Gorilla Habituation From Kigali: The Perfect Itinerary + Map

A 3 Days Gorilla Habituation From Kigali Itinerary for Budget travelers, Map + Insider Tips

Itinerary Overview: Gorilla Habituation from Kigali

An all-inclusive Three days Bwindi Gorilla Habituation from Kigali is a short Gorilla habituation experience to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park starting and ending in Kigali, Rwanda. Gorilla habituation Experience offers a 4 hours experience among a group of wild Gorillas that are not yet fully habituated within the Rushaga sector.

Mountain Gorillas in the Bwindi forest are first habituated before they are introduced to Gorilla trekking tourists. The Gorilla habituation process where wild Gorillas are tamed to get used to human presence takes about two to three years. After habituation, the Gorillas are tamed and can behave “normally” in the presence of a trekking group.

All habitats with Mountain Gorillas have fully habituated Gorillas unlike Bwindi Impenetrable National Park which has groups that are not fully habituated and therefore tourists can join for the habituation experience. Conservationists, researchers, and rangers will take you through the habituation process.

A maximum of 4 hours spent in the presence of the Mountain Gorillas during habituation. This means more time with the Gorillas than trekking which offers a maximum of 1 hour. During this process, individuals get to know much more about Mountain Gorillas, their behaviors, and a lot about their lifestyle.

This habituation tour to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park from Kigali is suitable for tourists who would not want to take very many hours on a road drive. In Uganda, it takes about 8-9 hours from Entebbe International Airport, unlike Kigali International Airport which takes about 4-5 hours.

But wait, let me tell you something:

Tour Summary

Safari starts with pick up and ends with drop off in Kigali Rwanda
Gorilla habituation in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
4 hours will be spent with the Mountain Gorillas
Transfers will be by a 4×4 safari vehicle
Accommodation before and after trip can be arranged on request at an extra cost

What you need to know

Accommodation is provided as included
Pack the right clothes
Tour available all year round
Minimum age for tour is 15 years
Gorilla habituation permit is included in the cost (USD 1500.00 each)

Itinerary Gallery:

Itinerary Highlights: Bwindi Gorilla Habituation from Kigali

Day 1: Road transfer from Kigali Rwanda to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Day 2: Bwindi Gorilla habituation in Uganda
Day 3: Return from Bwindi to Kigali city or Kigali International Airport for a departure flight.

What’s the real story?:

Detailed Itinerary: Bwindi Gorilla Habituation From Kigali

Day 1: Road transfer from Kigali Rwanda to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

From Kigali in Rwanda either from hotel or Kigali International Airport, a safari guide will pick you up for a drive to Uganda. The drive takes about 4-5 hours including crossing the border from Rwanda to Uganda. The drive offers very picturesque sightings of the surrounding landscapes. Arriving in the evening, you check in, have dinner and spend the night at a booked hotel.

Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation Options

Luxury: Four Gorillas Lodge

Mid-range: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge

Day 2: Bwindi Gorilla habituation in Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda – Mountain Gorilla Habituation Experience

Wake up very early on this day of your habituation experience, have breakfast at the hotel, and carry packed lunch. Your driver guide will ensure the drive to the Rushaga sector headquarter. Here you receive a briefing on the dos and don’ts of Gorilla habituation in Bwindi.

You then head to the jungle to meet the Gorilla family that you will watch for four hours. During this time the rangers will tell you a lot about the group. After the 4 hour on habituation experience, you then trek back to the park headquarters where you meet the guide for return to your hotel.

You stay at the previous hotel where you relax and have dinner.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Return from Bwindi to Kigali city or Kigali International Airport for a departure flight

On the last day of your trip, wake up early morning, have breakfast and then embark on a return drive to Kigali. The drive ends either in Kigali city at place of residence or to Kigali International Airport for a departure flight marking end of the safari.

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch

End of the Three Days Bwindi Gorilla Habituation from Kigali

Cost Inclusions

Uganda gorilla habituation permit
Accommodation & meals as indicated
4×4 safari vehicle
A professional English speaking knowledgeable driver guide.
Bottled drinking water on board

Cost Exclusions

International flights & Visas
Tips
Drinks
Any changes to the itinerary
Laundry

Transport

4×4 safari land cruiser for luxury travelers
4×4 safari van for budget travelers