See mountain gorillas in Bwindi and golden monkies in Mgahinga on a 7-day trekking safari in southwestern Uganda.
7 DAYS
USD $$$$
Type
Tailor-made
Activity
Physical
Overview
- Fly between Entebbe and Kisoro to avoid the 10-hour drive and marvel at the highland landscapes of southwestern Uganda.
- Spend three nights at the heavenly Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, nestled on a forested ridge with sweeping views over the misty Bwindi and the entire Virunga Volcanos chain. And spend two nights in the idyllic Gahinga Lodge at the base of the Virugas. Both bush lodges have exceptional guest services and a tasty gourmet selection.
- With the starting point for trekking a five-minute walk away, join the gorilla trekking excursion on the third day and the golden monkey trekking on the sixth day. Spend one precious hour observing the primates' primitive behaviours and social lives with an expert tracker guide.
- Take a guided walk through remote villages, terraced gardens, and meet the Batwa forest people on a cultural experience. This trip is an authentic off-the-beaten-path safari experience you want to miss.
Price includes/excludes
- Local English-speaking guides/driver
- Tourist Visa (apply online at visas.immigration.go.ug)
- Accommodation & Meals as indicated in itinerary
- Trekking permit & park fees (worth USD 945 pp)
- Land transport in 4x4 safari truck with fuel
- Return Flight (Entebbe-Kisoro) availability holds - 542 USD pp
- Activities & excursions as shown in itinerary
- Extra meals, snacks, gratuities, souvenirs, service tips
- AMREF evacuation cover, and government taxes
- Travel Insurance
Detailed Itinerary
The mountain gorillas and golden monkey trekking safari is for the off-the-beaten-track adventurer who wants a mix of rural, cultural, nature hiking, and primate experiences. The trip is tailor-made for each traveler and occurs in remote African country.
From Entebbe, you'll fly to Kisoro, across southwestern Uganda's Tuscan-like landscape, and check into a serene forest lodge on the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for the next three nights. From here, you will track the mountain gorillas of Bwindi and spend one exciting hour observing the great apes in their natural setting.
On the fifth day, you'll explore the region, join the traditional dug-out canoeing excursion on the calm waters of Lake Mutanda and check into the idyllic Gahinga Lodge at the base of Mount Gahinga.
From your forest cottage with breathtaking volcano views, you'll join the golden monkey excursion party and meet the Batwa forest people for an immersive cultural experience. You'll fly back to Entebbe from Kisoro on the seventh day to catch your late flight back home.
Our driver will pick you up from Entebbe International Airport (15 minutes) and check you in at your hotel within Entebbe. You'll meet with your trip specialist for a briefing just before dinner.
Otherwise, there are optional activities around Entebbe for those who arrive early and want to stay active. For example, bird-watchers can visit the world-renowned botanical gardens or Mabamba swamps to meet the prehistoric shoebill. You can take a quiet walk to the local markets or shop at the modern malls.
You'll stay at: Boutique Hotel Number 5 (Luxury) or Papyrus Guesthouse (Comfortable)
You will take an early morning flight from Entebbe to Kisoro. In Kisoro, you'll join the walking guide on a guided walk through village communities and terraced gardens and stop at the calm shores of Lake Mutanda.
At lake Mutanda, you'll join the fishermen on a canoeing experience across the volcano lake in traditional dug-out canoes. The relaxing ride drops you off for another garden walk to meet your driver uphill.
Staying at: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Your butler will ensure you are up and about by 7:00 am with a packed lunch, the right trekking gear, drinking water, and a walking stick. The trekking excursion briefing starts at 7:30 am at the visitor's centre.
8:00 am: Your gorilla tracking guide and two gun-bearing rangers will lead you and six other tourists into the rainforest to find a habituated gorilla group. Once you find the mountain gorilla family, you will observe them for about an hour at a 10 meters distance. Alternatively, you can observe the gorillas for about four hours if you book a gorilla habituation pass.
Your time in the forest can not be pre-determined as every day differs from the other. However, most trekkers are out of the jungle by 2:00 pm with a satisfactory grin.
We recommend a massage at the lodge spa when you return and a relaxing evening.
Staying at: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (packed), and Dinner.
The fourth day of this Uganda gorillas & walking safari adventure has some optional activities to keep you active. Otherwise, you can unwind at your forest cottage for a relaxing day.
- Stay back at the lodge and relax, read a book, join a cooking class or take a walk around the property and talk to some locals.
- Go back into the mysterious jungle to meet with the gorillas for a second time. Maybe join the rangers for the habituation experience that gives you more time with the gorillas. But remember, you must have pre-booked the trekking permit.
- Visit the Batwa forest people on a short forest trail where they showcase their ancient forest medicines, cultures, drama, and dance.
- Go on a sundowner picnic on top of the world with 360-degree spellbinding views of the hilly landscapes. It's a walking distance from the lodge.
Staying at: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
The starts early after breakfast and with pack lunch, drive down to Rubuguri junction for an optional 9-kilometer walk down to Lake Mutanda through villages and cultivated gardens. This part allows you to admire the rural landscape and connect with the community layouts of rural villages.
You can join the fishermen on another canoeing experience on Lake Mutanda or join your driver to Kisoro town. At Kisoro town, we will explore the local fresh-food markets and the town's cultural feel before driving to Gahinga Lodge at the base of the Virunga Volcanoes, a few meters outside the park entrance. You will spend the following two nights at Gahinga in a private cottage.
You'll stay at: Gahinga Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (Packed), Dinner
You'll be up by 7:00 am to make it to the briefing point by 7:30 am. Ntebeko visitor center, which is also the Mgahinga National Park's headquarters, is a 10-minute walk from Gahinga Lodge. Your driver can transfer you, or you can start the adventure with a short walk.
After the briefing, the golden monkey excursion will start at about 8:00 am with a lead tracker guide and two gun-bearing rangers. You'll trek up the slopes in a two-hour window to the bamboo forest zone, where golden monkeys hang out. When you meet them, you'll spend about an hour watching their antics and social behaviors.
Golden monkeys are cheeky and playful and will jump up the trees or curiously come close to you than expected. Enjoy the moment, but follow instructions from your lead guide.
You'll stay at: Gahinga Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (Packed), Dinner
The seventh day is your last on the mountain gorillas and golden monkey trekking safari in the beautiful rural landscape. Fortunately, you will fly over this gorgeous hilly region for at least an hour to savor the memories.
You'll take an hour domestic flight from Kisoro Airport (30 minutes away) to Entebbe International Airport.
Please book your flight back home for later that day, or check into our boutique Papyrus Guesthouse for another quiet night in Entebbe. You could do some shopping for souvenirs to take back home and fly back home the following day.
Accommodation (Optional): Papyrus Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (packed)
Local experts
Lydia
Cathy
Our safari specialists work with customers to prepare a journey that will deliver the best subjective experience. We understand that most guests will be travelling to unfamiliar places and dealing with mind-boggling logistics that require skilful guidance from local experts. These local safari specialists will help you plan this gorilla safari in your own way!
Trip Inquiry Form
