3 Day Mgahinga Gorilla Trekking Safari
3 Days – 2 Nights
3 Day Mgahinga Gorilla Trekking Safari
Overview
Looking for an unforgettable wildlife encounter in a less crowded setting? This 3 Day Mgahinga Gorilla Trekking Safari is the perfect choice for travelers seeking a short but powerful adventure. Located in southwestern Uganda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park lies at the intersection of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It forms part of the magnificent Virunga Conservation Area, home to the endangered mountain gorillas and a dramatic landscape of extinct volcanoes and lush montane forests.
This compact tour offers a chance to trek deep into the jungle in search of the gentle giants that call this unique habitat home. With fewer tourists than Bwindi, Mgahinga provides a quieter, more intimate trekking experience, perfect for photographers and nature lovers.
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3 Days/ 2 Nights
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Uganda
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Guided, Private Safari
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Airport TransfersCar hireServices of an English-speaking guideRefreshments like waterAll accommodation & MealsAll activitiesAll Taxes /VATA professional driver /guideFuelGorilla permitDrinking water
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Tips and gratuitiesAll items of personal natureInternational flightsAlcoholic drinks
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Your adventure begins with a morning pick-up from your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe, or from Entebbe International Airport if you’re arriving that day. From here, you’ll start the journey to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located near the border with Rwanda in the Kisoro district.
You can choose between:
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A scenic road trip (approx. 9–10 hours), passing through Uganda’s lush countryside, rolling hills, banana plantations, and lively towns. Stop at the Equator for photos and enjoy lunch en route.
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Or take a 1.5-hour domestic flight from Entebbe to Kisoro Airstrip, followed by a short road transfer to your lodge.
Whichever travel option you choose, the dramatic scenery of southwestern Uganda will set the tone for your gorilla adventure.
Accommodation Options:
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Luxury: Mount Gahinga Lodge – A charming eco-lodge nestled at the base of the Virunga volcanoes
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Mid-range: Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge – Set on the shores of Lake Mulehe with tranquil views
Meal Plan: Lunch (if en route) & Dinner
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Rise early and fuel up with breakfast before heading to the Mgahinga park headquarters for your pre-trek briefing with Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. You’ll learn about gorilla trekking etiquette, safety rules, and conservation efforts.
With your expert guides and trackers leading the way, set off on your gorilla trekking adventure through the dense forest and bamboo thickets of the park. Depending on where the gorillas are that day, the trek may take between 2 to 8 hours. Once you locate them, you’ll spend one unforgettable hour observing the gorilla family in their natural setting—watching them feed, groom, and play among the foliage. It’s a life-changing moment that will stay with you forever.
After your trek, return to the headquarters to receive your Gorilla Trekking Certificate, a proud memento of your once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Spend the rest of your afternoon relaxing at the lodge, enjoying the peaceful mountain air. For those with energy left, short nature walks or cultural activities can be arranged.
Accommodation Options:
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Luxury: Mount Gahinga Lodge
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Mid-range: Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Return to Entebbe or Kampala
After a relaxed breakfast, begin your journey back to Entebbe or Kampala. You can either:
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Drive back through Uganda’s highlands and make scenic stops along the way (about 9–10 hours),
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Or transfer to Kisoro Airstrip for your domestic flight back to Entebbe (approximately 1.5 hours).
Depending on your travel plans, your guide will drop you at your hotel in Entebbe/Kampala or at the airport for your onward flight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
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Suggested Gorilla Safari Ideas
The tours featured throughout our website are intended to give you ideas for what’s possible when you travel with us. Treat them simply as inspiration, because your trip will be created individually by one of our specialists to match your tastes and budget.