4 Hours with Gorillas on and a six-hour Trek with Chimpanzees
A Primate Adventure taking this 5-Day Luxury Gorilla – Chimpanzee Habituation Experience Safari
Here is our popular 5-Day Luxury Gorilla – Chimpanzee Habituation Experience Safari. Spend more time on Uganda’s Great Apes on one Safari in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Kibale Forest wild.
A primate lover’s dream Safari. The Safari begins in Kigali, Rwanda, where we take you on a four-hour scenic drive to the southern area of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to your chosen Lodge.
You will enjoy the Gorilla Habituation Experience, where there are a maximum of four participants instead of the standard eight.
You are not just an observer but a participant in the gorilla habituation process, which means that the gorillas become used to being in the presence of humans.
After the Gorilla Habituation Experience, you Fly from Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to Kibale Forest, where you spend all day with a Chimpanzee Family.
This Safari eliminates the long drive-time between Rushaga – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Kibale Forest with a 20-minute flight from Kisoro to Kasese, where we pick you up and take you to Kibale Forest.
Highlights of your 5-Day Luxury Gorilla – Chimpanzee Habituation Experience Safari
- 4-Hours Gorilla Habituation Experience: You are on an all-day Trek with a maximum of 4-participants, rangers and
porters.
- Fly to Kibale Forest from Bwindi Forest: The 20-minute flight eliminates seven hours of drive-time.
- Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary: This is a UNESCO sustainable Eco-Tourism site. Here you enter a biodiverse eco-system unlike anywhere else in East Africa.
- Six Hour trekking on the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience – CHEX: More Time with the Chimpanzees in Kibale Forest. Alternative Choice – is twice Chimpanzee Trekking with two different troops.
- Nocturnal Fores Walk: Experience Kibale Rainforest Jungle at night. See the creatures such as Bushbabies, Pottos, and Tree Climbing Pangolins. Hear the cry of the Hyrax, the night jar, and the hoots of owls.
- Luxury Lodges: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge or Gorilla Safari Lodge in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Crater Lake Safari Lodge at Kibale Forest.
- Land-Cruiser: Private 4-Wheel Safari equipped vehicle with your driver-guide.
- Porter Services: For the Gorilla Habituation Experience, you have the services of a porter, the use of a walking stick and bottled Water, plus a mask for the actual encounter with the Gentle Giants of the Forest.
This Safari can be done as a Fly-In Safari beginning and ending in Entebbe.
Your 5-Day Luxury Gorilla – Chimpanzee Habituation Experience Safari in Detail:
Arrival Day in Kigali, Rwanda
Arrival Day in Kigali, Rwanda, for your Private Gorilla – Chimpanzee Habituation Experience Safari. Many flights from Europe arrive during the evening, others at night at Kigali International Airport, the Gateway not only to Rwanda but also to Southwest Uganda.
We will pick you up at the airport and take you to the Value Plus Moderately price Heaven Boutique Hotel in a residential setting with a lovely garden and small swimming pool. Their excellent restaurant serves
Alternative-Arrival in Entebbe:
Fly into Entebbe International Airport in Uganda, where your driver guide will meet you and take you to your hotel in Entebbe.
The following day you take the early morning flight to Kisoro in Southwest Uganda with AeroLink Safari Airline. This is the quickest and most convenient way chosen by an increasing number of our clients, and the convenience outweighs the extra cost and will give you more time in and around Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Day 1 – Drive or Fly to Rushaga – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda:
Drive to Rushaga from Kigali-Rwanda:
Your 3-Day Gorilla Habituation Experience Safari begins as we leave your hotel in Kigali at 6:30 am or the Kigali Airport for your moderately priced Safari. The drive time to Rushaga is about 4 hours, depending on Border Crossing.
Visa for Uganda is $50, or the East African Visa is $100 and covers entry to Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya. Both visas must be obtained online. In addition, you will need a Yellow Fever certificate for entry into Uganda.
Usually, the border crossing is about 30 to 45 minutes, and you are in Uganda heading for the ancient Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Officials on both sides will try to ease the border crossing for Tourists.
Any inconvenience fade in the light of the shorter drive time you have before you. Please note that it takes nine to ten hours from Entebbe or Kampala to reach the Rushaga area and check into either Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge or Gorilla Safari Lodge.
