – Buhoma is in the northern area of the Park, 45-minutes away is Ruhija. In Southern Bwindi Forest there are two areas, Nkuringo and Rushaga. The southern areas are easily accessed from Rwanda and a scenic 4-hour plus drive from Kigali, Rwanda.
- Gorilla Tracking – the number 1 activity in the Park:
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is best known for Gorilla Tracking that is the reason that most visitors come to this park.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest provides an incredible backdrop for this once in a lifetime adventure. There are four trailheads from which one tracks one of the gorilla families for which we have obtained permits for you.
More Gorilla Families have been habituated for visitors. That means that there are over 100 daily gorilla permits available in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Be sure to wear the right clothing for the trek and bring the things needed.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is the best Safe, Secure Park in Africa for Gorilla Trekking – plus the added benefit of lower permit prices.
- Gorilla Habituation Experience in Rushaga- More Time with Gorillas:
It is only in Uganda that you can be with a Mountain Gorilla Family for 4 hours on a Gorilla Habituation Experience along with researchers in Bwindi’s Impenetrable Forest – this amazing experience – to be with a Mountain Gorilla Family as it is being habituated is a one of a kind experience in Africa.
There are presently two family groups being habituated, meaning that they becoming used to human contact and will not run away from visitors trekking them.
You can fly into Kigali Rwanda and 4 hours later be in the Rushaga Region of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. You have the choice of budget, moderate and upmarket lodging and can stay either in Rushaga or scenic Nkuringo area of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Gorilla Habituation – fewer Participants, more time with the Gentle Giants of the Forest.
- A Visit with the First People of the Forest – the Batwa:
The Batwa People – are pygmies and were the first inhabitants of years, they were hunter-gatherers and lived in the forests of Southwest Uganda and beyond. They left a small ecological footprint on the forest and lived in harmony with nature. Conservationists insisted that they were evicted from their traditional home, the Forest. In those days they had no voice, no representation – the existed as squatters, beggars, accused of being drunkards, marijuana smoking, lazy people.
Today various organizations have given them a voice, defended their rights as first people, improved their living conditions, medical care, education and more.
The Batwa Experience in the Buhoma area and the Buniga Forest Walk, near Southern Bwindi, give you a glimpse into the lives and traditions of the Batwa Pygmies. It also restores a bit of their dignity and keeps their cultural practices alive to be passed on to future generations.
- Hiking through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest:
The Hike through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest can be one day or the long hike from the north of Bwindi to the South – called Nkuringo- there one can stay overnight and continue the next day down to scenic Lake Mutanda where you paddle across in a wooden dugout and continue to the town of Kisoro.
This is the most popular hike along two trails of Bwindi – there are however other trails and nature walk, most from easy to moderate in and near the Forest that can be explored on foot and require from an hour to all day long.
Hiking through the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is always with a guide. The through the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Hikes have become more popular over the last few years, especially with those who choose to trek gorillas twice, once in Buhoma and once in the South of the Park.
This Hike incurs daily Park Fees and Guide Fees per person
- Hikes and Trails in and around Bwindi Impenetrable Park:
Not only can you hike through the forest, there are many hikes and nature walks in and outside of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest that matches various fitness levels.
Trails can be found in Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. Some of the are birding hikes, while others focus on the scenery of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
The Hikes and Nature Walks can be added on to your Gorilla Trek or gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Let us know at the time when you plan your safari with us about your hiking plans.
Note: Hiking within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest incurs a daily Park Entrance Fee plus Ranger Guide Fee per person. Hiking Trails outside of the Park have only Guide Fees for the day.
- Birding in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest:
Visit Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, it is one of the prime birding destinations in Africa. There are over 347 species of forest birds recorded in the Park, at least 70 out of 78 montane forest bird species occurring in the Albertine Rift region are found in the forest, and 22 of the 36 endemic species in the region.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest has been picked as Africa’s Number One Birding Site where you find many species endemic to the forest.
Now visitors come from far and wide to spot some of Africa’s rarest birds and at the same time, they can track the Mountain Gorillas and the enjoy other nearby prime birding spots.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – a top Birding Destination in Africa
- Mountain Bike Rides – Buhoma and other areas of Park:
Ride 4 a Woman which is a community support group offers mountain bike rentals and guided bike in and around Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in the Buhoma area of the park.
