Embark on the 3 Days Mgahinga gorilla tour, a perfect primate package set for gorilla trekkers who do not like crowds. This special gorilla package takes you to the lush Mgahinga Gorilla National Park located in Southwestern Uganda. It mainly includes gorilla trekking for you to explore more about the different behaviors of mountain gorillas while in their natural habitat.
Mgahinga National Park is 33.7 sq. km protected area, home to only one habituated gorilla group that is Nyakagezi group. Mgahinga is most popular as the only place where gold meets silver thanks to the presence of golden monkeys which co-exist with mountain gorillas. It is found in the Virunga region and also hosts other unique attractions.
Mgahinga National Park also protects 3 Virunga Volcanoes; Muhabura, Sabyinyo, and Gahinga. It also provides refuge to other wildlife including the forest elephants, buffaloes, bush pigs, buffaloes, jackals, duikers, and more. Over 180 bird species also call it a home including several Albertine rift endemic species. Mgahinga’s diverse bird species include the Rwenzori nightjars, blue headed coucal, stone chat, white napped raven, black kite, speckled mouse bird, Rwenzori turacos, paradise flycatchers, double collared sunbird, and others. The 3 days Mgahinga gorilla tour in Uganda will begin and end in Entebbe or Kampala City.
Tour Details
Highlights of the 3 Days Mgahinga gorilla tour
- Gorilla trekking experience in Mgahinga
- A stopover at the Equator in Kayabwe
- Travel by car to and from Mgahinga National Park
- Accommodation in the pocket-friendly gorilla lodge
- Photography moment with mountain gorillas in the wild
- Delicious meals prepared by professional meals
- Active walk through Mgahinga in search of gorillas
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Pick up from hotel in Entebbe/Kampala & travel to Mgahinga
Day 2: Enjoy a thrilling Mgahinga gorilla trek adventure & Batwa trail experience (optional)
Day 3: Depart from Mgahinga for Kampala or Entebbe
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Pick up from hotel in Entebbe/Kampala & travel to Mgahinga
Early in the morning, expect to meet your driver guide who will take you through the 3 days Mgahinga gorilla tour and what you should expect on today’s journey. During the briefing session, be open and inquire from your driver what you need to be clear. After the briefing, board your safari vehicle with all your luggage packed.
Leave Entebbe or Kampala city for Mgahinga National Park, driving for 9-10 hours via Mbarara-Kisoro route. En route to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, you will have a stopover at the equator crossing for photography and later, proceed up to Igongo Cultural Center for lunch. From Igongo, continue to Kisoro as you navigate to Mgahinga National Park while embracing the breathtaking landscapes of the countryside characterized by rolling hills.
On arrival at Mgahinga, expect to check in your accommodation where you will have a relaxed stay. The rest of the evening will be for you to relax and preparing for the next day’s actual Mgahinga gorilla trek.
Accommodation
- Mount Gahinga Lodge (Luxury)
- Kisoro Travelers Rest Hotel (Midrange)
- Kisoro Travelers Rest Inn (Budget)
Travel time: 9-10 hours
Meals: Half board
Day 2: Enjoy a thrilling Mgahinga gorilla trek adventure & Batwa trail experience (optional)
Have a delicious cup of tea or coffee in your respective accommodation and after, you will connect to Ntebeko for briefing. Today’s briefing will focus on highlighting the gorilla trekking regulations and other safety measures to be observed by gorilla trekkers. The park official will also allocate the park ranger guide to lead you on the actual gorilla trek in Mgahinga National Park.
Around 8:00 am, you will depart for the actual gorilla trek and today, expect to visit Nyakagezi gorilla group. The trek with Nyakagezi gorilla group family will take about 2-6 hours which includes an hour for up close and personal encounter. You will have a moment to take pictures of mountain gorillas as they are immersed in the jungle.
When you get done with observing gorilla behaviors and taking pictures, you will walk back and the park official will award each of you gorilla trekking certificates. From Ntebeko, connect back to your respective lodges for relaxation. Later in the afternoon, you may have an enriching Batwa trail experience but this is optional.
Accommodation
- Mount Gahinga Lodge (Luxury)
- Kisoro Travelers Rest Hotel (Midrange)
- Kisoro Travelers Rest Inn (Budget)
Meal plan: Full board
Day 3: Depart from Mgahinga for Kampala or Entebbe
Enjoy a delicious breakfast and after, you will check out of your hotel or gorilla lodge in or around Mgahinga National Park. When you get to Kampala/Entebbe, you will be dropped off to the hotel or airport for late evening departing flight if it is scheduled today.
End of the 3 Days Mgahinga gorilla tour
Tour package price includes
- Valid gorilla permits
- Airport transfers
- Travel by road
- Park entrance fees
- Accommodation and meals as per the itinerary
- Service of an English-speaking guide/driver
- All trip activities excluding optional
Tour package price excludes
- Telephone bills
- Tipping of any kind
- Alcoholic drinks
- Laundry services
- Airfares
- Visa acquisition
- Shopping
- Travel Insurance
- Passport acquisition
What to take on the 3 days Mgahinga gorilla tour
The checklist of things to pack for your 3 days Mgahinga gorilla tour include waterproof daypack, long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, waterproof hiking or walking boots/shoes, a good camera with no flashlight, insect repellents, medical kit, toiletries, a safari hat, a valid gorilla permit, and others.
When to go for gorilla trekking tour in Mgahinga National Park
Gorilla trekking tours in Mgahinga National Park can be enjoyed at any time of the year, however, the peak dry season is the most preferred thanks to its ideal weather conditions. The best dry months of the year to consider when planning a gorilla tour to Mgahinga National Park; June, July, August, September, December, January, and February.
Travel tips
- When you come across gorillas, do not touch them.
- Do not go to trek Mgahinga gorillas when sick
- Book your gorilla permit and tour in advance at least 2-6 months before the actual date to trek gorillas.
- Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga is open to trekkers above 15 years.
- Carry a camera that is free from the flashlight.
