4-hours with the Gorillas –4-Hours with the Chimpanzees plus Wildlife
One-of-a-Kind – 8-Days in Africa on this Luxury Gorilla-Chimpanzee Habituation Experience-Wildlife Safari
This Private 8-Day Luxury Gorilla-Chimpanzee Habituation Experience-Wildlife Safari starts in Kigali. It offers an extraordinary opportunity to have up-close encounters with the incredible Gentle Giants, taking Gorilla experiences to the next level.
Immerse yourself in the abundant Wildlife and primates while enjoying luxurious accommodations in Uganda’s finest lodges. Explore three remarkable parks: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Queen Elizabeth Park, and Kibale Forest.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is renowned for hosting the largest population of Mountain Gorillas, providing a unique chance to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Kibale Forest, the premier Chimpanzee Park in East Africa, offers an exceptional opportunity to observe and learn about these fascinating primates. Additionally, Queen Elizabeth Park boasts extraordinary attractions such as Climbing Lions and a thriving Elephant Population.
This exclusive Luxury Safari focuses on the Gorilla Habituation Experience, allowing you to spend an extended period with the Gorillas. If the 4-Hour Gorilla Habituation Experience is unavailable, the Safari can be modified to include Gorilla Trekking instead.
Enjoy this unforgettable journey surrounded by luxury and immersed in the wonders of Gorillas, Chimpanzees, and diverse Wildlife. Experience the thrill of encountering these magnificent creatures up close, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
8-Day-Luxury-Gorilla-Chimpanzee Habituation Experience-Wildlife Safari Highlights:
- Gorilla Habituation Experience: Four Hours with a Gorilla Family – All-Day Trek with Only Four Participants.
- Tree Climbing Lions: See the lions sleep away the day in trees in Ishasha in Queen Elizabeth Park.
- Wildlife Game Drives: In Queen Elizabeth Park.
- Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise: Wildlife – Birds – Reptiles in Queen Elizabeth Park.
- Scenic Explosion Crater Drive: Featured in National Geographic.
- Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary: Explore a Jungle Swamp on this hike.
- Chimpanzee Habituation Experience: Six-hour trek in Kibale Forest.
- Safari Begins In Kigali: Start in Kigali and end the Safari in Entebbe.
What is a Luxury Safari like with Kabiza Wilderness Safaris?
A Luxury Safari with Kabiza Wilderness Safaris is designed to provide a worry-free Hakuna Matata experience. We take care of every detail, ensuring you can relax and fully immerse yourself in the wonders of Africa. It’s a Hakuna Matata+ safari, where you can truly let go of worries and indulge in the ultimate luxury of the wilderness.
A Luxury Safari with Kabiza Wilderness Safaris is an exceptional and unforgettable experience. It is designed to provide you with a level of comfort, exclusivity, and personalized service that surpasses typical safaris.
A Luxury Safari with Kabiza Wilderness Safaris is designed to provide a worry-free experience. We take care of every detail, ensuring you can relax and fully immerse yourself in the wonders of Africa. It’s a Hakuna Matata+ safari, where you can truly let go of worries and indulge in the ultimate luxury of the wilderness.
8-Day-Luxury-Gorilla-Chimpanzee Habituation Experience-Wildlife Safari in Detail:
Arrival Day in Kigali, Rwanda:
Upon your arrival in Kigali, Rwanda, we will warmly welcome you and ensure a smooth start to your journey. We can arrange comfortable accommodations and delicious meals at renowned luxury hotels such as Serena, Marriott, Raddison, or the iconic Mille des Collines (Hotel Rwanda).
Another exceptional option is The exclusive Retreat Hotel, a haven of tranquility with a complete spa treatment facility. This hotel is operated by an American couple from San Francisco who owns the Heaven Hotel, offering a unique and personalized experience.
If time allows, we can organize a Kigali city tour that includes a visit to the Genocide Memorial. This tour provides essential historical and cultural insights, enabling you to understand Rwanda’s past and present better.
Rest assured that we will be there to ensure your comfort and provide you with a memorable stay in Kigali, Rwanda. Your arrival day sets the stage for an incredible journey ahead.
