We can gladly confirm that Encounter Africa safaris is now offering gorilla habituation experience safaris from Masaka town to Bwindi impenetrable National Park. Having done a lot of research on Masaka town, we decided to extend our services closer to the people of Masaka. Usually, all gorilla habituation experience treks start from Entebbe/Kampala and or Kigali in Rwanda. Gorilla habituation permits have to be booked from Kampala meaning that if one is in Masaka, he/she may be required to travel to Kampala to book his/her gorilla permits. With Encounter Africa gorilla habituation experience safaris from Masaka town, there is no hassle at all.

About Gorilla habituation experience safaris from Masaka town

Gorilla habituation experience is a new product by Uganda Wildlife Authority where one is allowed to spend up to four hours with mountain gorillas still under habituation. For those interested in spending more hours with mountain gorillas are encouraged to book gorilla habituation treks from Masaka town instead of the regular gorilla trekking which is just one hour. Compared to Kampala, Masaka is a bit closer to Bwindi impenetrable National Park. Still, since gorilla permits must be booked in Kampala, it sometimes inconveniences those staying in Masaka. Are you working for an NGO based in Masaka? Are you a volunteer doing some work around Masaka town? Don’t worry, just send us an email, and we will take charge of all reservations and bookings for your tour.

Usually, our gorilla habituation experience safaris from Kampala start early in the morning where our driver guide will pick you from your residence anywhere in Masaka; he will brief you on what to expect and then begin your drive down to Bwindi impenetrable National Park. This drive is known for spectacular scenes that may attract your attention, and if interested in stopovers for photography, this trip is then suited for you. Depending on the time you leave Masaka, you may stop in Mbarara or at Great Lakes Museum for a lunch break before proceeding to the southern part of Bwindi impenetrable National for dinner and overnight at your lodge.

On the second day, you will be transferred to Rushaga or Nkuringo park headquarters for briefing about the does and don’ts while with mountain gorillas in the forest. Gorilla habituation excursions normally start as early as 6:30am where you will be joined by experts in gorilla habituation to make them used to the presence of human beings, you will not only observe and take photographs, you will be allowed to participate in activities of habituating these wild mountain gorillas to get used to human beings. Such activities may include making calls, testing specimens, naming, and so much more. After your four hours with mountain gorillas, you will then walk back to the park headquarters where you will be awarded a certificate in recognition of your efforts towards conservation of the once-endangered great apes.

On the third day, you will drive back to Masaka from Bwindi impenetrable National Park with lunch stops in Mbarara. This will mark the end of your gorilla habituation safari from Masaka as designed by Encounter Africa safaris.

How to book gorilla habituation experience safaris from Masaka town.

Are you based in Masaka town but willing to travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for a four-hour gorilla trek, just send us an email or call us at Encounter Africa safaris and we will advise you accordingly. We usually would like to know the exact date when you intend to trek or spend four hours with mountain gorillas as this is a basis on which we use to book your gorilla habituation permits. As soon as we check and we find availability of permits, we will reserve them on UWA system and send you an invoice for you to make payment. Once payment is made, please send us proof of payment so that we go ahead to pay and secure your permits. Gorilla habituation permits can only be guaranteed only when paid for in cash at Uganda Wildlife Authority head offices. Encounter Africa safaris accepts cash payment at our office, credit card or electronic transfers on to our bank account. Once permits are secured, the next will be reserving and booking your accommodation as well as the transport to and from Masaka to Bwindi impenetrable National Park. Where you will stay and how you will reach there depends on your budget and interest. For those that have some money and can afford some luxury, then high-end lodges and luxury Land cruisers are recommended. Those travelling on a budget, your safari vans and budget Lodges are the best for you.

Things to know before you book your four-hour gorilla trek.

Before booking your gorilla habituation experience tour from Masaka town to Bwindi impenetrable National Park, you need to know that this takes place in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This, therefore, means that you need to avoid lodges in the east and northern part of the forest and instead book those in Rushaga and Nkuringo. The minimum age for gorilla habituation experience is 15, and anyone below that age will not be allowed. A family of gorillas under habituation can only be visited by a maximum group of 6 people daily. It is also advised to book your gorilla habituation permit in advance to avoid shortage.

What is included in the tour from Masaka to Bwindi

All our gorilla habituation experience safaris from Masaka town to Bwindi include a gorilla permit which allows you to spend four hours with mountain gorillas under habituation; this permit also includes services of a ranger guide, experts in gorilla habituation, security, taxes as well as park entry fees. The cost also includes accommodation on full board where all meals are included. You will be transported in a 4×4 Safari vehicle driven by experienced local driver guides. Fuel and drinking water is also included in the cost. Excluded in the price are all expenses of personal nature such as tips and drinks. For more information on what is included and excluded, do not hesitate to contact Encounter Africa safaris.

Why book with Encounter Africa safaris

Encounter Africa safaris has been operating gorilla tours in Uganda and Rwanda for quite some time. Because of this, our directors and staff have gained a lot of expertise in organizing successful gorilla habituation safaris. Encounter Africa safaris is owned and run by local Ugandans passionate about selling their country to the outside world. Because of this, Encounter Africa has over time grown to become number one in Entebbe on Trip advisor. For more details about Encounter Africa Safaris, please visit our trip advisor and Safari bookings account.