This 4-day Gorillas & Golden monkey adventure takes you into the heart of southwestern Uganda’s Virunga region, combining gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, and the scenic beauty of Lake Mutanda, before returning to Kampala via the Equator. You’ll be based in Kisoro for the first three nights, with meals ranging from half-board to full-board depending on the day’s activities.
Highlights
- National park visits
- Golden monkey tracking
- Gorilla trekking
- Virunga mountains
- Private safari
- Batwa cultura experience
- Lake Mutanda canoe cruise
4-Day Uganda Gorillas & Golden Monkey Safari in Details
You'll be picked up from either Kigali International Airport or Entebbe International Airport and be transferred to the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park area in southwestern Uganda, near the borders of Rwanda and the DRC. Settle in and rest at your lodge, taking in the views of the Virunga volcanoes.
Dinner and Overnight: (Budget) Kisoro Travelers rest Hotel
(Midrange) Ichumbi Hotel
(Luxury) Mount Gahinga Lodge
Begin the day early with one of the most memorable experiences of your safari — mountain gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. After breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters, where you will meet the ranger-guides for a detailed briefing about the trekking procedures, safety guidelines, and appropriate behavior while in the presence of the gorillas.
Following the briefing, you will join a small trekking group and set off into Mgahinga's beautiful montane and bamboo forest, accompanied by experienced rangers and guides. The duration of the trek varies depending on the location and movements of the gorilla family that morning. Along the way, enjoy the impressive forest scenery and learn more about this unique ecosystem.
Once the gorillas are located, you will have the unforgettable opportunity to spend the permitted viewing period quietly observing them as they feed, rest, groom, and interact in their natural habitat.
In the afternoon, you may visit the Batwa community for an enriching cultural experience. Learn about the Batwa's traditional forest life, customs, survival skills, cultural practices, and historical connection to the forests of southwestern Uganda.
Dinner and Overnight: (Budget) Kisoro Travelers rest Hotel
(Midrange) Ichumbi Hotel
(Luxury) Mount Gahinga Lodge
Return to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for an exciting golden monkey trekking experience. Accompanied by experienced ranger-guides, explore the park’s beautiful bamboo forest in search of these energetic and colorful primates as they leap between trees, forage, and move through the vegetation. Golden monkey trekking offers a lively contrast to the previous day’s gorilla experience. After the trek, continue to Lake Mutanda, a spectacular freshwater lake surrounded by terraced hills and dramatic volcanic scenery. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings before taking a relaxing canoe cruise across the calm waters, with opportunities to appreciate the islands, birdlife, local communities, and magnificent views of the Virunga Mountains.
Dinner and Overnight: (Budget) Kisoro Travelers rest Hotel
(Midrange) Ichumbi Hotel
(Luxury) Mount Gahinga Lodge
Depart Kisoro and begin the journey back to Entebbe. En route, stop at the Equator crossing for photos and a quick look at the demonstrations of the Coriolis effect, before continuing on to Entebbe.
You can also choose to head to Kigali depending on your departure flight preferences.
Includes
- Airport transfers
- Transport in a 4×4 Safari Vehicle
- Fuel for the round-trip
- A gorilla permit of USD800 per person
- Golden Monkey Trekking Permit of $100 per person
- Lake Mutanda Boat cruise
- Services of an English-speaking driver guide
- All park entry fees
- Drinking water in the vehicle
Excludes
- East African Visa fees of USD100.00 per person.
- All expenses of personal nature such as drinks and tips
- All other Activities not indicated in the itinerary
- International flights to and from Uganda
Frequently Asked Questions About the Uganda Gorillas & Golden monkey safari
The safari combines mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, a canoe cruise on Lake Mutanda, and a Batwa cultural experience. It is ideal for travelers wanting primates, scenery and culture within a short Uganda itinerary.
Mountain gorilla trekking takes place in Mgahinga Gorilla National park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. After a morning briefing, you enter the rainforest with experienced ranger-guides to search for an assigned habituated mountain gorilla family.
The Lake Mutanda canoe cruise offers a relaxing way to experience southwestern Uganda's beautiful scenery. From the water, you can enjoy views of the surrounding hills, the birdlife on the lake, islands, local communities and, in suitable weather conditions, the distant Virunga volcanoes.
The Batwa cultural experience provides an introduction to the heritage and traditions of the Batwa people, historically associated with the forests of southwestern Uganda. Depending on the program, visitors may learn about traditional forest knowledge, hunting techniques, medicinal plants, songs, dances and everyday cultural practices.
A reasonable level of fitness is recommended, particularly for gorilla trekking. Bwindi has steep, uneven and sometimes muddy trails. Golden monkey trekking is also active but can differ in difficulty depending on the monkeys' location. The canoe and cultural experiences provide a more relaxed contrast to the forest treks.
Pack sturdy waterproof hiking boots, long trousers, long-sleeved shirts, a rain jacket, gardening gloves, insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat and a comfortable daypack. A camera and binoculars are useful for the gorillas, golden monkeys, Lake Mutanda scenery and birdlife.
Yes. The itinerary can be customized according to your travel dates, accommodation preference, budget and starting or ending point. Extra nights can also be added for Lake Mutanda, Lake Bunyonyi, a second gorilla trek, gorilla habituation or other wildlife experiences in Uganda.
