Overview
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located in the southwestern corner of Uganda, is renowned for its incredible biodiversity, particularly its population of mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. This 4-day safari offers a unique opportunity to track both of these rare and captivating primates, while also allowing you to explore the scenic beauty of the Virunga Volcanoes and immerse yourself in the local culture.
Highlights
- Arrival in Uganda and Transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- Gorilla Tracking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- Golden Monkey Tracking and Cultural Tour
- Return to Entebbe and Departure
Itinerary
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Morning: Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be greeted by your safari guide who will provide a briefing on your itinerary. Afterward, you will embark on a picturesque drive to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located in the Kisoro District of southwestern Uganda. The journey takes approximately 9-10 hours and includes stops for meals and sightseeing.
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Afternoon: Enjoy a scenic drive through Uganda’s rolling hills, lush valleys, and small villages, offering a glimpse into the country’s stunning landscapes and rich culture.
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Evening: Arrive at your accommodation near Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in time for a relaxing evening. Settle into your lodge and enjoy dinner while preparing for the exciting days ahead.
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Early Morning: After an early breakfast, you will head to the park headquarters for a detailed briefing by park rangers on the rules and guidelines for gorilla tracking. The rangers will provide information on mountain gorillas, their behavior, and how to stay safe during the trek.
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Gorilla Tracking: Begin your trek into the dense forest of the Virunga Mountains in search of a habituated gorilla family. The trek can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the location of the gorillas. The hike through the forest is both thrilling and challenging, but the reward of seeing these magnificent creatures up close is truly unforgettable.
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Gorilla Encounter: Once the gorillas are located, you will have one hour to observe them in their natural habitat. Watch as they feed, play, and interact with each other, while learning from the guides about their behaviors and the conservation efforts that are helping protect them.
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Afternoon: After your gorilla experience, return to your lodge for lunch. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure, allowing you to relax or take a guided nature walk around the lodge area.
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Evening: Dinner is served at your lodge, where you can share stories with fellow travelers and unwind from the day's adventure.
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Early Morning: Start your day with breakfast before heading to the park headquarters once again for a briefing on golden monkey tracking. The golden monkey, endemic to the Virunga region, is known for its striking golden fur and playful behavior.
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Golden Monkey Tracking: Embark on a trek into the bamboo forests of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park to search for a troop of golden monkeys. The tracking experience is usually shorter and less demanding than gorilla tracking, lasting around 2-4 hours. Once you locate the troop, you will spend one hour observing these active primates as they leap between bamboo stems and forage for food.
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Afternoon: After tracking the golden monkeys, return to your lodge for lunch and a brief rest.
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Cultural Encounter: In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to visit the local Batwa community, who are indigenous to the region. The Batwa people are hunter-gatherers and one of the oldest cultural groups in Uganda. You will learn about their traditional lifestyle, music, dance, and the history of their relationship with the forest.
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Evening: Return to your lodge for dinner and a relaxing evening, reflecting on the day’s exciting encounters with wildlife and local culture.
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Morning: After breakfast, check out of your lodge and begin your journey back to Entebbe. You will once again enjoy a scenic drive through southwestern Uganda, passing by tea plantations, terraced hills, and vibrant rural communities.
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Afternoon: Depending on your flight schedule, you may stop for lunch or visit local craft markets along the way to purchase souvenirs.
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Evening: Arrive at Entebbe International Airport in time for your departure flight, taking with you unforgettable memories of your gorilla and golden monkey tracking safari.
Cost
The Cost Includes
- Accommodation for 3 nights (luxury or mid-range options)
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Gorilla and golden monkey tracking permits
- Park entry fees
- Transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle
- Services of a professional guide
- Bottled water during activities
- Cultural tour with the Batwa community
The Cost Excludes
- International Airfare
- Visa Charges
- Alcoholic Drinks
- Your travel and medical insurance
- Personal Expenses such as shopping, bar bills, hot shower, telephone, laundry
FAQs
- Gorilla tracking: The trek can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, depending on where the gorilla family is located. It involves hiking through dense forests, which can be challenging. A moderate level of fitness is required.
- Golden monkey tracking: This is generally less strenuous than gorilla tracking and takes about 2 to 4 hours. The terrain is usually easier to navigate, especially since golden monkeys are often found in bamboo forests.
For both gorillas and golden monkeys, visitors are allowed to get as close as 7 meters (21 feet). This rule is enforced to protect the animals from human-borne diseases and to ensure their comfort. Guides will ensure that this distance is maintained during your visit.
Yes, permits are required for both gorilla and golden monkey tracking. These permits are included in the safari package, and your tour operator will handle the arrangements. Gorilla permits are limited, so it’s essential to book well in advance to secure your spot.
Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay a certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, a hot water facility could be free at a lower elevation.