Gorilla Habituation Experince
4 Days Uganda Gorilla Habituation
Safari Overview
4 Days Gorilla Habituation Trek
Take a Short Break Adventure to Uganda and embark on a journey to meet one of the world’s most endangered species – the noble mountain gorilla. With the unique Gorilla Habituation Experience, you will spend up to four hours with a gorilla family as they get accustomed to human presence, guided by expert trackers and researchers. Encounter Uganda’s birdlife, frogs and butterflies while hiking through the thick jungle in search of these amazing creatures. The first glimpses of mountain gorillas will be sure to capture your heart – a just reward for a challenging trek.
Itinerary Highlights
- Up to 4 hours with a gorilla family during the Habituation Experience.
- Scenic game drive at Lake Mburo National Park.
- Stunning landscapes at Lake Mutanda & Virunga Volcanoes.
- Optional cultural visits and wildlife excursions in Bwindi.
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Kampala/Entebbe – Lake Mburo
- Day 2: Lake Mburo – Bwindi, Optinal Activities
- Day 3: Gorilla Habituation & Relaxation
- Day 4: Return to Kampala/Entebbe
Itinerary In Detail
Day 1: Kampala/Entebbe – Lake Mburo
Welcome to Uganda! Your adventure begins at 9:00 AM at your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe, where you will be picked up for a scenic 3 to 4-hour drive to Lake Mburo National Park.
Lake Mburo offers a perfect introduction to Uganda’s wildlife and is an ideal stop to break up the long 8 to 10 hours driving journey to Bwindi. The park’s acacia woodlands create a unique habitat for animals not found in many other East African parks. Here, you can spot the giant eland antelope, zebras, impalas, buffalo, leopards, hyenas, and jackals. Its five lakes are home to hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of waterbirds, while the papyrus swamps shelter the elusive sitatunga antelope and the striking red, black, and yellow papyrus gonalek.
Lake Mburo is quieter than Uganda’s larger parks, offering a peaceful game drive where you can stretch your legs, spot wildlife, and enjoy your first taste of Ugandan nature before continuing to Bwindi. After your game drive, settle into your accommodation for a relaxing evening, refreshed and ready for the next leg of your journey.
Please Note: If you have purchased the second gorilla permit, you will drive directly to Bwindi, skipping Lake Mburo. Your pick-up time will 7:00 AM.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Mihingo Lodge
Middle Class: Rwakobo Rock
Simple: Eagle’s Nest Mburo
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Travel from Lake Mburo to Lake Mutanda Near Bwindi
Wake up early this morning and prepare for the journey toward Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, with a scenic stop at Lake Mutanda along the way. If time permits, you can enjoy a refreshing morning nature walk in Lake Mburo, taking in the park’s unique wildlife one last time before setting off.
From Lake Mburo, you will embark on a drive of approximately 6 hours through beautiful Ugandan landscapes, eventually reaching the magical Lake Mutanda, nestled at the foot of the Virunga Volcanoes. One of East Africa’s most beautiful lakes, Lake Mutanda is surrounded by lush rainforest — part of the mountain gorillas’ natural habitat.
In the afternoon, relax and soak up the breathtaking views of the Virunga Volcanoes, or enjoy a range of optional activities: swimming, kayaking, canoeing in a traditional dugout canoe, paddleboarding, or even sailing on the serene waters of the lake. This enchanting stop offers the perfect chance to unwind, stretch your legs, and connect with nature before heading into the heart of gorilla country.
Please Note: If you purchased the second gorilla permit, today will instead be dedicated to one of your gorilla trekking adventures
Accommodation Options:
Semi-Luxury: Mutanda Lake Resort (Luxury Cottage)
Middle Class: Mutanda Lake Resort (Standard Cottage)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Gorilla Habituation Experience – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Today is the highlight of your Ugandan adventure! After breakfast, you’ll head into the legendary Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, along with over 120 other mammal species and more than 350 birds.
You will participate in the Gorilla Habituation Experience, a rare and extraordinary opportunity to spend up to four hours with a gorilla family, accompanying researchers who are gradually introducing them to human presence. This small-group experience (maximum of four people) provides a more intimate and immersive encounter than standard gorilla trekking — a truly once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Your lodge will provide a packed lunch to enjoy during your trek amidst the lush rainforest surroundings.
The dense, misty forest of Bwindi offers an unforgettable setting for this close encounter, allowing you to observe the gorillas’ natural behaviors and form a personal connection with these magnificent creatures.
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 serene sunset motorboat ride.
- Mgahinga National Park: Climb a Virunga volcano or track playful golden monkeys.
- Cultural Experiences: Visit the Batwa pygmies, enjoy a village walk, or explore scenic forest trails.
This day is truly designed to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime, combining wildlife, adventure, and the incredible beauty of Uganda’s rainforest.
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, lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Bwindi – Return to Kampala/Entebbe
Today marks the conclusion of your Ugandan adventure as you travel back to Kampala or Entebbe. It will be a long but scenic journey, offering opportunities to stretch your legs, take memorable photos, and enjoy a picnic lunch along the way. A highlight of the drive is a stop at the Equator, where you can capture the fun of standing on the line that divides the northern and southern hemispheres. You will arrive at your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe at approximately 5:00 PM, bringing your trip to a close. If you wish to extend your stay, you can easily arrange additional accommodation by contacting us advance.
Travel time today: Approximately 10 hours, including stops.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
What is included?
- 3 night’s accommodation (Luxury, Semi-Luxury, or Middle-Class options)
- Meals as per itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- All transport with an English-speaking guide
- All transfers in a 4x4 safari vehicle
- Gorilla Habituation permit & guided trek
- Game drive at Lake Mburo
- 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 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.
Gorilla Habituation Experience
Trekking to find the semi habituated gorillas on a gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest can be relatively challenging and may involve long hikes through dense rainforest. You will spend up to four hours with the gorillas during this experience.
Minimum Age
Participants must be at least 15 years old to take part in gorilla habituation experince
Travel Times
Day 4 is a long travel day, as you return to Kampala/Entebbe, with approximately 10 hours on the road, including stops.
Trip Start
The adventure begins on Day 1 at 9:00 AM in Entebbe, Kampala, or Lake Mburo. This allows time after the welcome meeting to explore Kampala or Lake Mburo.
Trip End
The trip concludes upon arrival in Kampala or Entebbe on Day 4.
Talk To a friendly team
Gorilla Safaris
Contact
- +256 (704) 630 390
- +256 (394) 860 595
- info@trekwildgorillas.com
- wildfriendsug@gmail.com
