Your destination on these 4 days Mgahinga gorilla trekking safari to Mgahinga gorilla national park in the misty Virunga Mountains. The protected area is home to mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and 178 bird species. The local community adjacent to park includes the Batwa pygmies, Bafumbira and Bakiga. The main activity will be to venture into the dense forest to track and encounter the Nyakagezi gorilla family.
Being the only habituated group in the entire park, most travelers tend to go to Bwindi, so in Mgahinga you stand a chance of visiting gorillas without the crowds. In addition to the encounter with the gentle giants, another activity is a cultural walk with the Batwa pygmies. They will display their ancient survival skills such as the pre-historic fire-making activity. That’s not all; golden monkey tracking is also available depending on your travel budget.
Mgahinga encompasses 3 Virunga volcanoes which include Mount Sabinyo, Gahinga, and Muhabura. You can also choose to hike one and discover the beauty of the Virunga Massif, a chain of 8 volcanic mountains that straddle the borders of Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo.
These 4 days gorilla tracking safari to Mgahinga starts and ends in the bustling Kampala capital city. The journey to Mgahinga in Kisoro district southwest Uganda winds through scenic countryside, rolling hills, roadside markets, and stops at the Equator and Igongo cultural center along the way. Get ready for unforgettable primate safari into the place where Gold Meets Silver.
Detailed 4 days Mgahinga gorilla tracking Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer from Kampala to Kisoro town
Set off from Kampala city early in the morning and travel southwest to Kisoro. The journey is 482 km (9-hour drive) counting the little stopovers at Equator monument in Kayabwe for photoshoots and at Igongo restaurant for lunch in Mbarara city. Continue to Kisoro Continue to Kisoro, arriving in the evening. Check-in at a lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: Transfer from Kisoro to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
After breakfast, drive to Ntebeko Mgahinga Gorilla National Park headquarters at, which is about 40-minute drive. Being on time at 7:00am, you will attend a briefing on gorilla rules from the chief warden. Start gorilla trekking in the Virunga volcanoes at 8:00am, accompanied by experienced Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers, guides, and armed guards for security in case you encounter a buffalo.
Once the gorillas are found, spend about 1 hour with the Nyakagezi gorilla family composed of 9 members including 4 silverbacks, 2 Adult females, 2 Infants, and 1 Juvenile. Observing and learning about how they feed, play and groom each will be a lifetime memory. Enjoy your packed lunch in the forest and return to the park headquarters and then to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Spend another day exploring other attractions in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Optional activities include golden monkey trekking, bird watching, or an easy hike along the Batwa trail as part of the community tour. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4: Mgahinga to Kampala city
Depart Mgahinga after breakfast and drive back to Kampala, arriving in the evening at the agreed stage or airport for your onward flight. End of 4 days Mgahinga gorilla trekking safari.
Note: The itinerary may vary depending on your preferences, budget, and travel style. Additionally, gorilla trekking permits need to be booked in advance through the Uganda Wildlife Authority.