Meal Plan: Depending on your arrival time
Day 1 – Drive to Rushaga – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda:
Your 8-Day Luxury Gorilla-Chimpanzee Habituation Experience-Wildlife Safari commences with a departure from your Kigali hotel heading towards Rushaga.
The journey to Rushaga typically takes around 4 hours, depending on the time spent at the border crossing. To enter Uganda, a visa fee of 50 USD is required. Alternatively, you can obtain an East African Visa online through the Rwanda Migration website, which allows entry into multiple East African countries.
Please ensure you have a valid Yellow Fever Card, which may be required for entry. Additionally, don’t forget to adjust your watch one hour ahead to match East African Time.
As you embark on the drive, you will be treated to breathtaking scenery as you traverse the Land of a Thousand Hills—Marvel at the terraced hillsides, vibrant tea plantations, and picturesque villages dot the landscape.
The border crossing usually takes about 45 minutes, after which you will find yourself in Uganda en route to the ancient Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. As you journey through the Gorilla Highlands, you’ll pass by the scenic Lake Mutanda, immersing yourself in the region’s natural beauty. Finally, you will arrive in the Nkuringo-Rushaga Area of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, ready to begin your extraordinary wildlife adventure.
The road to Rushaga offers a captivating introduction to the wonders that await you in Uganda, setting the stage for an incredible safari experience.
Check into the Lodge you have chosen:
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge:
Welcome to the exquisite Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, where you can experience ultimate luxury atop the world.
Four Gorillas Lodge
Indulge in the luxurious experience of Four Gorillas Lodge, an affordable yet opulent accommodation option for your Gorilla Trek or Gorilla Habituation Experience in the Rushaga area of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Set against the ancient Bwindi Impenetrable Forest backdrop, this Lodge offers breathtaking views and unrivaled proximity to nature. From your cottage balcony, savor your morning cup of Ugandan coffee or enjoy a sundowner while observing primates, birds, and Wildlife in their natural habitat.
The recently established Four Gorillas Lodge in Rushaga is a welcome addition to the upmarket scene. It provides trekkers a sense of seclusion, nestled alongside the captivating Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The main lodge area, the restaurant and bar, and the cottages offer picturesque views of the lush rainforest.
The Lodge beautifully blends modernity with traditional architecture and décor, creating a comfortable ambiance infused with understated elegance. The proximity to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest ensures that you are constantly immersed in its serene atmosphere.
Staying at Four Gorillas Lodge allows you to fully immerse yourself in the African experience. From the warm Ugandan welcome and exceptional hospitality to the Lodge’s captivating African decor and style, every aspect reflects the essence of Africa. Even the meals served here have an authentic African twist, incorporating fresh produce from local gardens and flavorful spices.
Prepare to embark on an African immersion like no other, where luxury meets affordability at Four Gorillas Lodge. Let the magic of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest envelop you as you create unforgettable memories in this remarkable destination.
Sed. Read more here.
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 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. Find some here.
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 are 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 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 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 two liters from the Lodge. 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 tickets 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- Queen Elizabeth Park-Ishasha Region:
After Breakfast, we drive to Queen Elizabeth Park, the Ishasha Region of the park, where we check into the Lodge you have chosen. There is only one luxury Lodge in this more remote portion of Queen Elizabeth Park. Drive time is five hours, meaning we leave at 7 a.m. for Ishasha from South Bwindi Forest. The drive, however, is one of the most scenic ones in Uganda.
Check into Ishasha Wilderness Camp
Immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of the African wilderness at Ishasha Wilderness Camp, located in the unexplored Ishasha region of Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda.
Nestled alongside the Ntungwe River, this camp offers an exclusive experience in the heart of the African bush. Stay in luxurious ensuite tented cottages to unwind and rejuvenate in comfort.
At Ishasha Wilderness Camp, you can enjoy unique encounters with Wildlife. Indulge in a remarkable lunch experience amidst elephants and hippos, and immerse yourself in the symphony of the African night as you listen to its captivating sounds.
The camp takes pride in its restaurant-style meals and attentive service, ensuring your dining experience is delightful. With the camp’s prime location, you’ll be near one of Africa’s best spots for observing Climbing Lions—an extraordinary sight many tourists overlook in Queen Elizabeth Park.
