5-Day Mgahinga Gorilla & Golden Monkey Trekking Safari
This 5-day safari takes you to the far southwest corner of Uganda. You will visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. This park sits high in the clouds on the slopes of three extinct volcanoes. It is the only 
park in Uganda where you can trek both Mountain Gorillas and Golden Monkeys.
Many travelers go to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Bwindi is famous, but it is also busy. Mgahinga offers a different experience. It is quiet. It feels private. The vegetation is more open so you can take better photos. You will track the Nyakagezi gorilla family and watch the rare Golden Monkeys jump through the bamboo forests.
We designed this trip for travelers who want to see primates without the crowds. You can start this trip from Entebbe (Uganda) or Kigali (Rwanda). We often suggest starting in Kigali because the drive to the park is much shorter.
Safari Highlights
Double Primate Trek: See Mountain Gorillas and Golden Monkeys in the same forest.
The Nyakagezi Family: Track a large, stable group of gorillas known for their playful silverbacks.
Volcano Views: Hike on the slopes of Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabinyo.
Batwa Cultural Trail: Walk with the original forest keepers and visit the sacred Garama Cave.
Flexible Start: Save 5 hours of driving by starting your trip from Kigali, Rwanda.
Why Choose Mgahinga Over Bwindi?
You might be wondering if you should visit Mgahinga or Bwindi. This is the most common question we get.
Mgahinga is for you if:
You want better photography. The bamboo forests here are less dense than the thick tangles of Bwindi. This lets in more light.
You dislike crowds. Mgahinga has only one habituated gorilla group. You will not see dozens of other safari vehicles at the briefing point.
- You want “Gold and Silver.” This is the only place where Silverback gorillas and Golden Monkeys live together.
Bwindi is for you if:
You want variety. Bwindi has over 20 gorilla families.
You want a lower altitude. Mgahinga treks start at higher elevations (around 2,227 meters / 7,300 feet).
For this 5-day itinerary, we focus entirely on the exclusive experience of Mgahinga.
Detailed 5-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Mgahinga National Park
Your trip begins today. You have two options for your starting point.
Option A: From Entebbe/Kampala (The Long Scenic Route) Your guide will pick you up at 
6:30 AM from your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe. We start early to beat the city traffic. The drive to Kisoro takes about 9 to 10 hours. It is a long day in the car, but the views are worth it. You will cross the Equator line at Kayabwe. We stop here for photos and a stretch.
We continue through Mbarara for a hot lunch at Igongo Cultural Center. The road then climbs into the Kigezi Highlands. You will see terraced hills that look like a patchwork quilt. We arrive at your lodge in the evening for dinner.
Option B: From Kigali, Rwanda (The Short Route). This is the option we recommend. Your guide will pick you up from Kigali International Airport or your hotel in Kigali. The drive to the Uganda border (Cyanika or Katuna) takes only 4 to 5 hours. The roads are paved and smooth. You will cross the border into Uganda and reach your lodge by the afternoon. This gives you time to rest and enjoy the volcano views before dinner.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Mount Gahinga Lodge. (Stone cottages with fireplaces, right at the park entrance).
Mid-Range: Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge. (Quiet cottages overlooking the lake).
Budget: Travelers Rest Hotel. (A historic hotel in Kisoro town where Dian Fossey used to stay).
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking (Nyakagezi Family)
Wake up at 6:00 AM. The air will be cold and crisp. Have a hearty breakfast to fuel your body. Your guide will drive you to the Ntebeko Park Headquarters for the 7:30 AM briefing. The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) rangers will check your permits. They will tell you the rules. You must stay 7 meters
(23 feet) away from the gorillas. You cannot use flash photography.
The trek begins around 8:00 AM. You will hike through the lower bamboo zone. The ground can be muddy and steep. The Nyakagezi family is special. It is a large group with several Silverbacks (adult males) who tolerate each other. This is rare. Most groups only have one dominant male. Because they live in a smaller home range than the Bwindi gorillas, rangers often find them within 2 to 4 hours. When you find them, the clock starts. You have exactly one hour. You might see the juveniles playing in the trees or the dominant Silverback, Mark, grooming a female. Watch their eyes. They are intelligent and gentle. After your hour is up, you hike back to the headquarters. Your driver will be waiting. Return to the lodge for a hot shower and boot cleaning.
