Ultimate Bwindi Gorilla Encounter

Upon arrival at Entebbe airport, you will clear customs and immigration and then you will be met transferred to your hotel.

Overnight at Boma Lodge including breakfast

After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to Entebbe Airport for a scheduled flight to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

You will be met on arrival and transferred to the lodge in time for lunch. The afternoon is at leisure for taking part in any optional activities (at an additional cost payable directly to the lodge). Dinner will be provided at the lodge.

Overnight in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest at Mahogany Springs Lodge on full board basis (excludes drinks and laundry)

The Gorilla Habituation Experience in Southern Bwindi, specifically in the Rushaga sector, offers a unique opportunity to actively participate in the habituation process of two gorilla families. Unlike traditional gorilla trekking, this experience allows for an extended duration of interaction with these magnificent creatures, lasting approximately 4 hours from the moment you reach the gorilla nest.

Participants in this exclusive encounter will venture into the lush forests of Southern Bwindi, often involving strenuous trekking at elevations of up to 7,500 feet (2,300 meters) above sea level. The intimate groups of up to 4 will be accompanied by experienced researchers and trackers who will guide them throughout the habituation process.

The 4-hour clock starts ticking as you arrive at the nest, providing ample time to observe and learn about gorilla behavior in their natural habitat.

It's important to note that the guidelines and etiquette for gorilla habituation are similar to traditional gorilla trekking. However, due to the extended duration and the nature of the habituation process, participants may find the experience to be more physically demanding. Additionally, it's crucial to understand that gorillas under habituation are often shy and may maintain a certain distance from visitors, which could affect the quality of photographs taken during the encounter.

The Gorilla Habituation Experience in Rushaga is a relatively new and limited opportunity, and its availability may be subject to change in the future. As such, it presents a unique chance to actively contribute to gorilla conservation efforts while gaining deeper insights into the lives of these incredible primates.

Overnight in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest at Mahogany Springs Lodge on full board basis (excludes drinks and laundry)

After breakfast you will be taken on a short drive to the park headquarters where you will begin your Gorilla trekking experience.

Well-trained guides lead you to the site where the gorillas were encountered the day before and from here the tracking begins. The gorillas, whose continuous search for food requires a nomadic lifestyle, determine the duration of the hike. The trek can take between one and six hours, sometimes more, at elevations in excess of 7,500 feet and over rough terrain.

Although the hike can be physically demanding, the anticipation of the exciting experience ahead is invigorating, and the beauty of the forest and its inhabitants are fascinating. When the gorillas are encountered, any fatigue is quickly forgotten. Observing a wild gorilla family in its natural habitat and on its terms is considered by many naturalists to be the most profound natural history experience in the world. Few who have had this rare privilege would disagree. It is important to recognize that these gorillas have only recently been habituated to tourists.

Their curiosity is obvious, but they have only begun to grow accustomed to humans. Each strictly regulated 60-minute visit passes all too quickly, and you depart leaving the gorillas to their fragile existence.

After time with the gorillas and a picnic lunch, you return to camp with hopefully a few
unforgettable memories of a rare and wondrous experience. If the gorilla groups are relatively close, you’ll also have the chance to hike nearby forest trails to obtain a better understanding of the forest and its other inhabitants. These hikes provide the opportunity to observe smaller primate species and regional, endemic birds.

A late lunch will be provided, and the rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Dinner will be provided at the lodge.

Overnight in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest at Mahogany Springs Lodge on full board basis (excludes drinks and laundry)

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airstrip for the morning scheduled flight to Entebbe, estimated arrival 12pm. You will be met on arrival and assisted to connect to your departure flight.