Top things to do in Bwindi after gorilla habituation experience

Gorilla habituation is only done in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park between Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors and there are only 2 semi Habituated Mountain Gorilla groups open for this experience. This means there are only 8 permits available every day for gorilla habituation in Bwindi given the fact gorilla habituation is done in a group of 4 tourists and other researchers. Are you interested in spending much more time with the Mountain Gorillas, then booking a Gorilla Habituation Experience Safari is the right choice for you, this gives you an opportunity to visit the endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National park and spend more time with them while in the forest during the encounter once you find them on your trek. Gorilla habituation is one of the main tourist activities in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, however there are other various activities and top things you can do in Bwindi after your gorilla habituation day tour and these include;

Bwindi impenetrable National Park is one of the four national parks in the world where one can trek mountain gorillas. According to the recent mountain gorilla census, Bwndi impenetrable National park is said to have half the number of mountain gorillas in the whole world. Bwindi impenetrable National Park is in southwestern Uganda and has four regions of Rushaga, Buhoma, Ruhija and Nkuringo each with several mountain gorilla families. Encounter Africa safaris operates gorilla tours in all these regions and thereafter suggests things to do in Bwindi after gorilla habituation experience. Further note that gorilla habituation experience is done in the southern part of the park and its only in Bwindi impenetrable National Park that one can enjoy this unique gorilla experience.

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable National Park

Apart from gorilla habituation experience, it is possible to do the normal one hour gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable National Park. Depending on the region (Rushaga or Nkuringo) you may choose to do another round of gorilla trekking by booking a normal one hour gorilla trekking permit to visit fully habituated mountain gorillas. Encounter Africa safaris will assist you in booking your Rushaga or Nkuringo gorilla trekking permit to make this easy for you. Alternatively you may choose to visit other regions in the north (Buhoma) or east(Ruhija) for gorilla trekking instead of remaining in the south where gorilla habituation experience is done. Contact Encounter Africa safaris for more information.

Batwa Cultural Experience

Among things to do in Bwindi impenetrable National Park after gorilla habituation experience is Batwa cultural experience. On the Batwa cultural experience tour you will be guided by one of the Batwa guides giving you an opportunity to learn about traditional forest life of the Batwa in Bwindi Forest which is historically the home of the Batwa, you will also enjoy the traditional dances of the Batwa and Stone Age including making traditional fire among others.  Its should be noted that the Batwa used to stay in Bwindi impenetrable forest until it was gazzatted as a national park. While on this walk, you will have an opportunity to share their experience and stories before and after. For more information about Batwa cultural experience, please contact us via Email or Phone and we will advise accordingly.

Nature walks in Bwindi impenetrable National Park

After your gorilla habituation experience, you may opt for a nature/forest work in Bwindi impenetrable National Park. The Nature walk is done in Bwindi forest and normally follows a well-designed trail. It is a very exciting activity to do apart from gorilla habituation which gives you an opportunity to learn more about tree species as well other wildlife species in the forest. In Nkuringo you will visit the River Ivi-Nkuringo trail where you will also have a sight of the falls plummeting 33 meters. All nature walks in Bwindi impenetrable National Park are guided by well trained Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger guides knowledgeable in flora and fauna of this impenetrable forest.

Birding in Bwindi impenetrable National Park

Bwindi impenetrable forest National Park is one the best birding spots in Uganda home to an impressive 350 species and the main birding area in Nkuringo is the pocket forest known as Nombe is located some 5km and Buniga forest 300meters from Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge. We recommend you carry your birding book in case you have limited safari time and you will identify some birds that visit the gardens of your Lodge.

Local community visits through local villages which provide insights into the lives of the Bakiga and Batwa pygmy people living beside the Bwindi forest. Other activities include yoga at the Lodge, Mountain bicycle ride, volunteering which is done in the local community schools, projects and Butterfly watching which is done at night among others.

Where to stay during your gorilla habituation experience tour

Gorilla Habituation Experience is only done in the southern part of Bwindi that is between Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors, so for easy accessibility you will have to stay in lodges close to these sectors. Lodges include Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge and Lake Mutanda Lodge. You can as well stay in Rushaga sector lodge options here include Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Rushaga Camp, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Heights Lodge, Four Gorillas Lodge and Gorilla Valley Lodge among others.  Depending on your budget and interest, we will recommend Luxury, Mid-range or Budge Lodges in this region of Bwindi impenetrable National Park.

What is the best time to do Gorilla habituation in Bwindi?

Bwindi impenetrable National Park can be visited all year round much as people prefer drier months. The best time to do Gorilla habituation in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is during the drier months of January, February, June to early September, this makes it easier to travel to the park and gives a clear view of mountain gorillas given the vegetation cover is not too much high grown.  When visiting Bwindi impenetrable National Park ensure that you have the right gear. Our safari consultant will advise on what to pack for your gorilla trek and other activities in Bwindi impenetrable national Park.

How to get to Bwindi for Gorilla Habituation Experience

By Road; Nkuringo and Rushaga sectors can be accessed through the main high-way road from Entebbe/Kampala which approximately 8-9 hours’ drive. You will pass through Kabale town and proceed to Nkuringo and Rushaga from where you will start the gorilla habituation trek. Enroute to Bwindi impenetrable National Park, you will have an opportunity to stop at the equator crossing for photograph and also watch out for the Ankole long horned cattle.

The Park can also be accessed from Kigali, Rwanda which is approximately 4-5 hours’ drive.  This option is the shortest and one is free to enter Uganda via Katuna or Chanika boarder. Some delays may be experienced at the border. Encounter Africa safaris has well costed gorilla safaris starting and ending in Kigali for those that would love to avoid the long drives.

By Air; You can fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kampala’s Kajjansi airfield to Kisoro airstrip to access Nkuringo and Rushaga sectors in the southern part of Bwindi. Scheduled and chartered flights are available and operated by domestic airline operators of Aero link and Fly Uganda. You will need to plan with your tour operator for a transfer from the airstrip to your Lodge.

Why book your Gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi with Encounter Africa Safaris?

Encounter Africa Safaris will help you book your gorilla habituation trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park contact us and we advise you on the booking process. We as well have different gorilla safari packages to Nkuringo sector of Bwindi ranging from budget, mid-range to luxury options that we can book for you including the gorilla habituation permits. Feel free to check our trip advisor reviews and read from a community of happy satisfied clients. With us, you can be rest assured of a memorable Uganda safari holiday. We are devoted to providing excellent service and customer satisfaction. Our team of excellent tour consultants is always willing to help answer all your safari questions. We guarantee you a great gorilla habituation tour in Bwindi with us.