Day 3: Golden Monkey Tracking
Today, you search for the “Gold.” Golden Monkeys are endangered. They are endemic to the Virunga Volcanoes. This means they live nowhere else on Earth. Return to Ntebeko Park Headquarters for another briefing. The hike for Golden Monkeys is different from the gorilla trek. These monkeys live
in the bamboo forests near the base of the volcanoes. They do not move as far as gorillas. The trek is often shorter and less physically demanding.
Golden Monkeys are fast. They do not sit still. They jump from bamboo stalk to bamboo stalk. You will see their bright orange-gold fur against the green leaves. It is a challenge to take a clear photo, but it is fun to try. They are habituated, so they are not afraid of humans. They might jump directly over your head. You spend one hour with the troop. Enjoy their playful energy. After the trek, we drive back to the lodge for a relaxed afternoon. You can sit by the fire and look through your photos.
Day 4: Batwa Cultural Trail
For thousands of years, the Batwa pygmies lived inside these forests. They shared the forest with the gorillas. When the park was gazetted in 1991, they were moved out. Today, they lead tours to teach
visitors about their old way of life. This is not a staged dance performance. It is a hike through the forest with Batwa elders. They will show you how they used plants for medicine. They will show you how they gathered wild honey and made fire using sticks.
The trail ends at the Garama Cave. This cave is 342 meters long. It used to be the king’s palace and a hiding place during times of war. The women of the community will sing a sorrowful song in the dark cave. The acoustics are haunting and beautiful. It is a powerful reminder of the human history of this park. We return to the lodge in the late afternoon. This is your final night in the shadow of the volcanoes.
Day 5: Transfer to Entebbe or Kigali
Enjoy your last breakfast in the mountains.
If going to Kigali, we drive back across the Cyanika border. The drive is short. We can stop for a quick city tour in Kigali if your flight time allows. We will visit the Gisozi Genocide Memorial if you wish to pay your respects. We drop you off at the airport for your outbound flight.
If going to Entebbe, we start the long drive back early. To break up the journey, we can stop at the Igongo Cultural Center for lunch again. We aim to reach Entebbe by late afternoon or early evening. We will drop you off at the airport or your hotel
Important Trip Logistics
What is Included
Gorilla Permit: One permit per person (Managed by Uganda Wildlife Authority).
Golden Monkey Permit: Includes park entry fees.
Transport: A 4×4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof.
Driver/Guide: An English-speaking professional guide.
Accommodation: 4 nights in your chosen lodge category.
Meals: All meals as listed in the itinerary.
Water: Bottled drinking water in the vehicle.
What is Excluded
International flights.
Visas (The East African Tourist Visa allows entry to both Uganda and Rwanda).
Tips for porters and guides.
Alcoholic drinks at the lodges.
Laundry services.
Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is the trek in Mgahinga?
It is moderately difficult. Mgahinga is at a higher altitude than Bwindi. You start hiking at around 2,200 meters. If you are fit and can walk for 4 hours, you will manage. We always recommend hiring a porter to carry your bag and help you on slippery slopes.
Are the gorillas in Mgahinga always there?
Yes. In the past, the Nyakagezi group used to cross into Rwanda. This has not happened in many years. The family is now permanently settled in Uganda. The UWA rangers monitor them daily.
Can I do this trip in fewer days?
Yes, but only if you start from Kigali. We can compress this into a 3-day or 4-day trip. If you start from Entebbe, you need at least 5 days because of the long driving distance (9 hours each way).
Is it safe to visit Mgahinga?
Yes. The park is very safe. It is patrolled by UWA rangers and the Ugandan military. Tourism is vital for the community, and locals work hard to protect visitors.
What is the age limit for trekking?
You must be 15 years or older to trek gorillas and golden monkeys. This is a strict rule to protect children and to protect the primates from childhood diseases.
Do I need a visa for both Uganda and Rwanda?
If you land in Kigali and cross into Uganda, you should get the East African Tourist Visa. It costs $100 and covers Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya. You can apply for this online before you travel
Ready to Book Your Adventure?
This 5-day safari offers a rare chance to see two of the world’s most fascinating primates. The permits for Mgahinga are limited and sell out fast. Contact us today to check availability for your preferred dates. We will handle all the logistics so you can focus on the journey
