5 Day Gorilla Habituation and Chimp trekking Safari

OVERVIEW

5 Days / 4 Nights

This 5 Day Gorilla habituation and chimp trekking safari is good for those who want to spend more time with the world’s great primates in the names of mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. This trip takes you to the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the Rushaga region for gorilla habituation experience and then to Kibale National Park “The Primate capital of the world” for chimpanzee trekking experience. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the only park in the whole world offering gorilla habituation experience and as such, you will have an opportunity to spend four hours with mountain gorillas compared to one work of gorilla trekking. From Bwindi National Park, you will drive to Kibale National Park and do chimpanzee trekking experience. Enjoy and compare these two experiences while in Uganda.

ITINERARY

Morning/Transfer

You will be picked at the hotel or Airport by Encounter Africa safaris Professional driver guide to start your 5 day gorilla habituation and chimp trekking safari to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You will depart for Bwindi impenetrable National park with stops at the Equator crossing for photography

Afternoon

You will Have a stop for lunch break in Mbarara city You will then proceed to the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park because this is where gorilla habituation experience takes place. This journey is very scenic as you have an opportunity to see the Kigezi rolling hills and valleys as you travel to Kisoro southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Evening

You will arrive at the lodge in the evening and welcomed by the lodge staff, followed by relaxation then Dinner and Overnight.

Drivetime: 8-9 hours

Meal plan: Lunch and Dinner

Accommodations

Budget: Rushaga Havens Lodge

Mid Range: 4 Gorillas Lodge/Gorilla Leisure Lodge/Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge

Luxury: Gorilla Heights Lodge/Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
Morning/Briefing

You will wake up early in the morning and head to the park headquarters to join other clients for briefing about dos and don’ts while with mountain gorillas on your habituation experience.

Trek/Observation

After briefing, you will start your trek into the forest guided by researchers and guides. During your trek, you may encounter several birds, other animals and primates in the forest and once you have found the gorillas you will spend four hours with them and return back to the Lodge. You will have an opportunity to listen and observe researchers doing their work of habituating gorillas and if possible you will be called upon to participate by collecting samples, naming of group members, making calls and so much more.

Evening

You will transfer to the lodge for relaxation followed by dinner and overnight

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Packed Lunch and Dinner

Accommodations

Budget: Rushaga Havens Lodge

Mid Range: 4 Gorillas Lodge/Gorilla Leisure Lodge/Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge

Luxury: Gorilla Heights Lodge/Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
Morning/Transfer:

After breakfast we will drive to Kibale National Park for overnight at Chimpanzee Forest Guest House. This journey will take you through Queen Elizabeth National Park where you will have chances of spotting some wild game as we drive through this Savannah dominated national park.

Afternoon/Lunch:

You will also have another chance to cross the Equator at Kikolongo. You will also cross several Rivers that originate from Mountain Rwenzori as you go through Kasese district to Fort Portal. You will have a stop in Fort Portal town for lunch before proceeding.

Evening:

Arrive at the Hotel in Kibale and check-in at the lodge, you will relax and Later have dinner and overnight.

Drive time: Approximately 6-7 hours

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodations

Budget: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge/Isunga Lodge

Mid Range: Turaco Tree Tops Lodge

Luxury: Primate Lodge/Tabebuia Spa and safari Resort/ Ndali Lodge
Morning/Briefing:

After breakfast, you will drive to Kibale National Park Headquarters for briefing on the Dos and Don’ts of Chimpanzee trekking. You will be divided into small groups of six people headed by one guide who will then move with you into the forest to find one of the Chimpanzee families. Chimpanzees live in communities of between 50-250 individuals but usually breakup into small parties during the day to reduce competition on food. They will then recollect in the evening to build their nests.

Trekking and Observation:

Once you find the Chimps, you will be allowed to spend one hour with the Chimps before returning to the lodge for lunch.

Afternoon:

After lunch, you head out for a wetland walk in the nearby Bigodi Village. Kibale National Park is popular for 13 recorded primate species and several bird species.

Evening:

You will then return to the Hotel, relax, have dinner and overnight to end your day.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Packed Lunch and Dinner

Accommodations

Budget: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge/Isunga Lodge

Mid Range: Turaco Tree Tops Lodge

Luxury: Primate Lodge/Tabebuia Spa and safari Resort/ Ndali Lodge

THINGS TO CONSIDER

Gorilla permits: We encourage you to book gorilla permits in advance so that we secure your trekking spot. Gorilla permits are served on first come first serve at Uganda wildlife Authority. Please contact us so that we book them for you.

Cost of the gorilla permit: The gorilla permits in Uganda cost USD800 for Non-Foreign residents, USD700 for East African Foreign Residents, USD500 for Rest of Africa Residents and UGX300,000 for East African Citizens, cost applies for trekking in Both Bwindi impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park

Gorilla trekking Regions: Bwindi has 4 gorilla trekking sectors namely Buhoma, Ruhaga, Nkuringo and Ruhija. We shall book for you accommodation in respect to the permits location.

Physical Fitness: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi can be physically demanding, a certain level of fitness will be required, please ensure you are in good health and have a certain level of fitness before you leave your country.

Packing List: Please ensure you have comfortable walking/ hiking shoes that can handle the terrain in Bwindi, a rain Jacket, gloves, Camera, Binoculars,

Age Limit: The Minimum age for gorilla trekking in Uganda is 15 years and above, please ensure all travelers are aged 15years and above.

Accommodation Options: Please choose the accommodation that suits your budget, Bwindi has all options of Budget, Midrange and Luxury.

Means of Transport: You can opt to fly or drive to Bwindi, Flights take 1-2 hours, and driving takes 8-9 hours drive to Bwindi. For budget clients, we recommend use of safari vans, then others can opt for Safari Land Cruisers. All vehicles are comfortable with enough leg room, AC and are driven by our professional driver guides.

Best time to visit: Bwindi can be visited all year round for gorilla trekking, The most prefered time is June to September, December to February because they are the drier months of the year.

Gorilla trekking Regulations: Uganda Wildlife Authority has rules and regulations to adhere while on your gorilla trek.

Chances of Seeing the Gorillas: The chances of seeing gorillas are 98% because there are trackers who follow the movement of gorillas on a daily basis, they communicate to the Park guides and you walk in the direction they are.

Choose a gorilla family: You can choose your preferred gorilla family of the day of the trek, if you prefer a close/ easy trek due to your fitness level, please request it and communicate to your guide.

Gorilla Habituation experience: Bwindi has an option of spending 4 hours with the gorillas called gorillas habituation, the is only possible when you book a gorilla permit that costs USD1500 for Non- foreign residents, USD1000 for East African Residents, and UGX750,000 for East African Citizens

Other activities: There are several activities you can do in Bwindi namely Birding, Batwa cultural experience, Nature walks, Community visits. All these can supplement your gorilla trek in Bwindi.

Trip cost estimate: The cost of the 3day gorilla tour ranges from USD1300 to USD2860 per person, based on your travel style which is Budget to Luxury. The cost Includes gorilla permit, accommodation, Meals, transport, and all services.

About Bwindi: Bwindi impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO world heritage site, with half of the worlds gorilla population, it has more than 20 Habituated gorilla families in regions of Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija and Nkuringo.

PRICING PER PERSON

This safari is available on a private basis, so you can contact us for a quote. Provide us with details of how many people you will be in a group, when you intend to travel, and one of our specialists will reply to you as soon as we receive your email.