Day 1: Start your 5 Day Mgahinga gorillas, golden monkey and Bunyonyi safari

Your journey begins with a warm welcome from our driver guide, who will meet you at your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala. They’ll share insights about your upcoming adventure and ensure you have all the essential gear and paperwork ready for an unforgettable experience. Next, you’ll embark on a drive to Mgahinga National Park in southwestern Uganda, making a few delightful stops along the way at Mpambire, where you can observe the fascinating process of drum-making from skins and wood. Your journey will take you to the Equator crossing, followed by a delightful lunch in Mbarara town at either Agip Motel or Igongo Cultural Center, depending on how much time you have to enjoy the experience. After lunch, you’ll embark on a picturesque journey to Kisoro district, beginning with the expansive flatlands of Ntungamo, then transitioning to the gentle rolling hills of Kabale, and finally navigating the terraced hills and winding roads that lead you to Kisoro district. You’ll get there just in time to unwind a bit, enjoy a meal, and settle in for the night at the lodge.

Estimated travel duration: Around 9 to 10 hours

Lunch and Dinner Menu

Accommodation options include Ichumbi Hotel Kisoro for budget travelers, Chameleon Hill for those seeking a midrange experience, and Gahinga Lodge for a touch of luxury.

Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga

Following a hearty breakfast, our friendly driver will take you on a journey to the Mgahinga National Park headquarters, where you’ll arrive just in time for an exciting briefing. Before we dive into the adventure, we’ll need your passport details to ensure you’re all set for the trek to see the magnificent mountain gorillas. Next, one of the UWA rangers will share insights about the gorilla trekking experience, covering essential dos and don’ts, along with important instructions to keep in mind during and after the trek with the gorillas. Your journey will take you into the heart of the forest, where you’ll embark on an exciting quest to find the majestic mountain gorillas. Mgahinga National Park is home to a single habituated mountain gorilla family known as Nyakagezi. This remarkable group once roamed between Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Mgahinga National Park, but they have now settled permanently in Uganda. Once you find Nyakagezi Family, you will be allowed one hour with the gorillas and then return back to the Lodge for your overnight.

Food Plan: Morning Meal, On-the-Go Lunch, and Evening Feast

Accommodation options include Ichumbi Hotel Kisoro for budget travelers, Chameleon Hill for those seeking a midrange experience, and Gahinga Lodge for a touch of luxury.

Day 3: Golden monkey experience or Golden Monkey trekking

After enjoying breakfast, you’ll head to the Mgahinga National Park headquarters for an exciting day ahead, choosing between a full day of golden monkey habituation or a half day of trekking to see these playful creatures. You’ll receive a warm introduction to the essential guidelines for interacting with golden monkeys before embarking on your exciting trek through the mountain and forest. If you opt for the golden monkey experience, you’ll have ample time with the researchers, but if you decide on golden monkey trekking, you’ll only have an hour. Head back to your cozy lodge to unwind, enjoy a delicious dinner, and settle in for the night.

Accommodation options include Ichumbi Hotel Kisoro for budget travelers, Chameleon Hill for those seeking a midrange experience, and Gahinga Lodge for a touch of luxury.

Dining Plan: Morning, Midday, and Evening Meals