Bwindi Impenetrable National Park | Gorilla Habituation Experience | Gorilla Trekking | Queen Elizabeth National Park
Embark on two very different sides of southwestern Uganda on this carefully designed 5-Day Gorilla Habituation & Trekking Safari with Queen Elizabeth Game Drive. This 5 Day Gorilla Habituation and Trekking Safari Uganda journey combined an immersive gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with a separate day for a standard gorilla trekking, giving you the opportunity to experience both forms of gorilla tourism. This Uganda safari then continues to Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you enjoy a wildlife game drive across one of Uganda’s most celebrated savannah landscapes.
Rather than choosing between gorilla habituation and the conventional gorilla trekking, this Uganda safari itinerary gives you both. You first spend extended time observing a gorilla family that is still undergoing habituation, learning about their behavior and social dynamics under the guidance of trackers and conservation personnel. You then return to the impenetrable rainforest for a standard gorilla trek, experiencing the excitement of finding a fully habituated family.
The final part of your journey brings you into Queen Elizabeth National Park for classic African game viewing, with opportunities to encounter elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, lions and other wildlife in Queen.
Safari Highlights of 5 Day Gorilla Habituation and Trekking Safari Uganda
- Gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Up to 4 hours observing a gorilla family during habituation.
- Thrilling standard gorilla trekking in Bwindi
- Game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Tree-climbing lions in Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Scenic journey through the southwestern Uganda area
- Professional, knowledgeable and licensed Uganda safari guide
- Equator stop and experience in Kayabwe.
Detailed 5 Day Gorilla Habituation and Trekking Safari Uganda Itinerary
Day 1: Pick up from Entebbe and Transfer to Bwindi National Park
Drive Time: Approx. 9 hours. Flight Option Available
Your 5-day Uganda gorilla safari begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe. After meeting your Besa Rowin Africa Safaris guide, begin the scenic journey southwest towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The drive takes you through changing landscapes, from busy urban environment around Kampala to the rolling countryside and highlands of southwestern Uganda.
Have a short stop at the Equator for photographs and a short break before continuing towards Western Uganda.
Drive on towards the Kigezi highlands where the landscape becomes increasingly mountainous. The final approach to Bwindi is very scenic with winding roads, terraced hills and villages scattered across the green landscape.
Proceed to your lodge of stay in Rushaga Sector of Bwindi. Check in, relax as you wait for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Rushaga Haven Lodge for Budget, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge for Mid-range, Four Gorillas Lodge for Lower-Luxury.
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Experience the highlight of your safari today, with a Uganda gorilla habituation safari.
After an early breakfast at the lodge, proceed with your packed lunch to the Rushaga sector headquarters for registration and briefing. You then begin your trek into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in search of the habituating gorilla family. The trek itself can be physically demanding. Bwindi is a mountainous rainforest with steep slopes, dense vegetation and uneven trails. The exact duration and difficulty cannot be guaranteed because the gorillas are wild animals and their location changes.
When you meet the gorilla family:
Once the gorilla family is habituated, the experience becomes much more immersive. Spend an extended time with the gorilla family that is being habituated, up to 4 hours. Watch them go through their day. The trackers and guides help you understand what you are seeing, from social interactions and vocalizations to the behavior of individual gorillas. Observe the on-going process through which wild gorillas gradually become accustomed to human presence.
After your gorilla habituation experience, trek back through the Bwindi to meet your Uganda safari guide. Return to the lodge for a bit of rest, dinner and an overnight stay as above.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After an early breakfast at the lodge, meet up with your driver guide to transfer to the park headquarters for a gorilla trekking briefing. After the briefing you will be allocated a gorilla family to trek and a park guide who is knowledgeable about the mountain gorillas and also conversant with different gorilla trekking trails. Trekking of mountain gorillas in Bwindi impenetrable national park takes about 2 to 7 hours depending on where the gorillas are located because they like to move from one place to another in search of food.
During trekking you will be able to view other primate species, different bird species, plants among others and once the mountain gorillas are found, you will be able to spend one hour with them in their natural habitat which gives you an opportunity to observe their behaviors, watch them carry out their daily activities like feeding, playing, breastfeeding, grooming young ones, take photos and record videos. After the one hour encounter with the gentle giants, you will drive back to the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight as above.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Gorilla Habituation vs Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla habituation vs gorilla trekking. One of the reasons this Uganda gorilla safari is special is that you experience both. A standard gorilla trek focuses on finding a fully habituated gorilla family and observing it within the 1 hour limit. Gorilla habituation on the other hand involves a family that is still undergoing the habituation process and offers a linger observation period of 4 hours and learning so much more about the gorilla behaviors. This makes the two experiences complimentary rather then repetitive.
Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Ishasha and Wildlife Wildlife Drive
You will have breakfast at your lodge in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and then check out. Continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park via the Ishasha sector. As you drive via Ishasha sector, you will see the tree-climbing lions as they relax in the tree branches.
You will continue to your lodge where you will check in, have your lunch and also relax in the comfort of your lodge. Later in the evening, you will have an evening game drive during which you will see a variety of wildlife species in the savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth national park such as buffalos, antelopes, elephants, waterbucks, zebras, lions among others and the beautiful evening sunset. You will continue your drive back to your lodge where your dinner will be served and you will spend the night.
Accommodation: Pumba Cottages for Budget, Buffalo Safari Lodge for Mid-range, Elephant Plains Safari Lodge for Luxury.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Queen Elizabeth National Park Game Drive & Departure
After breakfast or with a packed breakfast, enjoy a morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The early hours are the best times to explore the savannah because wildlife is often active before the heat of the day intensifies. Look out for animals in Queen including African elephants, buffalos, warthogs, waterbucks, lions, leopards and more.