Above all, Ishasha Wilderness Camp is a sanctuary nestled in the wilderness. It offers a genuine connection to nature and the untouched beauty of the African landscape. Prepare to be enchanted by the tranquility and serenity of this exceptional setting.
Afternoon Game Drive:
Embark on an exhilarating afternoon game drive as we venture into the wilderness in search of the renowned tree-climbing lions known to spend up to 15 hours daily dozing in the fig trees. Although these majestic creatures have recently shifted their territory more, plunging into the park, encountering them remains one of the most promising opportunities in East Africa.
With approximately 50 tree-climbing lions in this area, the chances of a sighting are notably high. As we explore the terrain, be prepared to witness not only these magnificent felines but also the presence of leopards and a thriving population of elephants, which has seen significant growth.
The elephants you encounter during the game drive will encompass Savannah and Forest Elephants. Distinguishing between the two may be challenging, as their physical characteristics are similar. However, the Forest Elephants are typically hairier, possess straighter and shorter tusks, exhibit a slightly smaller size, and have one less toe on each foot.
In addition to the elephants, your eyes will feast upon the sight of large herds of buffalo, graceful Topi antelopes, and elegant Uganda Kob antelopes. The diverse array of Wildlife will capture your imagination and create lasting memories.
Prepare for an awe-inspiring journey through the wilderness as we seek out these incredible creatures and immerse ourselves in the wonders of nature. Your afternoon game drive promises a captivating encounter with some of East Africa’s most iconic and cherished wildlife species.
Optional Traditional Safari Sundowner:
The traditional Safari Sundowner goes back to Colonial Times when the British Colonials would get together for Gin and tonic Water, which had a heavy dose of quinine to prevent Malaria. Today, the sundowner drink is not limited to Gin and tonic; a glass of wine will do.
Ishasha Wilderness Camp offers the Traditional Sundowner in the bush snacks around sundown. It is the most enjoyable experience and worth the extra money it costs. Read more here.
Meal Plan: Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Day – 4 – Queen Elizabeth Park – Mweya Area:
Drive to the Mweya Area of Queen Elizabeth Park:
This morning we drive to the northern area of Queen Elizabeth Park, where we check in at Kyambura Gorge overlooking that Gash in the Savannah, with an underground forest below it, the Kyambura Gorge, the lost Valley as BBC called it, some refer to it as the Valley of the Apes. The drive through the park is quite scenic, and you will spot a lot of Wildlife along the way.
Kyambura Gorge Lodge:
Nestled in the vicinity of the Kyambura Gorge, a magnificent rift in the sprawling Savannah of Queen Elizabeth Park, lies this elegant Lodge—a transformed old coffee shop that has been reborn as an exclusive luxury retreat.
Today, it is one of Uganda’s most exceptional lodges, exuding a rustic charm that adds to its allure. The accommodation options, known as “Exquisite Bandas,” offer a choice between standard and deluxe cabins, ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay.
At the heart of the Lodge, a refreshing swimming pool awaits, inviting you to relax and relish a drink while swapping tales of the day’s thrilling safari adventures with fellow guests. The Lodge’s impeccable service is renowned, and the exceptional meals served here are a testament to its commitment to excellence.
Kyambura Gorge Lodge goes beyond providing an extraordinary stay—it offers unique opportunities for cultural immersion and conservation engagement. Guests can visit a women’s self-help coffee-growing and processing community, witnessing firsthand the inspiring efforts of these resilient individuals. Additionally, you can explore a forest restoration project to support the chimpanzee population in the Kyambura Gorge, contributing to preserving this remarkable species.
Prepare to be enchanted by the Kyambura Gorge Lodge, where luxury meets rustic charm in an idyllic setting. Immerse yourself in exceptional service, indulge in delectable cuisine, and engage in meaningful experiences that impact you and the local community.
Afternoon Game Drive:
Take a game drive on one of the game tracks in the Mweya area of Queen Elizabeth Park. An Uganda Wildlife Authority Ranger will join you for guidance and security. You will not miss many animals with the ranger and your knowledgeable driver guide pointing to various animals.
Queen Elizabeth Park is one of the rare parks in Africa where the elephant population thrives.