The Route you are on from Kigali to Bwindi is one of the most scenic drives in East Africa through the rolling, terraced hills of Rwanda and Uganda.
Fly from Entebbe International Airport to Kisoro – 90-minute scenic flight:
We will pick you up at your hotel in Entebbe at around 6:15 am for your 7:00 am departure with AeroLink Airline to Kisoro. Your flight time is 90 minutes, with a brief stopover at the Kihihi Airstrip. In Kisoro, you are met by your driver-guide, who will take you to your Lodge.
This is the quickest and most convenient way to reach the Rushaga area of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The Drive-Time from Kisoro to the Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge is 45 minutes.
There is a 15 kg weight restriction for your flight. Excess baggage costs $6 additional payment, and you can leave extra luggage with us. To save on the weight of your bag, we suggest that you wear your gorilla wear for your flight, including the rain jacket and hiking boots.
Choice of Lodges for the Gorilla Habituation Experience
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge –Exclusive Luxury:
Find Ultimate Luxury on top of the World above the Clouds at the exclusive Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge.
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge combines its surrounding natural views and splendor, gorillas-birds-wildlife, with the luxurious comfort and World-Class Service it offers guests. A family cottage is available with two bedrooms.
The Lodge has become the favorite among our upmarket clients at a price that is less than comparable lodges in Rwanda.
Gorilla Safari Lodge – Upmarket:
The upmarket Luxury Gorilla Safari Lodge – quality and comfort in the Rushaga Area of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest,
It is the only up-market Lodge in the Rushaga Area. It has an excellent track record with our clients who have stayed here since its opening. The Deluxe Cottages are charming, with a fireplace and a relaxing sitting area after trekking.
There is a Family Cottage here that sleeps four and can be used by any group of 4; and has two bedrooms and a joined sitting area where you relax after trekking.
It is a 20-minute drive to the Habituation trailhead in Rushaga from here.
This upmarket Lodge has become the Lodge of Choice for many due to the short distance to the trailhead.
Activities for this day that can be included:
- Forest Walk with the Batwa: Spend time with the Batwa seeing the forest through the eyes of its first people.
- Guided Village Walk: Meet Ugandans on a village walk where you learn how ordinary Ugandans live.
- Nature Walk: Take a guided nature, birding walk.
- Relax with a good book: Read a book about Uganda.
Day 2 – Gorilla Habituation Experience
Early Breakfast and take your packed lunch from the Lodge. For Gorilla Trekking Gear. Having the right gear and wearing the right clothes and boots make a difference in the quality of a Gorilla Habituation Experience.
Gorilla Wear and Gear needed.
Here is practical advice about what to wear while on the Gorilla Habituation Experience
- Daypack: Preferably a waterproof daypack, you can use it as a carry-on flying to Uganda. Pack all essentials inside of the daypack.
- Hiking Boots: Make sure that they have good treads on them. You will need ankle support, something boots give you and give you reactions on muddy trails. Have a good pair of merino wool socks.
- Long Trouser: They will protect you from nettles and thorns. Tuck the trousers into your socks for added protection from ants.
- Long-Sleeved Shirt: Neutral in color. Again, this is for your comfort and protection.
- Rain Jacket or Poncho: Pack into your daypack. You never know when it will train. You are in an Afro-montane Rainforest.
- Tough Gardening Gloves: This is to protect your hands from thorns, nettles, and sharp branches.
- Wide Brimmed Hat: It gives you protection from the Sun.
- Camera Equipment – Binoculars: Ensure extra batteries and storage devices. Put them into Ziploc bags. Binoculars are not needed if you are not a birder.
- Packed Lunch and Bottled Water: You will need your packed lunch from the Lodge and two liters of Bottled Water. We supply the Water.
- Insect Repellent – Sun Lotion – Sunglasses: We recommend the effective Australian RID Insect Repellent. Good Sun blocker cream and sunglasses.
- You will need a Porter and Walking Stick: The services of a porter free you on the often-difficult trail, and a local walking stick helps you and steadies you on the often-challenging path. We supply our clients with both.
Read more about Gorilla Gear and Wear here.
Gorilla Habituation Experience Orientation:
Meet the researchers, trackers, and guides and head for the location of your gorilla family group being habituated and your four hours in their presence and learning their ways.
You will receive instructions on how to behave and act in the presence of the gentle giants. For detailed Gorilla Guidelines – read more here.
