The 4 days Uganda Gorilla & Golden Monkey Safari takes you on a primate safari to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the smallest of all Uganda’s National Parks. The Park lies in the Virunga volcanoes that Uganda shares with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Park sits at an altitude of between 2,227m and 4,127m above sea level. Mgahinga was established to protect the endangered mountain gorillas. More so, the park is home to the endangered golden monkeys which are the highlight of the Park.
Furthermore, Mgahinga lies within three striking extinct volcanoes that is Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura mountains. The volcanoes have a diverse eco-system including tropical rainforests which are a home to a variety of wildlife. Apart from wildlife, Mgahinga is also home to the Batwa minority tribe – also known as pygmies. This tribe of hunters – fruit gatherers were originally the first forest dwellers of Mgahinga Forest and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. They possess unique traditions and knowledge of almost every plant in the forest. On your 4 days Uganda Gorilla & Golden monkey safari, you will explore Mgahinga National Park to trek gorillas and the golden monkey. You will also enjoy the breathtaking views of birds, a variety of butterflies and wild animals such as forest elephants and buffaloes.
Safari Highlights;
- Stopover at the Equator
- Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga
- Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga
Detailed Itinerary;
Day 1: Transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
After morning breakfast, our driver/tour guide will pick you up from either Kampala or Entebbe depending on where you spend the night. From there, you start your long journey to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. En-route your journey, have a stopover at the Equator monument in Kayabwe where you will experience life in two hemispheres. Proceed with your journey as you pass through magnificent views of landscapes and experiencing life on the countryside. You will have your lunch en-route at Igongo Cultural Center and continue. Enjoy sightings of the rolling hills and volcanoes in Kigezi. On arrival in the park, you will check into your lodge, have dinner and rest.
However, there is an option of flying to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park from Entebbe. If you want to avoid the long journey, you can opt to fly which will take you about one and a half hours.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga National Park
After morning breakfast, you will be transferred to the head office for briefing. The briefing will cover details about mountain gorillas, where to find and what to expect in the jungle. You will also be assigned a game ranger who will be your guide through your gorilla trekking experience. From there, you will start your trek into the forest in search for gorillas. While you trek into the forest, be sure to spot a number of primates such as monkeys, wild animals and birds. After a few hours of hiking in the jungle, you will encounter the gorillas. You will get to spend one hour with the apes as you learn and observe their unique behaviors in their natural habitat. You will get to watch feed, nest and some breastfeeding their young ones.
After gorilla trekking, trek back to the head office for certification. Your driver guide will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel. On arrival, refresh, relax. Dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga National Park
Today morning, wake up early and have morning breakfast. Thereafter, your driver guide will take to for golden monkey trekking. Just like with gorilla trekking, your golden monkey trekking escapade will start with a briefing at the head office. You will be given information about what to expect while trekking for golden monkeys. Thereafter, you start your hike through the Virunga volcanoes in search for golden monkeys. Be sure to spot some forest elephants, buffaloes and antelopes among other species in the forest. When you encounter the golden monkeys, you will be allowed one hour to spend time with the golden apes. You will get to follow them and watch them feed, play and jump between tree-branches. Spend time learning what they like to eat as they pick fruits, bamboo shoots and leaves.
From there, you will head back to the head office where your driver will be waiting for you. Like gorillas, trekking golden monkeys can take between 2 to 6 hours depending on the location of the monkeys in the forest. He will then drive you back to your lodge. at your lodge, you will have refreshments and relaxation.
Day 4: return to Kampala/Entebbe
On this day, your adventure with mountain gorillas and golden monkeys in the jungle has come to and end. You will wake up and have breakfast. Then you will check out of your hotel and embark on your journey back to Kampala. You will have lunch en-route in Mbarara proceed. Upon your arrival in Kampala, your driver guide will drop you off at your hotel for the night. On the other hand, you will be dropped off at Entebbe International Airport to catch your flight back home. This depends on your flight schedule. This marks the end of your 4 days Uganda Gorilla and Golden Monkey safari.
Gorilla trekking Guidelines;
- Pace yourself and drink plenty of water.
- Eating, drinking and smoking near the gorillas is prohibited. Your will be allocated the time and place to do that.
- You are advised to carry a rain poncho in case it rains.
- Waterproof walking shoes or hiking boots are important
- Gardening gloves for protection against stinging plants are encouraged.
- Wear Long trousers and long-sleeved sweaters or shirts while in the forest to avoid insect stings.
- Photography is permitted, although you must not use flash
- Porters are available to help you carry your day pack for a minimum fee.