You can even do the Village Walk on a bike with a guide. There are Birding Bike Rides, or simply a ride into the Forest such as the Ivy River Trail. The average Bike Ride is 3 hours or longer in length with much to see along the trail or road.
The guides are all well trained, some specialize in birding, others in culture but all know Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, which they all love and want to conserve.
Please Note: The Buhoma area provides the best Biking Experience. Unfortunately, there no organized biking experiences in the other areas of the park. A few lodges have added biking as available activity in the other areas of the park.
- Village Walks such as the Buhoma Village Walk:
Here you have a 3-hour cultural walk through the village – you learn the ways and culture of the people that live in the Buhoma area on the edge of Bwindi Forest. The Village Walk is with a local guide who is friendly and knowledgeable about local culture and customs.
You will see how people make local crafts such as baskets with the most intricate designs – beer made from Bananas, and a distillery that makes the local Waragi Gin from Bananas, meet a traditional healer and learn of what is gathered in the ancient forest and how it is taken and applied to ailments – you will be amazed –
See how the growth of local produce is done and harvested, food preparation over charcoal or open fire, visit a school, and meet the Batwa Pygmy community as they perform a dance for you just to name a few. It is certainly a cultural learning experience and the cost of the walk supports the local community – so a win-win for everyone. (3 hours in length and difficulty level is easy – Location – Buhoma Area) gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Please Note: Each of the 4 Areas of the park has a Village Walk, the Buhoma one is the oldest. The Nkuringo area is a close second and you can also do a Village Walk in the Rushaga and Ruhija Areas of the Park.
- Bwindi Community Hospital – one of Uganda’s Best Rural Hospitals:
The Bwindi Community Hospital is located in the Buhoma Area. One reason that this hospital is on the cutting edge of Medical Care is that it is supported in part by donations that Gorilla Trekkers have made.
The Hospital gives excellent care, including Dental and Sight care. The infant mortality rate in the area has been greatly reduced and life expectancy dramatically increased. The hospital has a great children ward, offers dental and sight care to the community. Mostly supported by present and past Gorilla Trekkers to the Park.
Visitors are welcome to come and see those most anytime – the Hospital gives a glimpse of what healthcare can be like for rural Ugandans.
- Foodie Adventures at the Bwindi Bar and Restaurant in Buhoma:
The Bwindi Bar and Restaurant in Buhoma is the Perfect Stop for the Foodie Adventurer on a Gorilla Trekking Safari in the Buhoma area where Tasty Treats are the norm combining International Fare with locally produced items.
Try the Bwindi version of the famed Rolex Dish in Uganda. Those that want to try local food, it is on the menu but also Cassava Chips with Bwindi Salsa or Guacamole. You can have a Fudge Brownie with a cup of Americano Coffee. There is the Juice Bar with freshly made juices. The Restaurant is sponsored by the exclusive Bwindi Lodge and is a training ground for underprivileged youth in the area.
Bwindi Bar and Restaurant on Main Street in Buhoma
Bwindi is home to the Mountain Gorillas but it also a place for many activities – Top Things to Do and See – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest- the above were just a few.
Where To Stay in or near Bwindi Impenetrable Forest:
Where to stay while stay while visiting Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and gorilla tracking, hiking, biking, cultural walks, birding in the ancient rainforest.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest ranges from budget to exclusive luxury lodging. The range of lodges is extensive, especially in the Buhoma Area of the Park.
In recent years added lodges have sprung up in the other areas of the park giving visitors a range of options and selections.
Lodge Rates tend to be higher around Bwindi Impenetrable Forest than other parks in Uganda, on the positive side, lodge rates are lower than in neighboring Rwanda for Gorilla Trekking.
We use Quality Lodges based o feedback from our Clients and our Personal Observations.
Bwindi is home to the Mountain Gorillas but it also a place for many activities – Top Things to Do and See – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest- and staying at a good lodge only enhances your time here.
Best Gorilla Trekking Safaris that include Bwindi Impenetrable Forest:
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest with 480 plus Gorillas remains the best place in East Africa for Gorilla Trekking, besides it has more Habituated Gorilla Groups than anywhere else.
Not only can you trek Gorillas on safari here but Bwindi is the only place where you can go on an all-day Gorilla Habituation Experience – spending 4 hours with a gorilla group being habituated.
There are no longer any Discounted Permits, they were discontinued in November of 2017.
Gorilla Trekking – a once in a lifetime experience.
