3 Days Mgahinga Gorilla Tour

This 3 Days Mgahinga Gorilla Tour takes you to Uganda’s smallest national park and one of the most spectacular destinations for gorilla trekking in East Africa. Located in the southwestern corner of Uganda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park forms part of the greater Virunga Conservation Area that stretches across Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The park covers approximately 33.7 square kilometers and is dominated by the majestic Virunga Volcanoes, creating some of the most breathtaking scenery in the region. Mgahinga is home to the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family, one of the most stable and easily accessible habituated gorilla groups in Uganda. Besides gorilla trekking, the park is famous for its golden monkeys, rich birdlife, volcanic landscapes, and unique Batwa cultural heritage.

This safari combines scenic drives through southwestern Uganda with an unforgettable mountain gorilla encounter in one of Africa’s most beautiful mountain environments.

Day 1: Transfer from Kampala or Entebbe to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Your driver-guide will pick you up from your hotel, residence, or Entebbe International Airport early in the morning and brief you about the safari before departure. Begin the journey toward southwestern Uganda through changing landscapes of bustling towns, rolling hills, farmlands, and traditional villages. A stop will be made at the Equator crossing point for photographs and refreshments before continuing westward.

The drive takes you through Mbarara, Kabale, and Kisoro districts, offering magnificent views of terraced hillsides, tea plantations, valleys, and the famous Ankole long-horned cattle. As you approach Kisoro, the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic with volcanic peaks rising above the surrounding countryside.

A lunch stop will be made en route before continuing to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon or early evening. Depending on the time available, you may relax at the lodge while enjoying views of the Virunga Volcanoes or take a short walk around the surrounding community.

Accommodation Options

Budget Accommodation

Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp, Traveller’s Rest Hotel, Kisoro Tourist Hotel

Mid-Range Accommodation

Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge, Ichumbi Hotel Kisoro, Mutanda Lake Resort

Luxury Accommodation

Mount Gahinga Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Lake Mutanda Resort

Meals Included

Lunch and Dinner

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking and Batwa Cultural Experience

Wake up early and enjoy breakfast before transferring to the park headquarters for a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers.

During the briefing, you will learn about gorilla trekking rules, safety procedures, and conservation efforts within the park. You will then be assigned a ranger guide and begin the trek into the forest in search of the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family.

The trek takes you through bamboo forests, montane vegetation, and scenic volcanic slopes. Depending on the gorillas’ location, the trek may last several hours. Once the gorilla family is located, you will spend one unforgettable hour observing them in their natural habitat. Watching mountain gorillas feed, groom, interact, and care for their young provides an extraordinary wildlife experience and a deeper appreciation of these endangered primates.

After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation.

In the afternoon, enjoy the Batwa Cultural Experience. The Batwa are the original forest inhabitants of the region and offer visitors an opportunity to learn about their traditional way of life. During the experience, you will discover traditional hunting techniques, medicinal plants, cultural practices, music, dance, and stories that have been passed down through generations.

Return to the lodge in the evening.

Accommodation Options

Budget Accommodation

Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp, Traveller’s Rest Hotel, Kisoro Tourist Hotel

Mid-Range Accommodation

Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge, Ichumbi Hotel Kisoro, Mutanda Lake Resort

Luxury Accommodation

Mount Gahinga Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Lake Mutanda Resort

Meals Included

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: Return to Kampala or Entebbe

After breakfast, check out of the lodge and begin the return journey to Kampala or Entebbe.

Enjoy one final opportunity to admire the spectacular landscapes of southwestern Uganda as you travel through rolling hills, valleys, tea plantations, and traditional villages. A lunch stop will be made along the route before continuing toward central Uganda. A brief stop may be made at the Equator crossing for refreshments and photographs before proceeding to your final destination.

Arrive in Kampala or Entebbe in the late afternoon or evening where your driver-guide will drop you off at your hotel, residence, or Entebbe International Airport.

Meals Included

Breakfast and Lunch