Tucked into Uganda’s far southwest, where Uganda, Rwanda, and the DR Congo meet, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offers a quieter, more intimate gorilla trekking experience amid the dramatic Virunga volcanoes. This 3-day safari combines a trek to a habituated mountain gorilla family with the park’s cool, misty forests and scenic volcanic backdrop.
3 Days Mgahinga Gorilla Safari
- 3 Days
Adult
From
$ 1,200
Per Adult
Description
Duration
3 Days
Language
English
Gorilla Safari Highlights
The highlight is a trek to spend one unforgettable hour with the Nyakagezi gorilla family. Optional add-ons include golden monkey tracking, a volcano hike with views over three countries, and a visit to a local Batwa community for a taste of the region's indigenous culture.
Included
- 2 nights' accommodation on a full-board basis (as specified in itinerary)
- 1 Mgahinga gorilla trekking permit
- All ground transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle with an English-speaking driver-guide
- Bottled drinking water during transfers and treks
- Airport/border pick-up and drop-off as arranged
Excluded
- International flights and visa fees
- Golden monkey trekking permit (optional add-on)
- Travel and medical/evacuation insurance
- Tips and gratuities for guides, trackers, and porters
- Alcoholic beverages and personal expenses (souvenirs, phone calls, laundry, etc.)
- Porter fees for gorilla trekking (optional, recommended, paid locally)
- Any meals not specified in the itinerary
Mgahinga Safari Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival and Transfer to Mgahinga
Depart from Kigali (Rwanda) or Kabale/Kisoro (Uganda) and travel by road to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, passing through the scenic terraced hills of southwestern Uganda. Arrive in the afternoon, check in to your lodge near the park, and relax with views of the Virunga volcanoes. Optional evening nature walk or briefing on the next day's trek.
- Overnight: Lodge near Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (full board)
Day 2 - Gorilla Trekking Experience
Early breakfast followed by a briefing at the park headquarters before setting off into the forest with expert guides and trackers in search of the Nyakagezi gorilla family. Trekking time varies from 2–6 hours depending on the gorillas' location. Once found, enjoy a full hour observing and photographing the gorillas up close. Return to the lodge in the afternoon for rest, or opt for an afternoon nature walk or cultural visit to a nearby Batwa community.
- Overnight: Lodge near Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (full board)
Day 3 - Optional Golden Monkey Trek and Departure
Early morning option to track golden monkeys in the bamboo forest (highly recommended, subject to availability and additional permit). After breakfast, check out and begin the drive back to Kigali or Kisoro/Kabale, with drop-off at your onward destination.
- Meals: Breakfast
Maps
Frequently Asked Questions
A reasonable level of fitness is helpful since the terrain is steep and can be muddy, but treks are done at a comfortable pace and porters are available to help carry bags or assist on the trail.
Permit prices are set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and change periodically, so we confirm the current rate at the time of booking. Permits should be booked well in advance as availability is limited to one habituated family.
Gorilla trekking is possible year-round, but the driest months (June–September and December–February) offer easier trekking conditions. The wetter months bring lush scenery and fewer crowds.
Sturdy waterproof hiking boots, gardening-style gloves, long trousers and sleeves, a rain jacket, a hat, insect repellent, and a daypack with water and snacks are recommended. Porters can carry heavier bags.
Mgahinga has only one habituated gorilla family, so far fewer trekking permits are issued daily compared to Bwindi, making for a quieter and more personal experience.
Yes, golden monkey trekking is offered as an optional add-on within the park and pairs well with gorilla trekking since both happen in the same area.
The minimum age set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority is 15 years old.
Most travelers arrive by road from Kigali, Rwanda (roughly 3-4 hours) or from Kisoro/Kabale in Uganda, both of which have small airstrips served by domestic flights.
While sightings are very likely given the trackers' knowledge of the gorillas' movements, in the rare case of a missed trek some operators and the Uganda Wildlife Authority offer a follow-up trek or partial refund policy — this is worth confirming at the time of booking.
The southwestern Uganda/Rwanda border area is generally safe and welcomes many tourists each year, though it's always wise to check current travel advisories before your trip.
From $ 1,200
Book This Tour
From $ 1,200
Book This Tour