Getting to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest:
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a 9 hour plus drive from Entebbe International Airport. We break that long drive into smaller drives by incorporating different parks and activities.
Kigali – Rwanda is the gateway to Southwest Uganda. A mere 3 1/2 hour drive and you are in Rushaga or Nkuringo in the Southern End of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest with some of the best Gorilla Trekking in Uganda.
You can also fly from Entebbe to Kihihi and stay in the Buhoma area of the Forest or fly to Kisoro and stay in the southern region of the Forest.
Most of our Clients choose to fly into Kigali Rwanda and trek Gorillas in Nkuringo or Rushaga areas of Bwindi Forest which is a mere 4-hour drive from Kigali.
The Fly into Rwanda and Trek Gorillas in Uganda has become even more popular since Rwanda raised its prices on permits.
Best Practical Gorilla Habituation Experience-Information-Tips-Advice
All you need to know about the Gorilla Habituation Experience – Information – Tips – Advice
Practical Tips and Advice for the Gorilla Habituation Experience Safari-Know Before You Go
Know – Before you go – the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Rushaga – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – Uganda. Here you will find all you need to know about this Up-Close Encounter in the ancient rainforest in the Gorilla Highlands of Uganda.
The Best Advice we can give – If you are planning a Gorilla Habituation Experience Safari in 2024 or 2025 – do so well ahead of time. There are over 150 normal Gorilla Trekking Permits in Uganda, but only 4 for the exclusive Habituation Experience as in 2019 there is only one group undergoing the process of becoming used to humans.
The Gorilla Habituation Experience is not just more time with the Gentle Giants of the Forest. Unlike on a normal Trek where you are an observer, a photographer at best, here you are an active participant in the Habituation Process. At times people write that they want to have an interactive encounter with the Gentle Giants of the Forest. In the Wild, there are no interactive encounters unless you have a curious Gorilla who comes and touches you. We are visitors in the living area of a Gorilla Family in the wild and like in all family situations, things are not always predictable but they are amazing.
Our Practical Gorilla Habituation Experience – Information – Tips – Advice -all that you need to know before you go on a Gorilla Habituation Experience on an all-day trek, 4-Hours with a Gorilla Family in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Most see it as more time with a Gorilla Family, that it is but it is way beyond a longer Gorilla Trek, it is an experience that if more realized is the closest to a Gorilla in the Mist experience of Dian Fossey, of encounters that David Attenborough has described. When you go on a Gorilla Habituation Experience it is best to know as much as possible, to step with an understanding of what will take place. The Gorillas will provide enough surprises that will delight you.
More than anything you need to know that the gorilla habituation Experience is not just more time, it is an authentic experience in the wild, there are no mountain gorillas in zoos. $1,500 may seem like a lot, it is the most expensive Tourism Activity in Africa, yet it is our guess based on the enthusiasm of Clients that people would be willing to pay a lot more for this one-of-a-kind experience in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Practical Experiential Gorilla Habituation Experience – Information – Tips – Advice
Know Before You Go- if we do not answer your questions – contact us
Your 1,500 Gorilla Dollar Stretches into 4-hours with a Gorilla Family in Uganda:
Gorilla Permits make Gorilla Trekking the most expensive Tourist Attraction in Africa. When looking for Value more are turning to the Gorilla Habituation Experience where a 1,500 USD permit does not just give you 1-hour with a Family but stretches further into 4-hours on an all-day trek in the Rushaga Region of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
The Gorilla Habituation Experience is in the opinion of our clients a priceless experience without compare.
A 1,500 USD Gorilla Permit in Uganda gives you an all-day trek with 4 hours of being with the Gentle Giants of the Forest.
Meet the Gorilla Family that you can visit during the Gorilla Habituation Experience:
There is presently only- the Bikyingi (Bikingi) that you can spend 4 hours with on an all-day trek. There were two groups but one was released into General visitation in the Nkuringo area of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
The Permit Prices are now posted on the Uganda Wildlife Tariffs for 2024- and no price increase is upcoming until the end of the year.
If Trekking has proved to be a once in a lifetime experience, then the Gorilla Habituation Experience is a once in eternity moment. At least that is what we hear from our clients. One recent client called it the “Icing on the Cake” of their time in Uganda.
