Nestled in the scenic southwestern corner of Uganda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a hidden jewel in the Virunga Mountains, where golden monkeys leap through bamboo forests, ancient volcanoes loom in the mist, and gorilla trekking becomes an intimate, life-changing experience. This 3 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour in Mgahinga is crafted for luxury seekers who desire exclusive wildlife encounters with the added indulgence of elegant lodges, fine dining, and private transport. Unlike the more frequented Bwindi, Mgahinga offers a quieter, more spiritual trekking experience with the same emotional reward: an unforgettable hour in the company of critically endangered mountain gorillas. This tour is the perfect blend of rugged adventure and refined retreat, ideal for nature enthusiasts, photographers, or romantic travelers seeking something extraordinary.
Detailed Itinerary.
Day 1: Transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Begin your journey with either a scenic domestic flight from Entebbe to Kisoro airstrip (approximately 1 hour) or a private luxury drive from Kampala or Kigali, Rwanda (7–9 hours). The route is nothing short of breathtaking rolling hills, patchwork farms, and panoramic views of the Virunga Volcanoes. For those choosing to fly, your private driver will be waiting in Kisoro to escort you in comfort to your lodge near Mgahinga.
Upon arrival, settle into your luxury lodge nestled at the edge of the national park, where the fresh mountain air and quiet beauty offer an immediate sense of escape. Enjoy a gourmet lunch with volcano views, followed by a guided nature walk in the surrounding forest or along Lake Mutanda. This gentle excursion introduces you to the flora, birdlife, and landscapes of the region while preserving your energy for tomorrow’s trek.
Spend the afternoon relaxing at your lodge, perhaps indulging in a massage, sipping tea by a crackling fireplace, or simply watching the sun set behind the majestic peaks.
Accommodation: Mount Gahinga Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Lake Mutanda Resort.
Meals: (Lunch, Dinner).
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga
Today is the highlight of your journey: gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a pre-trek briefing led by experienced Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. You’ll be assigned a gorilla family group (commonly the Nyakagezi group, known for its sociable members) and begin the moderately strenuous hike through thick vegetation, bamboo forests, and volcanic slopes. Trekking can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours depending on the gorillas’ movements, but the reward is beyond measure: an awe-inspiring hour spent face-to-face with a gorilla family in their natural habitat. You’ll witness silverbacks asserting dominance, playful juveniles tumbling through vines, and the deep, wise eyes of the matriarchs watching you with curiosity. With only a small number of daily permits issued in Mgahinga, the experience is more intimate and less crowded than in other parks.
After the trek, receive a personalized trekking certificate, then return to your lodge for a late lunch and well-earned rest. The afternoon is yours to relax or opt for a cultural visit with the Batwa people, the original forest dwellers. Learn about their traditional hunter-gatherer lifestyle, music, and medicinal plants in an immersive, respectful setting. Dinner is a refined affair, expect international cuisine fused with local ingredients, served in a cozy dining room or under a starlit sky.
Accommodation: Mount Gahinga Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Lake Mutanda Resort.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 3: Fly Back to Entebbe – Departure
On your final morning, have a leisurely breakfast with volcano views after which you will check out of the lodge. Your driver will transfer you to Kisoro Airstrip for your return flight to Entebbe depending on your onward travel plans.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch).
End of the 3 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour in Mgahinga.
The 3 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour in Mgahinga cost includes;
- Luxury accommodation (full board).
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle with expert driver-guide.
- All park entrance fees and permits (gorilla permits included).
- All game drives, boat cruises, birding excursions, and guided walks mentioned.
- Airport transfers and meet-and-greet services.
- Bottled water, snacks, and refreshments during drives.
However, the tour cost excludes; International air fare, Visa fees, personal medical and travel insurance, personal shopping bills, souvenirs, tips to local guides etc.