There are also large buffalo herds to be seen here. You will see a multitude of antelopes, lions, leopards, hyenas, smaller cats, and more.
The game drive is about three hours long, and afterward, we return to the Lodge, where you can have leisure time around the swimming pool.
Meal Plan: Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Day 5 – Queen Elizabeth Park:
Lion Tracking Research Experience:
Embark on an extraordinary adventure with the Lion Tracking Research, where you will join researchers from the Uganda Carnivore Project to track collared lions and leopards in this captivating park section.
This unique opportunity goes beyond mere wildlife sightings. As you accompany the researchers, you will gain invaluable knowledge about the behavior and ways of lions in their natural habitat. It’s a fascinating learning experience that offers more profound insights into these majestic creatures.
The lion tracking research begins at the break of dawn, immersing you in the magic of the early morning hours. Before or after this exhilarating expedition, you can enjoy a delicious breakfast to fuel your energy and enhance your overall experience.
Prepare for an unforgettable journey as you venture into the wild, contributing to the critical research efforts to understand and conserve these iconic carnivores. The Lion Tracking Research promises adventure, education, and a profound connection with the natural world.
Alternate Choice: Kyambura Gorge Trek
Venture into the Kyambura Gorge along the River of the Blind and see a chimpanzee, other primates, and small mammals such as antelopes while exploring the lost Valley, as BBC called it.
Kazinga Channel Wildlife Boat Cruise:
Go on a memorable adventure during the Afternoon as you set sail on the two-hour Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise—a true highlight of your time in Queen Elizabeth Park. This captivating wildlife excursion commences at the Mweya Landing site, and for a personalized experience, a private boat cruise can be arranged upon your request.
The Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway linking Lake George and Lake Edward, is the backdrop for this remarkable journey. Prepare to be enthralled as the boat cruise traverses the stretch teeming with abundant Wildlife, birds, and reptiles.
As you navigate the channel, you’ll encounter the largest concentration of hippos in East Africa, immersing yourself in their captivating presence. The Kazinga Channel is also a haven for hundreds of bird species, delighting bird enthusiasts with their vibrant plumage and melodious calls. Keep your eyes peeled for herds of elephants and buffalo, graceful antelopes, intriguing crocodiles, and the fascinating monitor lizards that call this place home.
Along the banks of the Kazinga Channel, you’ll catch glimpses of charming fishing villages, offering a glimpse into the local way of life. This boat cruise presents a splendid opportunity for photographers to capture stunning images, including the iconic open-mouthed hippo picture that will leave a lasting impression.
Prepare for an adventure brimming with wildlife encounters, scenic vistas, and cultural insights as you embark on the Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise. It’s an experience that promises to be etched in your memory, especially for photography enthusiasts seeking to capture the essence of this captivating destination.
Meal Plan: Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Day 6 – Kibale Forest:
Explosion Crater Drive:
In the early morning, we take one of the most scenic drives – the 27-kilometer Explosion Crater Drive – this is the highest point in the park, where you have some incredible viewpoints of the Western Rift Escarpment, the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon plus the craters themselves which were featured in National Geographic a few years past.
Afterward, we continue to Kibale Forest, where we check into Crater Lake Safari Lodge.
Crater Lake Safari Lodge:
Indulge in the Crater Lake Safari, designed to blend affordability, enhanced comfort, exceptional service, and delightful meals from luxurious lodges.
Immerse yourself in relaxation and rejuvenation as you take advantage of the amenities available, including a refreshing swimming pool to enjoy at your leisure and the option for a soothing massage to enhance your overall well-being.
Renowned for its excellence, the lodge has garnered international recognition and is featured in esteemed publications such as Vogue Magazine as one of the finest accommodations in Uganda. Rest assured that you will be treated to a memorable and top-tier experience.
From the comfort of your Cottage, take in the breathtaking views surrounding you. Marvel at the serene beauty of the crater lake below, the rolling hillsides stretching into the distance, and the lush greenery that envelops the surroundings. Additionally, the lodge’s strategic location is within a mere 20-minute drive from the enchanting Kibale Forest and the captivating Bigodi Wetlands, allowing you to explore these remarkable natural wonders easily.
