Discover Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, a compact yet spectacular reserve in southwest Uganda. Although smaller, it is a top destination for mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. Moreover, the park hosts rich wildlife buffaloes, forest elephants, leopards, jackals, bush pigs, duikers, and bushbucks and more than 180 bird species. Consequently, this short safari delivers high-impact wildlife encounters and unforgettable scenery.
Tour Highlights
Gorilla trekking with the habituated Nyakagezi gorilla group (max 8 trekkers per group).
Search for golden monkeys and enjoy diverse birdlife.
Scenic road journey via Masaka – Mbarara – Kabale with an Equator stop at Kayabwe.
Cultural stop and lunch at Igongo Cultural Centre, plus optional Batwa cultural tours and evening nature walks.
Return transfer to Kampala (drop-off at Entebbe International Airport or your hotel).
Quick Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1: Transfer to Mgahinga (9–10 hours) – Equator stop, Kabale lunch, lodge check-in.
Day 2: Gorilla trekking – 30 minutes to 8 hours in the forest; 1 hour with gorillas; certificate.
Day 3: Return to Kampala – Igongo cultural centre lunch, craft shopping, drop-off.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer to Mgahinga
First, your guide meets you at Entebbe Airport or your hotel and gives a trip briefing. Then, you drive toward Mgahinga via Masaka, Mbarara and Kabale a scenic 9–10 hour road trip. En route, stop at Kayabwe for breakfast and the Equator experience. Next, enjoy lunch in Kabale where you can taste organic spiced food. Finally, arrive at Mgahinga, check into your lodge, relax, and dine.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking (Mgahinga)
Early breakfast is served, and then you receive packed lunch before heading to the park headquarters for the ranger briefing. Afterwards, groups of up to eight trekkers set off with a ranger to track the Nyakagezi gorilla group. Depending on location, trekking takes between 30 minutes and 8 hours, so bring water and sturdy footwear. Once found, you spend one precious hour observing, photographing, and filming the gorillas as they groom, play, and socialize. Thereafter, return to the trailhead to collect your gorilla trekking certificate and relax back at the lodge. In addition, optional activities include guided evening nature walks or a Batwa cultural tour.
Wildlife & Birds: What to Expect
While trekking, you will likely see many forest species and abundant birdlife over 180 species recorded. Moreover, Mgahinga’s varied habitats make sightings of buffalo, forest elephants, leopards, jackals, bush pigs, duikers, and bushbucks possible. Consequently, every walk feels fresh and rewarding.
Day 3: Return to Kampala
After a hearty breakfast, check out and depart Mgahinga. En route, admire changing landscapes from Kabale through Ntungamo to Mbarara. Stop for lunch and craft shopping at Igongo Cultural Centre, where you can taste local dishes and buy unique souvenirs. Finally, continue to Kampala and your guide will drop you at Entebbe International Airport or your hotel.
Practical Notes & Reminders
Trek group size: 8 people max.
Trek duration: 30 minutes–8 hours (variable).
Bring: water, sturdy shoes, rain gear, camera, and patient spirit.
Certificates provided after successful treks.
Optional cultural and nature activities available.