3-Day Mgahinga Gorilla and Golden Monkey Safari

Transfer from Kigali to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Day 1Transfer from Kigali to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Transfer from Kigali to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Your safari begins early in the morning with a pick-up from your hotel or residence in Kigali. After a short briefing, you set off on a scenic drive through Rwanda’s lush countryside, passing rolling hills, cultivated terraces, and rural villages that highlight why the country is known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills.” As you approach the Cyanika border, the towering Virunga Volcanoes begin to dominate the landscape. After completing border formalities with the assistance of your guide, you continue into southwestern Uganda, driving through Kisoro town to your lodge near Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Upon arrival, you check in and enjoy lunch or refreshments, followed by a relaxed afternoon. Depending on your arrival time, you may take a gentle walk around the lodge area or simply unwind while enjoying panoramic views of the volcanic scenery. Dinner and overnight are spent at the lodge in preparation for the next day’s adventure, overnight at Icumbi Hotel. Main Destination: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Gorillas) Best Time To Visit June to August and December to January (Gorilla trekking is easiest) High Season June to September (Gorilla permits are scarce) Best Weather Jun to Aug and Dec to Jan (Less rainfall) Wildlife in Mgahinga Gorilla NP GorillaCommon ChimpanzeeNone BuffaloOccasional ElephantRare LeopardRare White RhinoNone Show more GiraffeNone Black R

Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga

Day 2Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga After an early breakfast, you drive to the park headquarters at Ntebeko Visitor Centre for a detailed briefing. Here, you learn about gorilla behavior, trekking guidelines, and conservation efforts before being assigned to a habituated gorilla family. The trek begins as you enter the dense montane forest and bamboo zones that cloak the lower slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes. The hike can be challenging at times, involving uneven, steep terrain, but the reward is extraordinary. When the gorillas are located, you are allowed to spend up to one hour in their presence, This close encounter with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is often described as one of the most powerful wildlife experiences in Africa. After the trek, head back to your lodge for lunch and well-deserved rest. The afternoon is free for relaxation, enjoying the peaceful surroundings, or optionally visiting a nearby Batwa community to learn about the indigenous forest culture. Dinner and overnight at Icumbi Hotel. Main Destination: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Gorillas) Accommodation: Ichumbi Hotel - Kisoro Mid-range hotel located less than 1hr drive from Mgahinga Gorilla NP (Gorillas) Meals & Drinks: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Golden Monkey Trekking and Return to Kigali

Day 3Golden Monkey Trekking and Return to Kigali Golden Monkey Trekking and Return to Kigali On the final day, you enjoy breakfast before returning to the park for golden monkey trekking. Following a briefing, you head into the bamboo forests at the base of the Virunga Volcanoes in search of these lively and colorful primates. Golden monkey trekking is generally shorter and less strenuous than gorilla trekking, offering a delightful contrast as you watch the monkeys leap energetically between bamboo stalks and forage in the forest. You spend about one hour observing them before returning from the forest. After the trek, you begin your journey back to Rwanda, crossing the Cyanika border and continuing through the scenic countryside to Kigali. You arrive in the city later in the afternoon or early evening, where you are dropped off at your hotel or Kigali International Airport, marking the end of your memorable Mgahinga primate safari. Main Destination: Kigali International Airport (Kigali, Rwanda) Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included) End of tour (See Getting There for more details)End of tour (See Getting There for more details) Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. You'll be dropped off at the airport. Interested in This Tour? Request a Quote We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators (Learn why) Requests are sent directly to the tour op