Your safari begins early in Kampala or Entebbe as you meet your professional local female safari guide and depart for southwestern Uganda in a comfortable 4x4 safari vehicle.
The journey takes you through the changing landscapes of central and western Uganda as you travel towards the Kigezi highlands.
UGANDA EQUATOR EXPERIENCE
Along the way, make a stop at the Uganda Equator in Kayabwe.
Enjoy photographs at the Equator monument, experience the geographical significance of the Equator and, if time permits, participate in the popular water experiment demonstrating the effects associated with the northern and southern hemispheres.
Continue your journey towards western Uganda.
IGONGO CULTURAL CENTRE / LUNCH STOP
Make a lunch stop in the Mbarara area, with Igongo Cultural Centre being one possible stop depending on the selected itinerary.
The area provides an opportunity to enjoy a meal and learn more about the cultural heritage of western Uganda.
After lunch, continue towards Kabale and Kisoro.
SCENIC KIGEZI HIGHLANDS
As you approach southwestern Uganda, the scenery changes dramatically.
Travel through the famous Kigezi highlands, characterized by steep hills, valleys, terraced farmland and small communities spread across the landscape.
Continue towards Kisoro and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
ARRIVAL AT MGAHINGA
Arrive at your lodge and check in.
Enjoy dinner and take time to relax after the long journey.
Your guide will help you prepare for the following day's gorilla trek, including checking your permit arrangements and advising you on appropriate clothing and equipment.
Overnight: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park / Kisoro
Luxury Accommodation: Mount Gahinga Lodge or comparable property
Mid-range Accommodation: Kisoro Travelers Rest Hotel or comparable property
Budget Accommodation: Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp or comparable property
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Experience one of Uganda's most extraordinary wildlife encounters on this 3-day Gorilla Trekking Safari in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Located in the Kisoro highlands of southwestern Uganda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park protects 33.7 square kilometres of spectacular mountain scenery and is part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area shared by Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The park is home to the endangered mountain gorillas, as well as golden monkeys and a variety of other wildlife. Its dramatic volcanic landscape is dominated by three extinct volcanoes; Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga and Mount Sabyinyo creating a spectacular backdrop for your gorilla trekking adventure.
Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga offers the opportunity to enter the montane forest accompanied by experienced trackers and park guides in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family.
Once the gorillas are located, you will spend the permitted viewing time observing their natural behaviour, including feeding, grooming, resting, playing and interacting with one another.
The safari also provides an opportunity to experience the local communities around Kisoro and enjoy the spectacular scenery of southwestern Uganda, often referred to for its rolling hills, volcanic mountains and terraced farmland.
With a professional English-speaking local female safari guide leading your journey, this private safari combines a scenic road trip, gorilla trekking, community experiences and the remarkable landscapes of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Safari Route
Your Safari Itinerary
Wake up early and enjoy breakfast before preparing for your main adventure.
GORILLA TREKKING BRIEFING
Transfer to the park headquarters at Ntebeko for registration and briefing.
The park guides and rangers will explain the gorilla trekking rules, safety procedures and responsible wildlife-viewing guidelines before you begin the trek.
You will then enter the forest accompanied by experienced park personnel.
GORILLA TREKKING ADVENTURE
Begin your search for a habituated mountain gorilla family in the montane forests of Mgahinga.
The duration of the trek varies depending on the location and movements of the gorilla family. The terrain can be steep and challenging in places, and the trek may involve walking through thick vegetation, muddy trails and uneven volcanic terrain.
As you move through the forest, your guides and trackers will look for signs of gorilla activity, including tracks, feeding areas, nests and other evidence that can help locate the family.
The forest itself is part of the experience. Along the way, you may encounter birds, monkeys, forest vegetation and other signs of wildlife.
MOUNTAIN GORILLA ENCOUNTER
Once the gorilla family is located, you will spend the permitted viewing time observing these remarkable animals in their natural environment.
Watch as the gorillas feed, groom, rest, climb, play and interact with members of their family.
Your guide will help you understand the different behaviours you observe and explain more about gorilla conservation and the importance of protecting their remaining mountain habitat.
Photography is permitted, subject to the park's rules and guidelines.
After the gorilla experience, begin your trek back towards the starting point.
Return to your lodge for lunch and time to rest after the trek.
COMMUNITY EXPERIENCE
Later in the afternoon, enjoy a visit to a nearby community around Kisoro.
Depending on the selected experience, you may learn about local traditions, farming practices, crafts, food preparation and everyday life in the communities surrounding Mgahinga.
Community tourism also provides an opportunity to interact respectfully with local residents and support community-based tourism initiatives.
Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Overnight: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park / Kisoro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Wake up early and enjoy breakfast at your lodge.
After breakfast, check out and begin your journey back towards Kampala or Entebbe.
Travel through the beautiful Kigezi highlands, enjoying the dramatic hills, valleys and agricultural landscapes along the way.
Continue through western Uganda with an en-route lunch stop.
After lunch, proceed towards Kampala or Entebbe.
Depending on traffic and your departure schedule, arrive in Kampala or Entebbe in the late afternoon or evening.
This marks the end of your 3-day Gorilla Trekking Safari in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Safari Highlights
Accommodation
Comfortable accommodation at a carefully selected lodge, hotel or community camp in or near Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Accommodation can be arranged according to your preferred safari category and budget.
Luxury accommodation may include Mount Gahinga Lodge or another comparable luxury property, subject to availability.
Mid-range accommodation may include Kisoro Travelers Rest Hotel or another comparable property.
Budget accommodation may include Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp or another suitable budget property.
The final accommodation is subject to availability and the selected safari package.
What's Included
What's Not Included
Pack List
Safari Tips
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