7 Days Private Gorilla Safari In Uganda with Happy Tours Africa.
This 7 Days Private Gorilla Safari takes you to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, nestled in the southwestern corner of the country on the borders with Rwanda and DR Congo. Although it is the smallest of Uganda’s national parks, it offers a wealth of activities for outdoor enthusiasts.
The park features all three of Uganda’s Virunga volcanoes, providing thrilling hiking opportunities. During this tour, you’ll experience mountain gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, walking in the footsteps of the Batwa people, and the chance to hike a volcano of your choice. If you opt for extended days, you can conquer all three volcanoes or focus primarily on hiking while enjoying the various activities available.
7 Days Private Gorilla Safari Highlights
- Gorilla Trekking: Encounter the majestic mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
- Golden Monkey Trekking: Track the lively and agile golden monkeys in the forest.
- Batwa Cultural Trail: Learn about the indigenous Batwa people and their traditional way of life.
- Volcano Hiking: Choose to hike Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, or Mount Sabyinyo.
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to the Pearl of Africa
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, a representative of Kamere Tours will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Entebbe.
- Drive time: 20 minutes
Day 2: Transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
After breakfast, your driver guide will transfer you to Kisoro, at the base of the Virunga Volcanoes. Enjoy the winding roads and magnificent views of the volcanoes. Alternatively, you can take a scheduled flight from Entebbe to Kisoro airfield.
- Drive time: 9 hours
- Scheduled Flight: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Your driver guide will pick you up from the lodge and transfer you to the briefing point inside the park. After a briefing on how to behave and interact with the gorillas, you will start your trek. The ranger guide will lead you through the forest, and after some hiking, you will encounter the gorillas. Spend up to 1 hour with these incredible creatures before descending back to the lodge.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Golden Monkey Trekking
After an early breakfast, your driver guide will transfer you to the briefing point for golden monkey trekking. Following a briefing from the ranger guide, you will hike through Mgahinga National Park in search of the golden monkeys, which are unique to the Virunga Volcanoes. Spend 1 hour with the golden monkeys before descending back to the starting point.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Walk in the Footsteps of the Batwa
This morning, you will be transferred to the briefing area for the Batwa cultural experience. The Batwa guide, with translation from the ranger guide, will lead you through the forest, sharing how they lived and depended on it. This tour can be either a half-day (about 4 hours) or a full-day (about 6 hours).
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Hike Sabyinyo, Muhabura, or Gahinga Volcanoes
Choose one of the three Virunga volcanoes for a memorable hiking experience:
- Mount Gahinga: 3,474 meters above sea level. A gentler hike through bamboo forests and marshy craters, with rich birdlife and possible sightings of bushbuck and duiker. Approximately 6 hours.
- Mount Muhabura: 4,127 meters above sea level. The most challenging peak in the park, offering spectacular views of Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo. Approximately 8 hours.
- Mount Sabyinyo: 3,674 meters above sea level. A dramatic climb with wooden stairs up steep slopes, reaching a peak where you stand in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo simultaneously. Approximately 9 hours.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Departure
After breakfast, your driver guide will transfer you to Entebbe for your flight home. Thank you for visiting Uganda with Kamere Tours.
- Drive time: 9 hours
- Scheduled Flight: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Additional Information
- Accommodations: A variety of lodges and tented camps are available, offering a range of amenities to suit different preferences.
WHAT TO BRING ON A SAFARI:
- What to Bring: Comfortable hiking clothing, sturdy boots, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, and a camera.
- – Health and Safety: Ensure you have the necessary vaccinations and medications. Always adhere to the advice of your tour guides and park rangers for a safe and enjoyable experience.
Included:
- Park fees (for non-residents)
- Gorilla permits (one per person for non-residents) – All activities (unless marked as optional)
- All accommodations (unless specified as upgrades) – A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (unless marked as optional)
- All taxes/VAT – Roundtrip airport transfer
- Meals (as detailed in the itinerary)
- Drinks (as detailed in the itinerary)
Not Included:
- International flights (to/from your home)
- Additional accommodation before or after the tour
- Tips (suggested from $10 per person per day) – Personal expenses (souvenirs, visa fees, travel insurance, etc.)
- Government-imposed increases in taxes or park fees – Some meals (as specified in the itinerary)