Mountain gorilla, Bwindi, Uganda

Uganda – Gorilla Habituation Experience

  • TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAY IDEA

Duration

4 Days

Prices Start from

£4,370pp(ex. flights)

This unique gorilla habituation experience, in Uganda, offers a fantastic opportunity to spend up to four hours amongst these remarkable primates. Rather than an all-to-brief hour in their company, observe and photograph them at a gentler pace.

Key Highlights of this Itinerary

Family of mountain gorillas with a baby gorilla and a silverback, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda 1

Gorilla Trek

Spend up to four hours amongst a family of wild mountain gorillas

Mountain Gorilla, Bwindi, Uganda 2

Photography

Have enough time to capture the perfect photograph of these beautiful primates.

Gorilla Tracking Briefing, Bwindi, Uganda 3

Habituation

Take part in the valuable task of habituating gorillas to the presence of humans.

Double Room,Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Bwindi Forest, Uganda 4

Clouds Lodge

Stay at the stunning Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, positioned on a high ridge.

Why we like it

Unlike a normal gorilla trek, this experience offers something far more immersive, complex and powerful. The unrushed nature of the habituation trek allows for a far more relaxed appreciation of the everyday gorilla-family scenes, but it also presents photographers with the time they need to capture the perfect shot. Expect the gorillas to be slightly less comfortable around humans than on a normal trek, but this is part of the nature of a habituation trek – making for a wilder experience as well.

Explore our suggested itinerary

Uganda on your wishlist? Talk to our experts about tailoring this trip for you.

  • Day 1

    Entebbe

  • Day 2

    Entebbe - Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

  • Day 3

    Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

  • Day 4

    Bwindi Impenetrable National Park - Entebbe

Day 1

Entebbe

Day 2

Entebbe - Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Double Room,Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Bwindi Forest, Uganda

Clouds Lodge

Stay at the stunning Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, positioned on a high ridge.

Day 3

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Gorilla family in wild, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

Gorilla Habituation Trek

Spend up to four hours amongst a family of wild mountain gorillas

Day 4

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park - Entebbe

Our travel experts can tailor this itinerary to suit you.

More Details

Jungle Trek, Bwindi Forest, Uganda
Uganda

Trek into the Forest

There are just two gorilla families that are currently being habituated, in the dense foliage of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. During this process, they can only be visited by researchers and those joining one of these habituation treks.

Trek deep into the trees, led by highly trained trackers and guides. Pick up the trail of clues that they have left behind as they roam through the forest. The search really begins when you find the nest from the night before and, given your early start, the gorillas are usually found soon after this.

Gorilla scratching its head, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable National Par, Uganda

Get Close to the Family

After a challenging trek through this green wilderness, eventually reach the family’s location. Approach cautiously, getting close to these powerful yet intelligent creatures. Using non-threatening body language and the knowledge of the guides, put the dominant silverback at ease and allow him to assert his dominance.

Stay amongst the company of the gorilla family, watching as they slowly relax to the presence of humans. Still not fully habituated, it is only through this time-intensive approach that they will eventually become fully comfortable in the company of humans.

Gorilla Hand Close Up, Bwindi Forest, Uganda
Uganda

Have Time to Immerse Yourself

With up to four hours to watch and listen to the gorillas as they eat, play and groom one another, this is a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in their world. And for photographers, it presents the opportunity to take time to capture the perfect shot.

Watch the intricacies of the social hierarchy unfold, see surprisingly human patterns of behaviour develop and observe the unending consumption of plant matter that is necessary to sustain these powerful creatures.

Accommodation

Below you can see some of the wonderful places we have recommended for this journey.

Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge £££££

  • Uganda
  • Safari and Wildlife Lodge

Aptly named, this sturdy stone lodge sits in a commanding position, high up on the Nteko Ridge in the quieter Nkuringo region of Bwindi. Eight cottages with enormous beds and a separate sitting room are warmed by an open fire, carefully lit each night by a private butler. The imposing main stone building, built from local volcanic rock, stands guard against the mists but has a soft centre – wood-burning stoves, timber beams, overstuffed armchairs make the lounge welcoming, and the walls are adorned with huge canvases from local Ugandan artists.

View Property

A note on price

Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.

This Itinerary
Price
From £4,370 Per person

When to travel

Uganda in January

From December until the end of February the weather is typically drier, although showers are still very possible. This is the hottest time of year and can feel very tropical. However, the altitude means that temperatures remain manageable and still drop quickly at night.

Uganda in February

From December until the end of February the weather is typically drier, although showers are still very possible. This is the hottest time of year and can feel very tropical. However, the altitude means that temperatures remain manageable and still drop quickly at night.

Uganda in March

The long rains begin in March and last until May. During this time, road travel can be a challenge and delays are frequent. However, gorilla trekking continues unaffected, although you should expect to get wet and muddy.

Uganda in April

The long rains begin in March and last until May. During this time, road travel can be a challenge and delays are frequent. However, gorilla trekking continues unaffected, although you should expect to get wet and muddy.

Uganda in May

The long rains begin in March and last until May. During this time, road travel can be a challenge and delays are frequent. However, gorilla trekking continues unaffected, although you should expect to get wet and muddy.

Uganda in June

The coolest and driest time of year is between June and early September. This is one of the most popular times to visit, although both mornings and evenings can be very chilly at higher altitudes.

Uganda in July

The coolest and driest time of year is between June and early September. This is one of the most popular times to visit, although both mornings and evenings can be very chilly at higher altitudes.

Uganda in August

The coolest and driest time of year is between June and early September. This is one of the most popular times to visit, although both mornings and evenings can be very chilly at higher altitudes.

Uganda in September

The short rains arrive in late September and continue until November. However, travel is still possible and the overcast skies can make for some fantastic photographs.

Uganda in October

The short rains arrive in late September and continue until November. However, travel is still possible and the overcast skies can make for some fantastic photographs.

Uganda in November

The short rains arrive in late September and continue until November. However, travel is still possible and the overcast skies can make for some fantastic photographs.

Uganda in December

From December until the end of February the weather is typically drier, although showers are still very possible. This is the hottest time of year and can feel very tropical. However, the altitude means that temperatures remain manageable and still drop quickly at night.

Holiday Inspiration

Our experts have created and curated these tailor-made holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something that is the spark for your unique adventure.

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