At the moment there is only one country in the entire world where one can do Gorilla and chimp habituation experience from Kigali. This country is Uganda in the Eastern part of Africa bordered by Kenya in the East, Tanzania in the south, Rwanda and DRC in the west. Gorilla habituation experience allows tourists to spend more time with mountain gorillas in Bwindi impenetrable National Park. Gorilla habituation experience trek can go up to four hours with mountain gorillas still under habituation. This experience takes place in the southern part of Bwindi impenetrable National park (Rushaga and Nkuringo).

Chimpanzee habituation experience takes place in Kibale National Park, in western Uganda and home to over 1500 chimpanzees. Kibale forest has been labelled the primate Capital of Africa and the best national park to trek habituated chimpanzees in the wild. Chimpanzee habituation experience safaris are half-day and give you an experience of a lifetime.

About Gorilla and chimp habituation experience

Gorilla and chimp habituation treks from Kigali are meant for primate lovers and those who prefer spending more time with this primates in one or two days. Instead of booking normal gorilla and chimpanzee permits that give you one hour per day for Gorilla and chimps in Uganda, it’s now better to book gorilla and chimp habituation permits which will provide you with 4 hours with gorillas and half day with chimps in Kibale National Park. A gorilla habituation experience day starts very early at 06:30am when after the briefing, you will proceed to the forest with a group of guides, rangers and experts in habituation mountain gorillas, you will try as much as possible to follow mountain gorillas under habituation. On your way, you will be taught about their behaviour, and you will be involved in activities such as making calls, naming, collecting specimens among others, you will also enjoy informative talks of those in charge of gorilla habituation experience and after that return to the park headquarters for your certificate of recognition.

Chimpanzee habituation experience in Kibale happens either in the morning or afternoon. It’s a half-day experience in search of chimpanzees, still under habituation experience in Kibale National Park. If you book gorilla and chimpanzee habituation experience from Kigali, be prepared to long treks as these primates move more, especially when they feel the presence of human beings. Contact us for more details about booking this.

5 Day Gorilla and chimpanzee habituation experience safari from Kigali

Our featured safari is 5 Gorilla and chimp habituation safaris starting and ending in Kigali Rwanda. This 5 Days Gorilla and chimpanzee habituation experience safari from Rwanda combines a visit to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in south-western Uganda and Kibale National Park in western Uganda. You will visit the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Rushaga and or Nkuringo) for gorilla habituation experience and then drive to Kibale National Park for your half-day chimpanzee habituation experience.

Accommodation for Gorilla and chimp habituation experience

Encounter Africa safaris work closely with Budget and luxury Lodges in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Depending on your budget, we will book you in either Luxury or budget Lodges. Mid Range or Deluxe Lodges also exist in this area. Our recommended Budget Lodge is Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Mid Range is Rushaga Camp, and then High end is Nkuringo mountain gorilla Lodge.

Encounter Africa safaris also works closely with both Budget and Luxury Lodges in Kibale National Park. For budget, you will stay in Chimpanzee forest guest house or Rwenzori View Guest House. Mid-range accommodation included Kibale Forest Camp while Luxury Lodges include Ndali Lodge and Kyaninga Lodge.

All the lodges mentioned above are well located for gorilla and chimpanzee habituation experience from Kigali. All of them have private bathrooms, WIFI and offer meals and accommodation on a full board basis. For referral, these lodges are highly recommended on Trip advisor.

Transport for Gorilla and chimp habituation experience from Kigali to Bwindi and Kibale

Encounter Africa safaris own a fleet of 4×4 Customised Safari Vans and 4×4 Luxury Land Cruisers for your transport to Bwindi impenetrable National Park and Kibale Forest National Park. All our safari vehicles are fully serviced and maintained. They are driven by well experienced and professional driver-guide. Our guides have been leading safaris in Uganda and Rwanda and have expert knowledge in as far as Uganda and Rwanda are concerned. Our vehicles are very comfortable and designed for the rough terrain of Africa roads. We include drinking water in the vehicle to enable you to hydrate while on transit.

