4 Days 3 Nights Mgahinga gorilla and golden monkey safari

This 4 Day Mgahinga Gorilla and Golden Monkey safari will take you to Mgahinga National Park in Southwestern Uganda. Mgahinga National Park is the only park where gorillas coexist with Golden monkeys hence the saying “Where gold meets silver”. This safari can either be customized to start from Entebbe/ Kampala or Kigali,Rwanda. The dry seasons from June to September and December to February are normally the best times to go, as the trails are drier and easier to hike.

Typical 4 Days 3 Nights Mgahinga Gorilla and Golden Monkey safari intinerary

Day 1: Pick up and transfer to Mgahinga National Park.

Your driver guide will pick you up from your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala for the 9 to 10 hour drive southwest to Mgahinga National Park. You will have a stopover at the equator for photopgraphy and then another stopover in Mbarara for lunch. You will the embark on the final stretch of the journey that takes you through the beautiful mountainous landscapes of the region. You will arrive in time for a short a relaxation, dinner and overnight at the Lodge.

Drive time: Approximately 9- 10 hours

Meal plan: Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Icumbi Hotel Kisoro(Budget), Chameleon Hill(Midrange), Gahinga Lodge(Luxury).

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking Experience in Mgahinga National Park

After and early morning breakfast, you will drive to the park headquarters for a short briefing on the gorilla trekking rules by your ranger guide. Before briefing, your passport details will be required to make sure that you are eligible to trek mountain gorillas. After briefing , you will then be led into the forest in search of the gorillas. Mgahinga National Park has only one habituated gorilla family called Nyakagezi which used to move between Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Mgahinga National Parkbut is now permanently in Uganda. Upon finding Nyakagezi family, you will be allowed one hour with the gorillas to observe them play, feed and take pictures. After the trek, you will return to the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

Meal plan: Breakfast, Packed lunch and dinner

Accommodation: Icumbi Hotel Kisoro(Budget), Chameleon Hill(Midrange), Gahinga Lodge(Luxury).

Day 3: Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga National Park.

After breakfast, you will transfer to Mgahinga National Park headquarters for either full day golden monkey habituation experience or half day golden monkey trekking. You will be briefed about the dos and don’ts of trekking golden monkeys and then proceed to the mountain/forest for your trek. You will be allowed enough time with researchers if you choose to do golden monkey Habituation experience and only one hour if you choose to do golden monkey trekking. You will watch them feed, play and take pictures. Later you will return to your lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Icumbi Hotel Kisoro(Budget), Chameleon Hill(Midrange), Gahinga Lodge(Luxury).

Day 4: Depart for Kampala/Entebbe

You will enjoy an early morning breakfast at the lodge before beginning the return journey to Kampala or Entebbe for your departure flight.

Estimated Costs

The total cost of your safari highly depends on the choice of accommodation (budget, mid-range, luxury), transport and group size. The trekking permits are the largest expense on this safari.

Permit costs:

Gorilla Trekking permit: $800 for Foreign non-residents.

Golden monkey trekking permit: $60 per person for Foreign non-residents.

Batwa Cultural Trail: $80 per person

Essential Tips for your safari

Book permits in advance: Gorilla permits are always in high demand especially during the peak seasons (June to August). We highly advise our clients to book the permits at least six months ahead. Permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Documents: Ensure to carry your passport, yellow fever card and any other vaccination documents.

Transportation: You will use a 4x4 safari vehicle that comes with an expert driver guide.

What to pack: Essentials include waterproof hiking boots, rain gear, neutral colored long-sleeved shirt and trousers to protect your from thorny plants and insects, a hat, camera, binoculars, insect repellent, reusable water bottle  and a daypack.

Other: You can also opt to hire a porter for around $20 to help carry your daypack and offer you a hand during the trekking experience. Through hiring a porter, you are directly giving back to supporting the local community.

Best time to visit

While gorilla and golden monkey trekking is possible all year round, the dry season is the most preferred for easier hiking conditions.

Dry season(Peak season): The dry season is from June to August and December to February. During these months, the trails are less muddy, and there is less rainfall. It is important to note that permits sell out fast so its best to book permits at least 6 months ahead.

Wet season (Low Season): The wet season is from March to May and September to November. The trails more challenging due to rain, but you can find good accommodations deals. Food is also very plentiful for the primates during this time, so they may be closer to the park boundaries, leading to shorter treks.

For bookings and more information, kindly get in touch with our team of experts.