3 Days Mgahinga Gorilla Trekking Safari from Kigali.
This three-day Uganda gorilla trekking tour from Kigali Rwanda takes you to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Mgahinga national park, is located in the southwestern part of Uganda and is part of the Virunga Massif that is shared by Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic republic of Congo. This trip choice is best for those who do not want to drive longer distance since it takes 3 – 4 hours compared to the long drive of 8-9 hours from Kampala. this trip is more of an advantage as it offers a cheaper gorilla permit as $800 per person compered to the one of Rwanda that costs $1500 per person per trek. Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga national park starts from Ntebeko Visitor Centre. This trip starts and ends in Kigali.
Brief itinerary
- Day 1: Transfer to Kigali to Mgahinga National Park – Batwa cultural experience
- Day 2: Gorilla tracking
- Day 3: Golden monkey tracking and transfer to Kigali.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Transfer to Kigali to Mgahinga National Park – Batwa cultural experience
This first day starts with an early morning pick up at Kigali International airport or your hotel in Kigali, where you will meet your driver guide. He will take through a short briefing about the trip and later set off to Mgahinga National Park. The journey takes 3-4 hours through the stunning countryside of Rwanda, cross to Uganda via Cyanika border and connect to Mgahinga. arrival will be in the afternoon hours, check in, have lunch and a little relaxation. In the evening hours, join a local village guide to visit the Batwa community. Listen and learn about their culture and tradition which they exhibit through folktales, songs and dances and craftwork. You can also join their performances if interested and also buy some of their products as souvenirs and a way to support their well-being. Return to the lodge for dinner and night stay.
Day 2: Gorilla tracking
Get up early for a great breakfast, with you packed snacks, meet your guide who will drive you to Ntebeko park center where the trekking starts in this park. Meet other trekker, receive a briefing from the park guides and rangers. this park is the smallest among the gorilla tracking destinations in East Africa but provides the best mountain gorilla tracking experience. The park has one habituated gorilla family (Nyakagezi), very interesting with several females, juveniles, babies and the dominant silverback. This family attracts less crowds giving enough space to enjoy the gentle giant apes. Trekking to this gorilla family takes 2 to 6 hours depending on the location of the gorillas and also including the one hour trekkers are allowed to stay in their presence.
After your hike, return to the lodge where you will spend the rest of the day , have dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Golden Monkey tracking and return to Kigali.
on this last day of your Mgahinga safari, after an early morning breakfast, return to the park Centre for a briefing about golden monkeys. Golden monkey tracking is another interesting activity in this park. It will take 2-4 hours as the golden monkeys are easitl spotted in the bamboo trees at the edge of this forest park. After this experience, return to the lodge, have an early lunch or you may prefer packing it and then set off for Kigali. Drop off will either be at your hotel in Kigali or at the airport for your flight.
End of 3 Days Mgahinga Gorilla Trekking Safari from Kigali.
Trip Inclusions
- Mountain gorilla permit
- Golden monkey tracking permit
- Batwa Experience
- Ground transportation in a 4×4 safari land cruiser
- English speaking driver guide
- Bottled drinking water
- Pick ups and drop offs
- Accommodation on full board for 2 nights.
Trip exclusions
- International flights, tickets and visas
- Personal insurance
- Laundry
- Tips and souvenirs
- Other personal expenses like alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, telephone services etc..