The best way of getting your Gorilla Habituation Experience or Gorilla Trekking Permits:
Compare Gorilla Trekking with the Gorilla Habituation Experience:
The Gorilla Habituation Experience is not the activity for all trekkers. While most trekkers’ are quite happy spending one hour with a Gorilla Family, others are intrigued by spending 4 hours with the Gorillas.
Here is the information that you will need to make the right choice for you. We will do our best to explain the difference and guide you to what is best for you.
If you want a one hour with the Gorillas experience than the Gorilla Trek is for you, if you want more time with a Gorilla Family, learn more about their habits, and ways then it is the gorilla habituation for you.
Just let us know your intent about the Habituation Experience and we will give you advice as which lodges are right for you, the easiest way of getting there and what are some of the other activities that you can add onto your safari in Uganda and Rwanda.
Unlike most Trip Advisor commentators we know Mountain Gorillas, we know each one of the activities. We have done them for ourselves. We might steer you in the way of Gorilla Trekking twice instead the Habituation Experience.
Best Time of Year for a Gorilla Habituation Experience:
A Gorilla Habituation is 1,500 USD for one Permit, one wants to make sure that one goes on this activity at the right time of the year – what is the dry season or high season. If you go during the dry or high season, it also means that spaces for your Gorilla Habituation Trek may not be there and choice lodges may already be booked.
Planning is the key and we would suggest that you plan the Gorilla Habituation Experience at least 6 months before your planned safari, to make sure that there is a space for you. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a rainforest and it can rain all year-long, normally during the night or early morning hours.
The Best time of the year for the Gorilla Habituation Experience is the same as for Gorilla Trekking. We suggest Mid-December through March and June through October.
Getting to South Bwindi Forest for the Gorilla Habituation Experience:
There are many roads that lead to the Rushaga – Nkuringo Areas for a Gorilla Habituation Experience. Drive from Entebbe or Kampala: That is a long drive of about 10 hours, it can be broken up if you take in other parks such as Kibale Forest and Lake Mburo Park which cut down your long drive times.
Fly to Kisoro from Entebbe with Aerolink: This is a 1 1/2 hour scenic flight and then a 45-minute drive to Rushaga or Nkuringo for lodging. Fly into Kigali, Rwanda and take the 4-hour plus scenic drive to the Rushaga – Nkuringo Area of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, which has become a favorite option for those going on a Gorilla Habituation Experience.
You can also fly into Kigali from Arusha or Nairobi and do the Gorilla Habituation in Uganda; the same applies if you fly in from South Africa.
Safaris with the Gorilla Habituation Experience: We have a few Gorilla Habituation Experience listed on the link above on our site. Here is the good news. Any Safari with Gorilla Trekking can be changed to a Gorilla Habituation Experience Safari.
It may mean that the safari might be adjusted on lodging and drive-times, however, usually, there is no problem including the Gorilla Habituation Experience instead of normal Gorilla Trekking.
There are 4 entry points for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, only one where the Habituation Team meet, Rushaga allows you to go on a Gorilla Habituation Experience.
Since the beginning of the Gorilla Habituation Experience, we have taken many satisfied clients on the all-day experience.
We have had two clients complain – with one client, it was something done by Uganda Wildlife and resulted in not being a full 4-hours with a Gorilla Family. The second complaint had to do with location and movement, people forget we are a facilitator, a sort of Gorilla Encounter Matchmaker, we do not control the actual date only the events before and after.
Gorilla Habituation Experience Permits:
Gorilla Habituation Experience Permits are 1,500 USD each. In order to get them, you must go through an AUTO Tour Operator such as ourselves. That partner with the UWA in the promotion and Sales of Gorilla Permits.
The Gorilla Habituation Experience is no longer a Pilot Program, no longer in a Test Phase but is part of the many activities offered by Uganda Wildlife Authority as of 2017 and is now listed as such in the 2022 – 2024 Tariffs issued by UWA.
Once you tell us that you would like to go on a Gorilla Habituation Experience and give us dates we will check for availability of Permits and lodging. Gorilla Habituation Experience Permits are best paid for immediately upon booking a Safari with us.
This is to secure a space on the date or dates that you requested. Please Note: Due to the great Trekker Migration to Uganda from neighboring countries has been a shortage of permits in Uganda, the best antidote is to book ahead, and we could add – well ahead.
Must Read – Avoid Missing out on Gorilla Permits in Uganda:
The Number one Permit Mistake made by African Travelers is that Gorilla Trekking is an afterthought, an add-on.
