Our 4 days Mgahinga Gorillas & Golden Monkeys tour leads you to Uganda’s smallest National Park-Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in South-western Uganda for the adventurous Gorilla trekking and Golden monkey tracking opportunities. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is part of the Virunga Conservation Area and shares its borders with Rwanda as well as the Democratic Republic of Congo. Besides gorilla trekking and tracking the golden monkeys, booking this short safari means also undertaking a Batwa Cultural tour and cruises on the calm waters of Lake Mutanda by boat.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Road trip from Kampala or Entebbe to Mgahinga National Park, south-western Uganda
With 4 days to explore the beautiful Mgahinga Gorilla National Park through gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking adventures, you will need to prepare for a moment of excitement and unforgettable experiences. Start off your 8-9 hours’ trip with briefing with your safari guide and later embark on this journey of a lifetime. This journey involves several stopovers one being at Uganda Equator for photography, a cup of coffee and also get the chance to stretch your legs and prepare to continue with the journey. While the scenic drive is getting more exciting, you will break the journey at Mbarara Town for Lunch and continue until Mgahinga National Park. At this time the sun is setting and spectacular sunset views can be captured on top of the breathtaking views of the Virunga Mountains peaks.
You will be welcomed by Lodge staff for check-in, freshen-up and be served a delicious dinner. Relaxation and overnight stay will also be at the same Lodge.
Day 2: The thrilling Mountain gorilla Trekking adventure in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and cultural tour
Start your morning with a lovely breakfast at the Lodge and walk/or be driven to Ntebeko Park Headquarters. On arrival, you will meet other trekkers and Park guides who will welcome and introduce you to the first activity of the day, followed by briefing on the activity. On this day you will be walking on an iconic trail to meet the Park’s only habituated gorilla group-Nyakagezi. Meet your guide who will lead you on the walk to explore Mgahinga Jungles for the mountain gorillas and while at it, keep your eyes and ears open to see and listen to the sounds of other Park residents such as butterflies, birds, primates, reptiles and other mammals. Signals of the mountain gorillas being close will be sent by the guide and at this point be prepared to capture the memorable moments with the mountain gorillas. The entire gorilla trek lasts 2-5 hours and this also includes the one hour to observe and take photographs.
Walk back to the Lodge for a late Lunch and relaxation after the busy and hectic morning. In the evening take a guided walk to the nearby Batwa Communities for an immersion into their thrilling cultures. Spend about 2-3 hours exploring their small thatched huts, visit the traditional herbalist and blacksmith as well as taking part in their energetic cultural dances. After this awe-inspiring cultural tour, make your way back to the Lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Golden Monkey Tracking and afternoon boat cruise on Lake Mutanda
Get up early for breakfast and drive/walk back to Ntebeko Visitor Center for another primate trekking tour, this time to track the Golden Monkeys. Briefing is the first step to undertaking an unforgettable primate tour and begin the trek through Bamboo stands, on the lower slopes of the Virunga Mountains. This is a good one hour or so walk to the golden monkeys, so be physically fit, carry enough water and other trekking gear. The trek on this day not only offers chances of seeing the frisky golden monkeys but also increases your chances of encountering other wildlife and bird species of the Park. Spend just shy of 4 hours trekking and being in the presence of the golden monkeys.
Opt for a picnic Lunch on the shores of Lake Mutanda or first drive back to the Lodge for Lunch then proceed to Lake Mutanda. After your meal, undertake a boat cruise on Lake Mutanda, exploring its lush Islands as well as different bird species. Once you are prepared to say goodbye to Lake Mutanda, drive back to the Lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4: Leave Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for Kampala/Entebbe or Kigali City
This marks the end of your short adventurous Mgahinga tour and bid farewell to the Lodge staff and drive back to Kampala/Entebbe International Airport or Kigali City.
End of our exciting 4 days Mgahinga Gorillas & Golden Monkeys Tour