Kigali City to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- 5 Days
- No Refund 1 month to the tour
Adult
Child
Description
Duration
5 Days
Group Size
1-8
Language
English
Highlights
- Scenic drive from Kigali through the beautiful rolling hills of Rwanda and southwestern Uganda.
- Gorilla trekking adventure in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas.
- Opportunity to spend a magical hour observing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
- Enjoy breathtaking views of the Virunga Volcanoes and the stunning Albertine Rift landscapes.
- Encounter diverse wildlife, bird species, and unique montane forest ecosystems.
- Visit and learn about the rich culture and traditions of the indigenous Batwa community.
- Cross-border travel experience between Rwanda and Uganda in a single safari.
- Excellent photography opportunities featuring gorillas, volcanoes, forests, and scenic countryside.
- Professional safari guide services throughout the journey.
- A perfect short safari for travelers seeking an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience from Kigali.
Included
- Gorilla trekking permit in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- Ground transportation in a comfortable 4x4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking safari guide/driver
- Accommodation as per itinerary
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
- Kigali city pick-up and drop-off
Excluded
- International and domestic flights
- Uganda and Rwanda visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff
- Personal expenses such as laundry, souvenirs, and telephone calls
Travel Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Kigali – City Tour and Cultural Experience
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your
safari guide and transferred to your hotel in Kigali. Depending on your arrival
time, begin with a guided city tour of Rwanda’s clean and vibrant capital.
Enjoy lunch, if time allows visit the famous Kigali Genocide Memorial to learn
about Rwanda’s history and remarkable journey of recovery and unity. Continue
to local craft markets and art galleries where you can explore handmade
souvenirs, paintings, and traditional crafts.
Accommodation: Five to Five Hotel Kigali
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2 - Transfer from Kigali to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
After an early breakfast, depart Kigali and drive north through Rwanda’s beautiful
rolling hills toward the Cyanika border crossing into Uganda. The journey offers
spectacular scenery of terraced hillsides, rural villages, and volcanic landscapes.
After border formalities, continue to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park located in
the Virunga Mountain ranges. The park is Uganda’s smallest national park but one
of its most scenic, home to mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and the Batwa
community.
Arrive at the lodge in time for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, enjoy a
community walk around the nearby villages where you will interact with local
people and learn about their traditions and farming practices.
Later return to the lodge for dinner and overnight while enjoying views of the
Virunga volcanoes.
Driving Time: Approximately 4–5 hours
Accommodation: Lake Mulehe safari lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3 - Gorilla Trekking Experience in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Wake up early for breakfast and transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing
by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers about gorilla trekking rules and safety
guidelines.
After the briefing, begin your unforgettable trek through the dense rainforest in
search of the endangered mountain gorillas. The trek can take between 2 to 6
hours depending on the gorillas’ movements. Along the way, enjoy sightings of
birds, forest vegetation, and breathtaking volcanic scenery.
Once the gorilla family is located, spend one magical hour observing them in their
natural habitat as they feed, groom, and interact. This is one of Africa’s most
rewarding wildlife experiences.
After trekking, return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the evening, enjoy a
cultural performance by the local Batwa community featuring traditional songs,
dances, and storytelling.
Accommodation: Lake Mulehe safari lodge.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4 - Golden Monkey Tracking and Batwa Cultural Trail
After breakfast, head back to the park headquarters for another briefing before
starting the golden monkey tracking adventure. These rare and playful primates
are unique to the Virunga region and are known for their energetic movements
through the bamboo forests.
The activity usually lasts 2–4 hours and offers excellent photography
opportunities.
After lunch, experience the famous Batwa Cultural Trail led by Batwa guides.
Learn how the Batwa pygmies traditionally survived in the forest through hunting,
gathering, medicinal plants, and cave living before the forest became a protected
national park.
Visit the Garama Cave, once used as a royal shelter and meeting place for the
Batwa people. The experience provides deep insight into one of East Africa’s
oldest indigenous cultures.
Return to the lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
Accommodation: Lake Mulehe safari lodge.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5 - Return to Kigali and Departure
Enjoy breakfast at the lodge before beginning your return journey to Kigali. Drive
through the beautiful countryside and cross back into Rwanda via Cyanika border.
Depending on your flight schedule, you may stop for lunch or last-minute
shopping in Kigali before being transferred to Kigali International Airport for your
departure flight.
This marks the end of your memorable Rwanda–Uganda primate and cultural
safari.
Driving Time: Approximately 4–5 hours
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
No accommodation
Maps
From $ 2,228
Book This Tour
From $ 2,228
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