Such planning often results in no Gorilla Trekking or Gorilla Habituation Experience Permits.
The way to avoid hearing that Permits are sold out is simple. For the African it means reverse planning, not beginning with the Serengeti or Masai Mara that can be done anytime but beginning with the Gorilla Trekking part of your time in Africa.
Avoid hearing the permits are sold out on the dates you gave us. Read our suggestions.
Other Mistakes made by Gorilla Trekkers
Paying for your Gorilla Trekking Safari:
We take the pain out of the process. The down payment is for the Gorilla and other permits for your safari and a lodge holding payment.
The balance is due 30 days prior to the Safari, Payment can be made via Bank Transfers or Credit Card using our PesaPal System. East Africa does not have PayPal. A fee of 3.5% is charged for using Credit Cards. The normal fee is 5% or above for credit card use in east Africa.
We, in turn, buy the necessary permits for you to secure your spot on the Habituation Experience.
We actually buy permits prior to the arrival of your money into our account since your safari depends on securing them first.
Gorilla Tourism and Gorilla Conservation:
Does Gorilla Tourism complement Conservation or do the Gorillas lose out in the process A look at how Gorilla Trekking and Conservation can compliment each other and Gorilla Tourism has actually become a large source of the funding of Conservation through the Permits.
The Loser in this conservation is the Batwa People who lived for thousands of years in the forest along with the Gorillas. They were evicted when the present Gorilla Park was formed in Uganda.
Gorilla Tourism could become detrimental to conservation if the Gorilla Trekking Rules were not adhered to, something that has not happened.
Gorilla Conservation is fueled by Gorilla Tourism.
Gorilla Habituation Experience Lodging:
There are many lodges in and around Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, most are located in the Buhoma area of the Park. Lodging for the Gorilla Habituation Experience is best in the Rushaga or the Nkuringo area of the park near the entrance to the Forest.
Forty minutes from Rushaga you can stay at the exclusive Clouds Mountain Lodge which a favorite is seeking an out of the ordinary Lodging experience while trekking.
An hour from the Trek those are the best options with no complaints from clients we have had stay there.
Lodging enhances your Gorilla Habituation Experience – for the gorilla habituation experience there is a lack of choices for luxury safaris, the southern area is not as developed as the Northern area of the park.
What to wear and bring along on your Gorilla Habituation Experience Trek:
The suggestions for a Habituation Experience are the same as for a Gorilla Trek with some additions. You will need a Daypack that is waterproof, lunch from the lodge, add some snacks, 3 liters of bottled water. Rain Jacket or Poncho, long trousers, a long-sleeved shirt, sturdy gardening gloves, hat.
We would also suggest insect repellent, not many mosquitoes here, but flies, ants – one reason we ask you to wear what we consider protective clothing for your comfort. For extra comfort and to free yourself up while trekking we recommend that you use a walking stick readily available and engage the services of a porter.
You are all set for the Gorilla Habituation Experience.
Please Note – Recently there was a recent Wasp Attack in Ruhija while people were trekking. This happened because a Gorilla knocked down a nest. Right clothing that we recommend helps in such a rare case that can occur anywhere in the world.
Gorilla Habituation Experience Rules:
The Rules and Guidelines are the same for Gorilla Habituation Experience as they are for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda.
Your state of health is of importance that you do not infect the gorillas with what you have.
If you are ill on the day of the Gorilla Habituation – you will need to cancel The distance you keep from the gorillas, the use of no flash, no eating, drinking or smoking in the presence of the gorillas. No loud noise, and just cower down when a gorilla approaches you.
A recent study in Kibale Forest revealed that Chimpanzees can die of the Common Cold and the case is similar to Gorillas
Do not leave your Common Sense at home – you are not in a zoo, but in the wild.
Am I fit enough for the Gorilla Habituation Experience?
In 2013 a 94-year-old woman was carried on a stretcher on her Gorilla trek and fulfilled her lifelong dream to see the Mountain Gorillas in her lifetime – she did.
She was carried by 12 men in relay teams and did it – most that go gorilla tracking are a bit younger, though we have clients that were 80 years old and did just fine. One should be in reasonable shape and state of fitness to track the gorillas and do the Gorilla Habituation Experience.