We offer the Lakeside Cottages for your accommodation, ensuring a tranquil and picturesque setting that perfectly complements your preferences.
Prepare to embark on an unforgettable Crater Lake Safari, where affordability meets elevated comfort, exceptional service, and a setting that will leave you spellbound. Your experience promises to be a harmonious blend of relaxation, natural beauty, and the opportunity to explore the wonders that Uganda has to offer.
Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary:
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 it.
Your experienced guide is from the local community that has maintained the Wetlands for many years, with thousands visiting each year.
You might spot Chimpanzees, Colobus Monkeys, and baboons during the Afternoon. The area is well-known for birds, and the Blue Turaco is the chief attraction.
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
Day 7 – Chimpanzee Habituation Experience:
Early Breakfast, and you are off to meet with your Ranger-Guide, who will take you into Kibale Forest, where a Chimpanzee Group is being habituated, a process that takes up to two years. Habituation teaches the Chimpanzees to allow humans in their presence.
A chimp community can number over 100 members. Chimpanzees live in a relational social structure. 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 with them, observing their ways and habits.
Typically, you might see 4 to 6 primates here, many birds, butterflies, and mammals found here, and the forest with its unique vegetation. You will see a lot more on all-day Habituation than on a trek.
You must wear the proper clothing and shoes and have at least 2 liters of Water and a packed lunch.
Meal Plan: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Day 8 – Entebbe:
Your 8-Day-Luxury-Gorilla-Chimpanzee Habituation Experience-Wildlife Safari comes to an end. We drive to Entebbe, which is a four-hour-plus drive. We can arrange a dayroom if your flight departs during the evening house, and we can further place a room for an overnight stay should your departure be the next day.
What is included in this 8-Day-Luxury-Gorilla-Chimpanzee Habituation Experience-Wildlife Safari?
- Experienced Ugandan Driver-Guide: A Safari becomes more enjoyable with a knowledgeable and professional Local Driver-Guide.
- Greet and Meet at Airport upon arrival: We provide meet and greet services, including a welcome gift and Safari Informational Packet.
- Full-Board Lodging: All meals are included except alcoholic drinks, sodas, and snacks that you might order apart from meals. Some luxury Lodges have non-premium alcoholic beverages and sodas.
- Private 4×4 Land Cruiser Safari Vehicle with Pop-Up Roof: The vehicle has a car fridge, WiFi, and bottled Water.
- Permits: Habituation Experience Permits are included in your Safari. We also provide porter services, a walking stick for support, and bottled Water. Read our Practical Gorilla Trekking Advice:
- WiFi Internet Access: Most Lodges only provide a WiFi Internet Connection in the main Lodge. We offer you a MiFi Router that gives you and your party access to the internet in your Cottage or room, depending on nearby transmission towers. Read Staying in Touch with Home.
- Spanish, French, Italian, German, Russian, Mandarin, Arabic Speaking Driver-Guides: At an extra cost.
- Your Dietary Needs can be met: Notify us if you are a vegan, vegetarian, or need a gluten-free diet. Halala dietary requirements can be completed in most instances. Strictly kosher nutritional requirements cannot be met on Safari. a.
- AMREF-Flying Doctors Air-Medivac Insurance coverage: Our clients have covered a rare need for medical evacuation to a hospital that meets international standards.
I have not included Visas, Travel Insurance, Laundry, Tips, drinks at lodges such as Alcoholic drinks and sodas, and optional listed activities.
For over a Decade since 2008, we have offered Hakuna Matata – No-Worries Safaris:
Kabiza Wilderness Safaris has been operating for over 15 years, earning a well-deserved reputation for excellence, professionalism, and genuine care for our guests’ experience and well-being. They are a company you can trust with your Uganda adventure.
In summary, my friend, choosing Kabiza Wilderness Safaris for your Uganda trip would ensure a truly memorable and authentic African experience. Their remote bush camps, expert guidance, sustainability commitment, and trusted reputation set them apart from other operators. I’m sure their personalized service would exceed your highest expectations!
Please Note: This luxury safari can be done as a midrange safari.
For other Gorilla Habituation Experience Safaris – read more here.
Read more about other Luxury Gorilla Safaris.