The Habituation Experience Trek – more time with the Gentle Giants
With the trek in and out plus the 4-hour Gorilla Habituation Experience, this becomes an all-day trek. The advantage is that you see the Gorillas with only 4 participants, but you learn about the Gorilla’s habits and ways from the Gorillas and the Researchers.
Besides, you are a participant in the habituation process and not just an observer on the Gorilla Trek.
Being in the presence of a gorilla family is like being in someone’s house, and you observe their habits and ways. For many, it is the icing on the cake of their Safari in Uganda.
Physical Fitness for the Gorilla Habituation: You must be moderately fit for this trek. There are ridges and valleys, and that can wear one out.
Please return to the trailhead, and it is back to the Lodge.
This gives you all you need to know about the Gorilla Habituation Experience, including what to wear and bring while on your trek.
Note: The Gorilla Habituation Experience has few permits. Availability must be established well in advance – a range of dates should be given to work for us to secure the permits for you. A Private Trek just for you can be arranged with only you and a party with rangers.
Meal Plan: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Day 3 – Flight to Kibale Forest – Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary:
Breakfast, and we drive to Kisoro Airstrip for your AeroLink Flight to Kasese and then by road to Kibale Forest and your Lodge as the Gorilla – Chimpanzee Habituation Experience Safari continues, and your next Primate Adventure is in front of you. Flight time is a short 20 minutes but saves you seven hours of driving. Another driver greets you at the Kasese Airstrip and continues to Crater Lake Safari lodge.
Afternoon – Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary Hike. This is a guided 3-hour hike through a Jungle Swamp; much of it is on planks that act like a boardwalk above the swamp. Your experienced guide is from the local community that has maintained the Wetlands for many years, with thousands visiting each year.
During the Afternoon, you might spot Chimpanzees, Colobus Monkeys, also baboons. The area is well-known for birds, and the chief attraction is the Blue Turaco.
When it comes to Mammals, you can see otters, bush pigs, mongoose, and the rare Sitatunga Antelope, to name a few.
Meal Plan: Lunch – Dinner
Lodge: the Luxury Crater Lake Safari Lodge
Your Lodge at Kibale Forest – The Luxury Crater Lake Safari Lodge
Stay at the luxury Crater Lake Safari Lodge. Your Cottage will overlook the crater lake. There is a swimming pool, but you can also walk down to the lake dock, where there is a comfortable gazebo where you can take in your surroundings near Kibale Forest.
We use the Lodge due to its proximity to Kibale Forest and Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary. The Lodge has been featured in various international publications, including Vogue Magazine, as one of the best lodges in Uganda, and our past client would agree with that.
Enjoy the view from your most comfortable Cottage, the crater lake below you, the rolling hillsides in the distance, and green everywhere.
Day 4 – Chimpanzee Habituation Experience Kibale Forest
Habituation teaches the Chimpanzees to allow humans in their presence. A chimp community can number over one hundred members. Chimpanzees live in a relational social structure, and the alpha males defend against other chimpanzees trying to move into the territory.
Females are part of smaller family groups and nurture the young. Before you see the chimpanzees, you will hear their hooting calls in the distance. Soon, you come upon them and spend one hour observing their ways and habits.
Usually, you might see 4 to 6 primates, many birds, the butterflies and mammals found here, and of course, the forest with its unique vegetation. You will see much more than on a trek on the all-day habituation. You must wear suitable clothing and shoes and have at least two liters of Water, plus a packed lunch.
Nocturnal Forest Walk:
The Kibale Rainforest Jungle looks pretty different at night from what you experienced during the daytime when you were on your chimpanzee trek. When the night takes over, the creatures of the night come out. You will see pottos, bushbabies, hear the cry of the Hyrax, and the hoots of owls.
There are pangolins in the forest, but you rarely see them. The night is illuminated with powerful flashlights allowing you to break through the darkness.
Experienced and knowledgeable Rangers guide you on the nocturnal walk that is a one-of-a-kind experience in East Africa. An experience that most find a memorable addition to their habituation safari.
Meal Plan: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Day 5–Fly to Entebbe for your flight out:
Breakfast
The Gorilla – Chimpanzee Habituation Experience Safari ends – Your Departure depends on your flight time out of Entebbe. You can fly to Entebbe Airport with AeroLink Airline – on the morning or afternoon flight and eliminate the four and half hour drive to Entebbe.
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