Included in Gorilla and chimpanzee habituation experience from Kigali to Bwindi and Kibale

All our gorilla and chimpanzee habituation experience safaris from Kigali include gorilla and chimpanzee habituation permits for Bwindi impenetrable National Park and Kibale Forest National Park. It also includes accommodation and meals. (Budget, Mid Range and Luxury Lodges available). Transport in 4×4 Vehicles with fuel and services of English speaking local driver-guide. All park entry fees are included and no hidden costs.

Excluded in our Gorilla and chimp experience tours

Encounter Africa safaris Gorilla, and chimp habituation experience from Kigali to Bwindi and Kibale excludes costs such as international airfares, tips to guides and waiters, alcoholic drinks and all expenses of a personal nature. As a company, Encounter Africa safaris will provide guidelines on how to go about these excluded services.

How to book mountain Gorilla and chimpanzee habituation safaris

Booking your gorilla and chimpanzee habituation holiday from Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Kibale National Park has been made easy by contacting Encounter Africa safaris. Once contacted, we will take care of both gorilla and chimpanzee habituation experience permits, accommodation and your transport while in Rwanda and Uganda. We will check availability of all services from permits, lodges and vehicles, reserve, book and confirm them on your behalf. All clients that book with us enjoy our fast response to emails, information that they can rely on to prepare for their trek and excellent service when in Uganda and Rwanda. Our payment terms are very flexible, all we need as a down payment is gorilla and chimpanzee permits, and the rest can be paid at a later date closer to safari. We accept cash, credit card and wire transfer. Kindly contact us for more details about how to pay and confirm your gorilla and chimpanzee habituation experience safari from Kigali.

When to book Gorilla and chimpanzee experience holiday from Kigali to Bwindi and Kibale

Gorilla and chimpanzee habituation permits sell out quickly, yet they are a basis for all habituation safaris in Uganda. It is therefore advised to book your gorilla and chimp habituation experience from Kigali permits at least a year in advance. If this is not possible, please do it at least 3-5 months in advance. With this, we can reserve your permits and all services without pressure. Please note that Encounter Africa Safaris can and organizes last minute gorilla and chimpanzee habituation experience safaris from Kigali as long as permits and other services are available.

Best time for mountain gorilla and chimp experiences to Bwindi and Kibale

Both Uganda and Rwanda can be visited throughout the year from January to December. Preferred time for Gorilla and chimp habituation experience from Kigali usually in late June, July, August and early September. December, January and February are also preferred months to visit Bwindi impenetrable national park. March, April, May, October and November are low season months and attract low season or off-season discounts. Drier months are preferred, but because of Bwindi and Kibale being tropical rain forest, it can rain any date anytime. Whichever season you, chances of seeing gorillas and chimps are 90% as long as you have the right gear and being physically fit.

Why book primate habituation treks from Kigali Rwanda to Bwindi and Kibale

One reason people prefer to fly into Kigali and then drive to Bwindi impenetrable National Park and Kibale National Park is that it helps to avoid the long drive times from Entebbe to Bwindi. It is about 4-5 hours from Kigali to Bwindi, yet it takes 9-10 hours drive from Entebbe to Bwindi. This tour also helps you to visit two east African countries of Uganda and Rwanda, something that is not possible if you fly through Entebbe international Airport the official airport for Uganda.

Why book habituation trips with Encounter Africa safaris

Encounter Africa Safaris has for overtime established herself as one of the leading tour operators for Uganda and Rwanda. We have been around for over ten years, arranging affordable and well-planned experiences on behalf of our clients. We have a group of young, well trained and motivated staff who sit at our head office in Uganda and are always passionate about serving you. Our field guides are among the best you can get in Uganda with their vast knowledge in flora, fauna and history of these two countries. Encounter Africa Safaris is highly recommended on Trip advisor and safari bookings. You too can be part of our happy family by contacting Encounter Africa safaris.