With strict regulations in place to protect the wild gorillas, classic gorilla trekking permits allow visitors to spend only one hour with the primates.

On Viva’s new gorilla habituation tour, groups of up to four will be accompanied by experienced researchers and trackers to spend an extended period of approximately four hours observing the gorillas and being guided through the habituation process.

‘We know that a lot of clients are looking for authentic experiences and this new gorilla habituation tour meets that demand,’ says Viva’s Africa product manager Tanya Gurtin.

‘It’s a great add-on to an East Africa safari, and can also easily be combined with a beach break in Zanzibar or Mafia Island,’ she adds.

‘Gorilla trekking permits sell out each year, and availability for the habituation experience is even more limited, so we recommend booking up to one year in advance.’

The five-day Ultimate Uganda Gorilla Encounter tour is priced from $8,315pp twin share. 

vivaexpeditions.com/tours/africa/uganda/ultimate-uganda-gorilla-encounter