The gorilla group requiring the most stamina and strength is the Nkuringo Gorilla group since you have to ascend and descend 600 at the beginning and the end of the trek – however, Porters can be used to carry your daypack and walking sticks can be purchased or some lodges have them available for their guests. Both Uganda and Rwanda have tough groups to track and easier ones – we will work with you according to your fitness level and stamina.
Gorilla Habituation Experience Safari Extensions and add-ons after the Trek:
Uganda is more than Gorillas, you can add-on parks and places in the Pearl of Africa that will enhance your time on a Safari here.
Most Visitors to Uganda do not realize that the Pearl of Africa is home to the Big 7 – the Big 5 plus Rhinos There are many things to see here, things and places that are often beaten Tourist Map – Things that you will be able to do and see in neighboring Tanzania or Kenya.
We know Uganda and Rwanda, we live here and promote both countries because we are passionate about them and the hidden places that they offer for you to see.
Experiential Gorilla Treks and now Gorilla Habituation Safaris represent an investment made by you. Our commitment is to give you a memorable Experiential Gorilla Adventure Safari, and that includes Gorilla Habituation Experience Safaris. We will update you on the path of planning your Gorilla Habituation Experience Safari.
Our Tour Guides know the ins and outs of the Gorilla Habituation Experience and give you one of the best activities in all of East Africa. Kwaheri Eco Safaris has become a leader in this one-of-a-kind experience in the Rushaga Area of Bwindi Forest.
We give you that added plus to make your Gorilla Habituation Experience a memorable Time in Uganda which includes our vast experience with the Gorilla Habituation Experience,
A Gorilla Habituation Experience Safari to us is more than a sale – but connecting you with a most meaningful experience.
At times people write that they want to have an interactive encounter with the Gentle Giants of the Forest. In the Wild, there are no interactive encounters unless you have a curious Gorilla who comes and touches you. We are visitors in the living area of a Gorilla Family in the wild and like in all family situations, things are not always predictable but they are amazing.
Gorilla Habituation Experience – Information – Tips – Advice – Please contact us with any questions that you might have about this once in a lifetime experience.
Relax and Chill Out after the Trek
Uganda is more than Mountain Gorillas – sadly that is a reality not realized by most travelers.
Gorilla Habituation Experience Reviews:
TripAdvisor has a page where people are meant to review the Gorilla Habituation Experience. You will have a hard time find someone who actually completed it. Opinions by Armchair experts, people who lack the experience, opinions invalidated by the lack of experience.
We added this page since some of the clients read it and had second thoughts regarding the Habituation experience.
GORILLA TRACKING
(FULL DAY) US$ 700 + 25 SERVICE FEE
(Mgahinga or Bwindi National Park)
Tracking endangered mountain gorillas remains one of the undisputed highlights of any visit to Africa. Meeting these gentle giants deep in the African rainforests can only be described as an emotionally overwhelming and awe-inspiring experience. Gorilla tracking tours are conducted in Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks.
GORILLA EXPERIENCE
(FULL DAY) US$ 1.500 + 25 SERVICE FEE
(Bwindi National Park/ ONLY Rushaga)
The Gorilla Experience means spending all day on a trek in the forest, which includes 4 hours with a gorilla family. It is only available in Uganda (Rushaga). This incredible experience must be well booked in advance since there are only a total of 8 visitors allowed, 4 per group, unlike a normal gorilla tracking where you have 8 participants in one group. This is an intimate, one of a kind, experience, where you are with researchers, trackers, rangers, conservationist, all part of getting a gorilla family used to human presence, a process that takes ± 2-3 years.
GOLDEN MONKEY TRACKING
(FULL DAY) US$ 60 + 40 PARK ENTRY
(Mgahinga National Park)
Named after its golden appearance with black limbs and an impressive crown, the Golden Monkey is indeed an interesting and unique species. Venture along the slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes through the dense bamboo forest and keep your eyes high up in the trees to experience these inquisitive creatures in their natural habitat.
GOLDEN MONKEY EXPERIENCE
(FULL DAY) US$ 100 + 40 PARK ENTRY
(Mgahinga National Park)
Uganda Wildlife Authority now offers you the golden opportunity to experience a Golden Monkey Habituation. Accompany the researchers in the morning or afternoon to track the Golden Monkeys and stay with them for 4 hours. You will have the unique chance to get close to these little primates and study their behavior in their natural habitat. A unique experience that will enhance your primate safari in Uganda!
