Gorilla Habituation Experince
3 Days Uganda Gorilla Habituation
Safari Overview
3 Days Gorilla Habituation Via Kigali
This 3-day trip combines Rwanda’s scenic beauty with Uganda’s rare Gorilla Habituation Experience, making it one of the most rewarding 3-day adventures in East Africa. Your journey begins in Kigali, Rwanda, the most convenient gateway to Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. By starting in Kigali, you avoid the long drive from Entebbe or Uganda’s capital, Kampala, and within just a few hours you will be immersed in breathtaking scenery — rolling hills, towering volcanoes, and lush rainforest landscapes.
Your first destination is the enchanting Lake Mutanda, one of East Africa’s most beautiful lakes. Surrounded by the dramatic Virunga Volcanoes, this tranquil hideaway is an ideal place to unwind. You can relax on the shores and enjoy the views, or add a touch of adventure with optional activities like canoeing in a traditional dugout canoe, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or a scenic sunset boat cruise.
The highlight of the trip is the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Unlike a standard gorilla trek, which allows only one hour with the gorillas, this exclusive activity gives you up to four hours with a gorilla family as you accompany expert researchers. Watching the gorillas feed, play, and interact at such close range is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Best of all, the value is unbeatable: while a one-hour trek in Rwanda costs USD 1,500, the same price in Uganda grants you four hours with the gorillas — making this journey both more rewarding and a smarter choice.
Itinerary Highlights
- Start from Kigali — the quickest and easiest route to Bwindi.
- Scenic drive through Rwanda’s “Land of a Thousand Hills” and Uganda’s volcanic landscapes.
- Stay at Lake Mutanda, a stunning and peaceful lake surrounded by mountains.
- Optional watersports: canoe, kayak, stand-up paddle, or enjoy a sunset boat ride.
- Spend up to 4 hours with gorillas during the once-in-a-lifetime Gorilla Habituation Experience.
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Travel To Lake Mutanda Near Bwindi
- Day 2: Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi
- Day 3: Return to Kigali for Departure
Itinerary In Detail
Day 1: Travel To Lake Mutanda Near Bwindi
We will pick you up from Kigali Airport or downtown Kigali and begin the scenic drive north toward Volcanoes National Park. Along the way, we will pass through the charming town of Ruhengeri (Musanze), surrounded by rolling hills and breathtaking landscapes. If time allows, you may choose to visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial or enjoy a complimentary Kigali city tour before continuing the journey. From Musanze, we’ll cross into Uganda and drive to the magical Lake Mutanda, one of East Africa’s most beautiful lakes. In the afternoon, relax and take in breathtaking views of the Virunga Volcanoes, or enjoy optional activities like swimming, canoeing in a traditional dugout canoe, kayaking, paddleboarding, or even sailing. Set at the foot of the Virunga Volcanoes in southwest Uganda, this enchanting lake is surrounded by rainforest — home to the endangered mountain gorilla.
Accommodation:
Middle Class: Mutanda Lake Resort – Standard Cottage (Full Board)
Semi-Luxury: Mutanda Lake Resort – Luxury Cottage (Full Board)
Meal plan: Diner
Day 2: Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi
Today is the highlight of your trip! After breakfast, you’ll head into the famous Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for the Gorilla Habituation Experience. Your lodge will provide a packed lunch to enjoy during your trek. Bwindi’s dense rainforest is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, along with 120 other mammal species and over 350 bird species. The Gorilla Habituation Experience is a rare opportunity to spend up to four hours with a gorilla family as you accompany researchers who are gradually introducing them to human presence. This small-group excursion (maximum of four people) offers a deeper and more intimate encounter than standard gorilla trekking — truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Optional Activities in Bwindi & Lake Mutanda:
- Gorilla Trekking: A classic one-hour trek to see gorillas in their natural habitat, guided by expert rangers.
- Lake Mutanda Excursions: Sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, or a sunset motorboat ride.
- Mgahinga National Park: Climb a Virunga volcano or track playful golden monkeys.
- Cultural Experiences: Visit the Batwa pygmies, take a village walk, or explore scenic forest trails.
Accommodation:
Middle Class: Mutanda Lake Resort – Standard Cottage (Full Board)
Semi-Luxury: Mutanda Lake Resort – Luxury Cottage (Full Board)
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & diner
Meal plan: Breakfast and lunch
Day 3: Return to Kigali for Departure
This morning, enjoy a relaxed breakfast and, if time allows, choose from a variety of optional activities before beginning your return journey. We’ll then drive back through the rolling hills of Rwanda, known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” arriving in Kigali in time for your international departure flight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
What is included?
- 2 x nights’ accommodation
- Park entrance fees
- All transport with an English-speaking guide
- All transfers in a 4x4 safari vehicle
- 1 x Gorilla Habituation permit
- Non-premium brand drinks
What's not?
- International airfares
- Visa fees where applicable
- Travel insurance
- Optional activities
- Tips and gratuities
- Any items not mentioned as included
Important notes and additional information
Price
Please note that rates may vary depending on the season. The prices shown on our website are starting rates and serve as a general guide. For accurate pricing on your specific travel dates, please contact us directly. Hotel rates are based on standard rooms, but other room types and hotels are available. Rates can also change during holidays and special events. Contact us if you’d like to inquire about upgrades or alternative accommodations.
Difficulty
On this trip, you will also walk through forests to look for mountain gorillas. This walk is not too hard, but we recommend having a basic level of fitness to help you enjoy the experience.
Related Tours
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Gorilla Safaris
Contact
- +256 (704) 630 390
- +256 (394) 860 595
- info@trekwildgorillas.com
- wildfriendsug@gmail.com
