3 Days Gorilla Habituation from Kigali
Fly into Kigali Rwanda and enjoy a 3 Days gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The 3 Days tour is an opportunity to spend four hours with wild mountain gorillas undergoing habituation. The experience is about training wild gorillas making them familiar to people before they are open for trekking. The 2-3 years experience involves a team of rangers, conservationists and mountain gorilla doctors who hike along with clients into the jungle. Gorilla habituation experience takes place only in Rushaga sector in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Apparently, two gorilla families namely Bushaho and Bikyingi are undergoing training and are expected to be opened for trekking any time soon. Unlike in trekking where 8 people visit one gorilla family at once, only 4 people are allowed to trek a gorilla family in gorilla habituation experience. A single permit for gorilla habituation costs $1500 and only 8 permits are available each day issued on first come first serve basis. Whereas some people confuse habituation to be similar with trekking, the two experiences are different. Habituation is the first step all mountain gorillas go through before they are declared free for trekking. Travelers taking part in this adventure are cautioned to be extra careful since they are dealing with wild gorillas. Keep a distance of 7 meters, avoid direct eye contact, speak at a low tone and observe all other rules and regulations of gorilla trekking as advised by park rangers. The 3 Days trip starts and ends in Kigali Rwanda
Trip summary
Day 1: Pick up, city tour & transfer to Bwindi Forest
Day 2: Gorilla habituation and cultural tour
Day 3: Departure
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Pick up, city tour & transfer to Bwindi Forest
On day 1 of the 3 Days gorilla habituation trip, you will arrive in Kigali, meet your driver guider from our company and start up a trip. A city tour in Kigali give you chance to explore this small, beautiful and clean city. Visit the genocide memorial centers to commemorate innocent people who died in the 1994 genocide, which claimed over 1000 people in less than 100 days. Still in Kigali, ensure to visit local markets to buy fresh fruits, shopping malls, presidential palace and galleries. Proceed to Rwanda Uganda border at Cyanika, clear up with the immigrations and drive straight to Bwindi impenetrable Forest National Park.
Day 2: Gorilla habituation and cultural tour
The long a waited day of gorilla habituation experience is today. Rise up very early, enjoy breakfast at the lodge and with your packed lunch transfer to Rushaga park head quarters. Park rangers will register and introduce you to the dos and don’ts of gorilla habituation experience for the safety of your selves and the endangered mountain gorillas. At 8:00am begin a hike to meet the wild endangered gorillas. You will hike along a team of gorilla doctors, rangers, porters and conservationists who will be available that day. The trek can at times be long and strenuous due to the montane terrain of the forest. The actual gorilla habituation experience is 4 hours counted from the time you meet the endangered apes. In this experience, travelers are advised t act like real gorillas, try walking on your arms, eating vegetation and jumping in the bushes. In case a wild gorilla charges, step back and walk away slowly. Do not run; don’t try to fight back since this irritates the gorillas forcing them to behave harsher towards you. Pay attention to the warnings of park rangers and observe all other rules as briefed at the start of the trek. If time allows in the evening, you will visit locale communities near the park for cultural performances.
Day 3: Departure
This is the last day of our 3 Days gorilla habituation experience. Enjoy your relaxed well-spiced breakfast and last moments in this Impenetrable forest. Check out and drive back to Kigali for your connecting flight.
End of the tour
Tour Inclusions
- Gorilla habituation permit
- Any other activity included in the itinerary
- Accommodation & meals
- Bottled drinking water
- Full time English speaking guide
- Ground Transport
- All activities included in the itinerary
- Government taxes
- Miscellaneous
Tour Exclusions
- Porter’s fee & tips
- Personal expenses (phone calls and shopping)
- Extra activities not included in the itinerary
- Alcoholic beverages
- Guide tips