Overview:
Embark on a unique and immersive 3-day Gorilla Habituation Experience from Rwanda, designed for those who wish to delve deeply into the lives of mountain gorillas. This special safari allows for extended time with these majestic creatures, providing a rare opportunity to observe and participate in their daily routines. Starting and ending in Kigali, the itinerary includes a scenic drive to Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, known for its rich biodiversity and the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. With comfortable accommodations and full-board meals, this journey ensures both adventure and relaxation.

Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Upon your arrival in Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, you will be warmly greeted by your safari guide. After a brief orientation, you will embark on a scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda. The journey, which takes approximately 4-5 hours, offers a captivating view of Rwanda’s rolling hills, lush landscapes, and the picturesque Virunga Mountains. En route, you will stop for lunch at a local restaurant, savoring the flavors of Rwandan cuisine. As you cross the border into Uganda, the landscape transitions to the dense forests of Bwindi, known for its biodiversity and, most importantly, the endangered mountain gorillas. Upon arrival at your lodge, you will check in and have time to relax, surrounded by the serene beauty of the forest. Dinner will be served at the lodge, where you can enjoy a hearty meal and a peaceful night’s rest.
- Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge
- Driving Plan: Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (4-5 hours)
Day 2: Gorilla Habituation Experience
Today is the highlight of your trip—the Gorilla Habituation Experience. After an early breakfast at the lodge, you will be driven to the park headquarters for a briefing from the park rangers. You will then embark on a trek through the dense forest, guided by experienced trackers who use their knowledge to locate the gorillas. Once you find the gorilla family, you will spend an extraordinary four hours with them, observing their behaviors, interactions, and daily activities. This extended time allows you to gain deeper insights into their lives and contribute to the research and conservation efforts. After the habituation experience, you will trek back to the starting point, where your driver will be waiting to take you back to the lodge. Here, you can unwind, share your experiences, and enjoy a delicious dinner before retiring for the night.
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge
Day 3: Return to Kigali and Departure
On your final day, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the lodge before starting your journey back to Kigali. The drive back offers another opportunity to soak in the scenic landscapes of Uganda and Rwanda. You will stop for lunch along the way, experiencing the local hospitality and cuisine one last time. Upon arrival in Kigali, if time permits, you may take a brief city tour, visiting places like the Kigali Genocide Memorial to gain a deeper understanding of Rwanda’s history and resilience. Finally, you will be transferred to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your unforgettable gorilla habituation adventure.
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
- Driving Plan: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to Kigali (4-5 hours)
Inclusions:
- Park fees(For non-residents)
- Gorilla Habituation permits(One per person, non-resident)
- All activities(Unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation(Unless listed as upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation(Unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Meals(As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinking water(On all days)
Exclusions:
- International flights(From/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips(Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
- Personal items(Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees