4-Day Luxury-Bwindi Forest-Mgahinga Gorilla Park Trekking Safari
Only in Uganda -a 4-Day Luxury Twice Gorilla Trekking Safari in Two Parks
A 4-Day Luxury Twice Gorilla Trekking Safari in two different Gorilla Parks. On this one-of-a-kind Safari, you trek Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest 
and Mgahinga Gorilla Park. You trek Gorillas in two distinctly different environments. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest with its ridges and valleys and the Virunga Volcanoes in Mgahinga Gorilla Park
Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla Park is like gorilla tracking Rwanda but with permits costing 800 USD less.
The Luxury Twice Gorilla Trekking Safari begins and ends in Kigali, Rwanda. The Southern Area of Bwindi Forest is only a 4-hour drive instead of the 9-10 Hour Drive from Entebbe Airport.
A Unique and one-of-Kind Gorilla Trekking Experience
Your Gorilla Safari is unique because you are trekking the Gentle Giants in two different environments. The Virunga Volcanoes in Mgahinga Gorilla Park and an ancient Afromontane Rain Forest – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. You can do this only in Uganda and not in Rwanda or DR Congo.
The Lodging Choices for this Safari are Exclusive or Luxury Lodges – Clouds Mountain Lodge or the upmarket Gorilla Safari Lodge in Bwindi Forest and Mount Gahinga Lodge Mgahinga Gorilla Park.
Highlights of your 4-Day Luxury Twice Gorilla Trekking Safari in two Parks
- Twice Gorilla Trekking: Trek Gorillas in two different parks in Uganda with distinctly different Habitats.
- Bwindi Impenetrable Forest: Afro-montane Forest made up of hills and valleys.
- Mgahinga Gorilla Park: Trekking conditions are like in Rwanda and DR Congo. Tracking takes place on the sides of the Virunga Volcanoes.
- Optional Gorilla Habituation Experience: Sprend four hours with a gorilla family and there are a maximum of four participants. Permits are limited in number to four a day.
- Optional Golden Monkey Trekking: This depends on whether your flight out in Kigali is during the evening hours.
- Exclusive Luxury Lodges: the exclusive Mount Gahinga Lodge in Mgahinga Gorilla Park and the exclusive Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge.
- Choice of Upmarket or Exclusive Lodging for 3-nights
- Save 800 USD on Gorilla Permits over Rwanda’s 1,500 USD Permits
- 4×4 Toyota Land-Cruiser with Luxury Safari Experienced Driver
- Porter and Walking Sticks for your Gorilla Treks plus Bottled Water
- Secure Gorilla Trekking with Ranger Escort
- Add a Day and relax with one of Africa’s most scenic lakes, Lake Mutanda.
During Off-Season Months – April, May, and November – Lodge Off-Season Discounts are automatically passed on to you. Flexibility in dates is needed with this Safari due to limited permits being available in Mgahinga Gorilla Park (16 per day at this time).
Your 4-Day Luxury Twice Gorilla Trekking Safari in 2 Parks in Detail:
Arrival Day in Kigali, Rwanda
Arrival Day in Kigali Rwanda for your4-Day Luxury Twice Gorilla Trekking Safari in 2 Parks in Uganda: Many flights from Europe arrive during the evening, others at night at Kigali International Airport, the Gateway not only to Rwanda but also to Southwest Uganda.
We will pick you up at the airport and take you to a luxury hotel such as the Radisson, Marriot, Serena or Hotel Rwanda which is the des Mille Collines.
Alternative-Arrival in Entebbe:
Fly into Entebbe International Airport in Uganda, where your driver guide will meet you and take you to your hotel in Entebbe. The following day you take the early morning flight to Kisoro in Southwest Uganda with AeroLink Safari Airline. This is the quickest and most convenient way chosen by an increasing number of our clients, and the convenience outweighs the extra cost and will give you more time in and around Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Day 1 – Drive or Fly to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – Rushaga Region:
Drive to Rushaga from Kigali-Rwanda:
Your4-Day Luxury Twice Gorilla Trekking Safari in 2 Parks in Uganda begins as we leave your hotel in Kigali at 6:30 am or the Kigali Airport for your moderately priced Safari. The drive time to Rushaga is about 4 hours, depending on the Border Crossing.
Visa for Uganda is $50, or the East African Visa is $100 and covers entry to Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya. Both visas must be obtained online. In addition, you will need a Yellow Fever certificate for entry into Uganda.
Usually, the border crossing is about 30 to 45 minutes, and you are in Uganda heading for the ancient Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Officials on both sides will try to ease the border crossing for Tourists.
Any inconvenience fade in the light of the shorter drive time you have before you. Please note that it takes nine to ten hours from Entebbe or Kampala to reach the Rushaga area.
The Route you are on from Kigali to Bwindi is one of the most scenic drives in East Africa through the rolling, terraced hills of Rwanda and Uganda.
Fly from Entebbe International Airport to Kisoro – a 70-minute scenic flight:
We will pick you up at your hotel in Entebbe at around 6:15 am for your 7:00 am departure with AeroLink Airline to Kisoro. Your flight time is 90 minutes, with a brief stopover at the Kihihi Airstrip. In Kisoro, you are met by your driver-guide, who will take you to your Lodge. T
This is the quickest and most convenient way to reach the Rushaga area of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The Drive-Time from Kisoro to your Lodge is forty-five minutes.
There is a 15 kg weight restriction for your flight. Excess baggage costs $6 additional payment, and you can leave extra luggage with us. To save on the weight of your bag, we suggest that you wear your gorilla wear for your flight, including the rain jacket and hiking boots.
The benefit of a fly-In Safari is that you can spend a few nights in Queen Elizabeth Park or include Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest on the return flight.
We arrive in the Southern area of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and check into either Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge or Gorilla Safari Lodge.
Lodging in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Exclusive Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge:
This exclusive Luxury Lodge overlooks Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and the Virunga Volcanoes in the distance. It ranks as one of the Best Lodges in Uganda and the southern area of Bwindi Forest. From here, it is a short walk to the Trailhead in Nkuringo.
The Lodge exudes class throughout, including in your private River Stone Cottage. 24/7 Butler and Maid Service are available to you.
The views from your bedroom balcony are uplifting, and the patio is the perfect setting for the early morning Ugandan Arabica Coffee grown in some of the nearby fields.
Authentic African Art is found throughout the Lodge, including g in your cottage, and the Meals are delightful. Many of our Clients have loved their stay at Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge.
Afternoon Activity Choices for you:
- Batwa Cultural Encounter: See the Forest through the Eyes of its first people, the Batwa.
- Village Walk: Go on a guided walk and experience Ugandan village life.
- Nature Walk: Take a nature or birding walk with a guide.
- Hands-on Cultural Experience: Learn a new skill such as African drumming, dance, basket weaving, carving, cooking, etc.
- Relax and read a Book: Read a book about Uganda.
Meal Plan: Luch and Dinner
Day 2- Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
It is an early Breakfast – the right equipment and clothing for your Trek. Further Trekking Information that will make this day more comfortable is found here. Be sure to pick up your packed lunch from the Lodge.
Gorilla Wear and Gear:
Here is practical advice about what to wear while Gorilla Trekking in Uganda. Often Trekkers are not dressed right for the occasion, which can spoil your day, and your focus might not be the Gorillas but personal discomfort and misery. Wearing suitable clothing and footwear is about protection.
Gorilla Wear and Gear you will need:
- Daypack: Preferably a waterproof daypack, you can use it as a carry-on flying to Uganda. Pack all essentials inside of the daypack.
- Hiking Boots: Make sure that they have good treads on them. You will need ankle support, something boots give you and give you reactions on muddy trails. Have a good pair of merino wool socks.
- Long Trouser: They will protect you from nettles and thorns. Tuck the trousers into your socks for added protection from ants.
- Long-Sleeved Shirt: Neutral in color. Again, this is for your comfort and protection.
- Rain Jacket or Poncho: Pack into your daypack. You never know when it will train. You are in an Afro-montane Rainforest.
- Tough Gardening Gloves: This is to protect your hands from thorns, nettles, and sharp branches.
- Wide Brimmed Hat: It gives you protection from the Sun.
- Camera Equipment – Binoculars: Ensure extra batteries and storage devices. Put them into Ziploc bags. Binoculars are not needed if you are not a birder.
- Packed Lunch and Bottled Water: You will need your packed lunch from the Lodge and two liters of bottled water.
- Insect Repellent – Sun Lotion – Sunglasses: We recommend the effective Australian RID Insect Repellent. Good Sun
- You will need a Porter and Walking Stick: The services of a porter free you on the often-difficult trail, and a local walking stick helps you and steadies you on the often-challenging path. We supply our clients with both the bottled water and facial protective masks required for the actual encounter with the Gentle Giants.
Read more about Gorilla Gear and Wear here.
The Gorilla Trekking Orientation:
Here you receive instructions about the Gorilla Trek. You are assigned your Gorilla Family based on your input, and your age and fitness level are also considered.
You often track the Gorilla Groups you like, and we will help you with the Park Staff. Trekking times vary between three and six hours depending on the gorilla group you will be trekking on your day. We strongly suggest you read the Rules and Guidelines before going on a Trek.
If you have physical limitations, you can still visit a gorilla family. Let us know, and we will make the necessary arrangements, such as a sedan chair carried by a team of porters.
The Gorilla Family you will trek with is determined at the orientation with your input, and your fitness level and age are part of the Gorilla Family determination equation.
The location of the gorilla family determines the length and difficulty of the Trek. Pre-Trackers are out at the crack of dawn location the diverse groups and calling in the GPS locations of the various groups.
The length of the Trek is between three and five hours, and at the time, it may be longer than that. Up to eight trekkers in your group, and add to that the rangers and porters.
Some rules and guidelines govern the Trek. It is good to know the rules ahead of time. The main one is that you have no cold or flu, intestinal disorder, or other infectious illness on the day of your Trek.
In the presence of the Gorilla Family:
The encounter with a Gorilla Family is an almost spiritual experience for many; nothing is spending an hour with the Gentle Giants of the Forest.
Gorilla Habituation Experience Option in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest:
Instead of the Normal Gorilla Trek, where 8 participants are in The Group – Consider the exclusive All-Day Gorilla Trek, where you are with the gentle giants of the Forest on a Gorilla Habituation Experience for four hours. The Permit cost for the Gorilla Habituation is 1,500 USD – only four permits are available, and you need to book early to get permits for this activity.
After the Gorilla Trek: We drive to Mount Gahinga Lodge in Mgahinga Gorilla Park, where your second Gorilla Trek will place. Mount Gahinga Lodge is the only upmarket Lodge near the park.
Lodge: Mount Gahinga Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast -Lunch – Dinner
Mount Gahinga Lodge – Mgahinga Gorilla Park:
Mount Gahinga Lodge is an exclusive upmarket Lodge with a deluxe price tag. If you choose Trek Gorillas in Mgahinga Gorilla Park, this is the Lodge for you.
Located near the Park Headquarters with views of the Virunga Volcanoes and Lake Mutanda just from a scenic point of view, this Lodge is priceless.
The Cottages come with a cozy fireplace. It gets, and it gets a bit nippy here at night. Fifty degrees Fahrenheit or 10 degrees Celsius.
Luxury showers, large bedrooms with a sitting area, delightful food, and excellent service at a lower price since Mgahinga Gorilla Park is off the radar for many visitors in Uganda.
The Lodge offers a variety of activities to clients, such as a Visit to the Mount Gahinga Batwa Village that was the Lodge, a Caldera Walk, and a Batwa Heritage Trail for lodge guests.
Mount Gahinga Lodge is your Best Choice for Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla Park.
Day 3- Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla Park
An early Breakfast – the right equipment and clothing for your Trek. Further Trekking Information that will make this
day successful is found here. We suggest a day pack, packed lunch from the Lodge, two liters of water, long trousers, a long-sleeved shirt, hat, boots, thick socks, and tough gardening gloves. All this is not for a fashion statement but for your protection against nettles, thorns, brushes, and braches.
We provide a porter, the cost of one,20 USD is well worth it. The porter carries your daypack, which frees you from enjoying the Trek. We also suggest a local walking stick that steadies you at times on slippery Trails.
We supply you with bottled water, a walking stick, and a porter. One porter is needed for two people, and the porter is another plus since they assist you on the Trek.
You are trekking at an elevation above 2,200 meters.0000000000, which is not problematic for most trekkers. Though the Trek is upward, it is not grueling, and it poses no problems for those with a moderate fitness level. We furnish you with a walking stick and the porter carrying your daypack and assisting you on the trail.
You are off on your Safe and Secure Gorilla Trek with Rangers and secure escort to visit the Nyakagezi Family 10-members with five Silverbacks, which is highly unusual. The blackbacks have matured into Silverbacks. Mark is the Leader of the Family, assisted by his brother Mafia, their father, Bugingo, who used to be the Leader, has absconded the leadership to his son and plays the role of grandpa.