After the game drive, exit the park and start your journey towards Kampala or Entebbe. Lunch is enjoyed en-route at a select restaurant. Your Rowin Africa Safaris guide will drop you off at the airport in time for your flight, or hotel of stay.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
End of 5-Day Gorilla Habituation & Trekking Safari in Uganda
Uganda Safari Price Includes:
- Airport pick up and drop off as per itinerary
- All national park entry fees
- All meals during the safari
- Gorilla habituation and trekking permits
- 4X4 Safari Land Cruiser and fuel (Private)
- Full time licensed English speaking Guide/Driver.
- All accommodation as indicated in the itinerary
- All meals as indicated in the itinerary.
- Game drives indicated
- Bottled drinking water while on safari.
Uganda Safari Price Excludes:
- International flights
- Uganda Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses such as tips, souvenirs, telephone calls, email, laundry, beverages
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary,
- Porterage and wait staff gratuity.
Why Choose This 5-Day Gorilla Safari?
Many Uganda safari packages offer either standard gorilla trekking or the gorilla habituation experience. This itinerary is designed differently. You experience both! On top of this, the safari adds a completely different environment in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
In just 5 days, you experience the Bwindi rainforest, gorilla habituation, gorilla trekking, Ishasha wilderness, and Queen Elizabeth National Park’s savannah. Though compact, it is an experience-rich Uganda safari tour designed for travelers who want to make their time in southwestern Uganda count.
What to Pack for the Gorilla Habituation & Trekking Safari
Since Bwindi is a mountainous rainforest, preparation is important. Items to pack for your gorilla safari include:
- waterproof hiking boots
- long trousers
- long-sleeved shirts
- lightweight waterproof jacket/fleece
- gardening or hiking gloves
- hat
- insect repellent
- sunscreen
- small day backpack, preferably waterproof
- camera with spare batteries
- energy giving snacks
Hiring a porter is highly recommended, particularly for travelers who would like assistance carrying their daypack or navigating the challenging forest terrain.
Best Time for This 5 Day Gorilla Habituation and Trekking Safari Uganda
Destination Uganda can be visited throughout the year: gorilla trekking is available all year-round. The dry season is generally preferred and thus the best time to visit according to many travelers. This is because the forest trails are easier to navigate, much as rain is always a possibility in Bwindi Forest.
The best time to visit for this safari is ultimately dependent on your priorities, availability and budget.
For travelers specifically after gorilla trekking, it is advisable to secure your gorilla permits and accommodation well in advance. This is more so for gorilla habituation permits, especially for the peak season of travel, June to September.
Who Is This Safari Best For?
This 5-day Gorilla Habituation and Trekking Safari in Uganda is particularly suitable for:
- First-time visitors to Uganda
- Wildlife photographers
- Primate enthusiasts
- Gorilla enthusiast
- Couple, and solo travelers
- Friends travelling together
- Adventure travelers
- Conservation-conscious travelers
- Travelers with limited time but wish to experience both gorilla trekking and habituation, and wildlife game drives
Book Your Uganda Gorilla Safari with Rowin!
Two gorilla experiences. One extraordinary forest. One unforgettable journey through southwestern Uganda. At Rowin Africa Safaris, we design private and personalized Uganda safaris around the experiences our clients value most.
Whether your priority is gorilla photography, wildlife, adventure, conservation or simply experiencing Uganda beyond the usual tourist route, we can tailor this itinerary to suit your travel style.
Ready to experience Bwindi’s mountain gorillas and Queen Elizabeth’s wildlife? Contact Rowin Africa Safaris to plan your 5-Day Gorilla Habituation & Trekking Safari in Uganda.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many hours do you spend with the gorillas during the habituation experience?
The Uganda gorilla habituation experience allows travelers to spend up to 4 hours with the gorillas once encountered.
What is the difference between gorilla habituation and gorilla trekking?
Standard gorilla trekking is visiting a fully habituated gorilla family spending only 1 hour with the gorillas while gorilla habituation involves visiting a gorilla family that is still being habituated to human presence and spending up to 4 hours with the gorilla family once encountered.
Can I do gorilla habituation and gorilla trekking on the same safari?
Yes you can. This 5 day Uganda safari itinerary is specifically designed to combine with two experiences on separate days in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Uganda.
Where does the gorilla habituation experience take place?
The experience of gorilla habituation in Uganda is only in Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Is gorilla trekking physically demanding?
Yes and no. Bwindi is mountainous and covered in dense rainforest. Trekking conditions vary considerably depending on the location of the gorilla family, and your physical fitness as well.
What wildlife can I see in Queen Elizabeth National Park?
Wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park include tree-climbing lions, elephants, buffalos, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, warthogs, lions, and many bird species like egrets.
Does this safari include a Queen Elizabeth game drive?
Yes, this safari includes a Queen Elizabeth National Park game drive.
Can this five-day Uganda safari start in Kigali?
Yes. The itinerary can be customized to start in Kigali Rwanda instead, or even end there.
Can Rowin customize this gorilla safari?
Yes the itinerary can be adjusted for private travelers, honeymooners, couples, families and groups. We can also upgrade accommodation, add nights, consider Kigali for pick up and or drop off, Lake Bunyonyi, Kazinga Channel boat cruise, chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge or Kalinzu near Queen Elizabeth National Park, and more.