They are followed by the now Silverbacks Ndungutse and Rukundo. Females and youngsters make up the rest of the Family. Keeping up with Gorilla Families is not always easy. A respiratory ailment beset the Family in 2019, but intervention by the Gorilla Doctors saved the day, and they all recovered from what could have been a fatal ailment. Gorilla Trekker needs to abide by the rules for Gorilla Trekking.
The Nyakagezi Family advantage for trekkers is obtaining better photographs, and the Family is typically found in a more open area allowing photographers to get excellent photos. You could be tracking the Hirwa group visiting from Rwanda and has been in the park for some time.
The length of the Trek is between four to five hours, including one hour with the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family, which is, for most, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Usually, you are back at Mount Gahinga Lodge by about 1:00 pm.
After the Gorilla Trek, most want to relax and think or talk with others about their trekking experience and meeting with the Mountain Gorillas.
Suggestion: Be sure to pack a sweater. The temperature here at night is 10 degrees Celsius or 50 degrees Fahrenheit, and fireplaces are in your rooms at Mount Gahinga Lodge.
Meal Plan: Breakfast -Lunch – Dinner
Day 4 – Optional Golden Monkey Trekking – Return to Kigali or Entebbe
Breakfast, and you are off for your second exciting adventure -the Optional Golden Monkey Trekking in the Bamboo Forests of the Volcanoes. There you usually encounter many Golden Monkeys flitting about you, over you, and near you. The Golden Monkeys are an endangered species in the Virunga Massif, with Uganda having the most of them.
This activity can be done if you stay in the Bwindi Forest area, but it calls for an early breakfast and a 1 1/2 hour drive to the Mgahinga Gorilla Park headquarters.
Mgahinga Gorilla Park is the only park in Uganda where you can trek.
This is a 3 to 4-hour activity, and after it, it is lunchtime at your Lodge. Then, we continue the journey back to Kigali for your flight out.
This activity can be changed to fit your flight out. If time permits, a Rwanda city tour can be added, and we can add a hotel in Kigali to the Safari before your departure.
Further Activities in Rwanda can be added to this safari.
Flying to Entebbe International Airport: Your flight leaves from Kisoro for Entebbe at 8:30 am. Your flight takes you to Kasese. Here you can add days in Queen Elizabeth Park or Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest.
Add a Day to Relax and Chill Out on Scenic Lake Mutanda
In 2019 the scenery of Mgahinga Gorilla Park’s Volcanoes, as seen from Lake Mutanda, became the “Third in the World Must Photograph Locations.” Many of our Clients spend a day or two at the Chameleon Hill Lodge. This is, and this’s, the funkiest Lodge with its bright colors and Fairy Tale Castle Theme.
Chameleon Hill Lodge is an upmarket Lodge with one of the best views. It is the perfect way to end your Gorilla Trekking Safari in Uganda. The Lodge is close to the border and just 2 1/2 hours from Kigali, Rwanda.
Lake Mutanda is a pristine Lake with emerald Isles framed by the brooding Volcanoes. One of our clients exclaimed that it was the most beautiful lake he had ever seen.
You can enjoy a Sundowner Boat ride with Uganda’s drink of Choice, Uganda Waragi with a Krest Bitter Lemon Soda. You can try your hand paddling a dugout canoe—birding Walks. Island discovery boat rides can be done here, among other things, such as village walks and nature trails along Lake Mutanda.
Is this4-Day Luxury Twice Gorilla Trekking Safari in Two Parks right for me?
- Trekking in two Distinctly different Habitats: You cannot do that in any other Mountain Gorilla Country.
- Save Money: This luxury safari can cost you half the price it would in Rwanda. Exclusive lodges such as Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge and Mount Gahinga Lodge are nearly half the price than they are in Rwanda. Affordability is what has made Uganda the premier Gorilla trekking destination.
- Safety – Security: Uganda is the only country where there have been no Guerrilla activities in or around its Gorilla Parks.
- More Gorillas: Nearly half of the remaining endangered Mountain Gorillas are in Uganda. More habituated families are open for visitation, and more Gorilla Permits are available in Uganda.
- More Gorilla Trekking Choices: In addition to Gorilla trekking, Uganda offers the Gorilla Habituation Experience, where you are for four hours with a gorilla family, and there are only four participants.
The above Safari includes all activities listed; it is a full-board safari with your driver-guide. It does not have visas, tips, or alcoholic drinks included at your Lodge, nor does it include gratuities or laundry.
Be aware of our Flexible Booking Policy and our Price Guarantee.
If you are interested in this 4-Day Luxury Twice Gorilla Trekking Safari in 2 Parks – please use the contact form below.
