A luxury Safari for those seeking an African Outdoor Adventure-From Kigali
Private 5-Day Luxury Gorilla-Golden Monkey-Batwa Trail-Volcano Climbing Safari in Mgahinga Gorilla Park
Our 5-Day Luxury Gorilla-Golden Monkey-Batwa Trail-Volcano Climbing Safari is a one-of-a-kind Outdoor Adventure in Uganda’s incredibly Scenic Mgahinga Gorilla Park.
The Safari begins in Kigali, Rwanda, from where it is only a three-hour drive to Mgahinga Gorilla Park.
This Safari gives you five days of outdoor adventure in Africa. A safari that combines tracking Mountain Gorillas and Golden Monkeys with a Virunga Volcano Climb and a hike through the Afro-montane Forest with Batwa elders where you see how the first people of the area used to live.
Mgahinga Gorilla Park is off the beaten Tourist Paths. Most Tourists are unaware of Mgahinga Gorilla Park and head for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, which often means that there are activities such as the volcano climb where it is just you and the Rangers leading you.
It is Gorilla, Golden Monkey Trekking, Volcano Climbing, and Hiking with the First People of the Rainforest of Southwest Uganda, the Indigenous Batwa People.
Stay at the luxury Mount Gahinga Lodge which provides you with all the comforts you need after a long day of trekking or climbing. This is a perfect and unusual Safari for active Honeymooners.
Highlights of your 5-Day Luxury Gorilla-Golden Monkey-Batwa Trail-Volcano Climbing Safari: 
- Gorilla Trekking: Takes place in the Virunga Volcanoes, like in Rwanda or DR Congo.
- Golden Monkey Trekking: Hike into the Bamboo Forest to see the Golden Monkeys.
- The Batwa Trail: See the Forest through the eyes of its first people.
- Volcano Climb: Climb either Mount Sabinyo, Mount Gahinga, or Mount Muhavura.
- Mount Gahinga Lodge: The perfect luxury Base Camp for your Safari.
- Toyota Land-Cruiser: With an experienced, English-Speaking Driver Guide.
- Drive to Mgahinga Gorilla Park: 3-Hour Drive from Kigali, Rwanda.
- Porter Services: The services of a porter, walking stick, and bottled water are included for your Gorilla, Golden Monkey Treks and Volcano Climbs.
Your 5-Day Luxury Gorilla-Golden Monkey-Batwa Trail-Volcano Climbing Safari in Detail
Arrival Day in Kigali, Rwanda
Arrival Day in Kigali, Rwanda for your Private 3-Day Gorilla Trekking Safari: 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 the Value Plus Moderately priced Heaven Boutique Hotel in a residential setting with a lovely garden and a small swimming pool. Their excellent restaurant serves meals that will please you.
At the exact location is their unique 20-room Boutique Luxury Hotel called Retreat, a 20-room luxury wellness boutique hotel. There are many other hotels that you can choose for your arrival.
Other luxury hotels include the Radisson, Marriott, Serena, and Hotel des Mille Collines, or Hotel Rwanda.
There are many things to do and see while In Kigali, the Singapore of Africa, that you can see on a city tour, including the Genocide Memorial.
Day 1 – Drive to Mgahinga Gorilla Park:
Drive to Mgahinga Gorilla Park from Kigali-Rwanda:
Your Safari begins as we leave your hotel in Kigali at 6:30 am or the Kigali Airport for your luxury Safari. The most scenic drive to Mgahinga Gorilla Park will take about three hours.
We suggest you apply for the East African visa of $100 with Rwandan Migration since it is the first country you visit in East Africa.
The East African Visa allows you to enter Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya. Multiple entries are permitted, and the visa is suitable for 90 days.
Additionally, it would be best if you were fully vaccinated for Covid-19, and you must have a yellow fever certificate proving you are vaccinated. Yellow Fever vaccinations are suitable for a lifetime.
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. We arrive at Mgahinga Gorilla Park and check into Mount Gahinga Gorilla Lodge.
Mount Gahinga Lo
dge:
Arrive at the luxury Mount Gahinga Gorilla Lodge in the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes, locally referred to as the Mufumbiro Mountains, the mountains that cook.
The Lodge opened in 1997 when Gorilla Tourism was still developing. The Lodge is the perfect base for Gorilla Trekkers, and it even has a private footpath directly to Park Headquarters. It is the only luxury gorilla lodge close to Mgahinga Gorilla Park.
There is a short, private trail from the Lodge to Park Headquarters, where you go for gorilla trekking orientation.
The Lodge was refreshed and updated in 2019. Now there are eight luxury bandas or cottages and two deluxe bandas. The lounge area, the dining room, and the gardens reflect the recent updates.
The luxury Bandas reflect the magic of the aesthetic traditions of the Bufimbira people with their distinct colors. Each Banda has an ensuite luxury shower room, fireplace, and private porch.
Guests have a personal butler who attends to their well-being during their stay there. Regarding meals, our clients rave about the culinary delights served at the Lodge. WiFi access and charging stations are located in the main Lodge. Non-Premium Beverages, including local Beers, Sodas, Spirits, and House Wines, are included. You are also offered a one-half-hour complimentary massage. Read more about Mount Gahinga Lodge.
Afternoon Activities are with Mount Gahinga Lodge:
Choose one of the following Activities
- Kisozi Caldera Hike: This is the most scenic hike to a volcanic caldera, where terrace farming takes place on its sides.
- Batwa Heritage trail: Here, you see the Forest through its first people, the Batwa.
- Gahinga Batwa Village Visit; The Village was built for the Batwa by the Lodge.
- Read a Book: You can read a book about Uganda or pick up a book at the Lodge Library.
Meal Plan: Lunch -Dinner
Day 2- Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla Park:
After an early breakfast, pick up your packed lunch and make your way on the private trail to the Park Headquarters for the gorilla trekking orientation.
What Should I wear tracking Gorillas?
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 on the Gorillas but personal discomfort and misery. Wearing suitable clothing and footwear is about protection.
Gorilla Wear and Gear you will need:
Use the same Gear and Wear for Golden Monkey Trekking and the Volcano Climb.
- Daypack: Preferably a waterproof daypack, you can use it as a carry-on flying to Uganda. Pack all essentials inside 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 blocker cream and sunglasses.
- 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.
Read more about Gorilla Gear and Wear here.
The Gorilla Trek
After orientation, you are off on your Gorilla Trek up the volcanoes. You are trekking at an elevation above 2,200 meters, which is not problematic for most. Though the Trek is upward, it is not grueling and poses no problems for those with a moderate fitness level. The bamboo walking stick and 
the porter assist you in traversing the not-so-tricky trail.
You are off on your Safe and Secure Gorilla Trek with Rangers and a secure escort to visit the Nyakagezi Family 10 members with five Silverbacks, which is highly unusual. The blackbacks have matured into Silverbacks, or the boys have grown into men.
Mark is the leader of the family. He is assisted by his brother Mafia and their father, Bugingo, who used to be the leader and has passed the leadership to his son and plays the role of grandpa. They are followed by the now Silverbacks Ndungutse and Rukundo. Females, Toddlers make up the rest of the family. Keeping up with Gorilla Families is not always easy. A respiratory ailment beset the family in 2019.
Intervention by the Gorilla Doctors saved the day, and they all recovered from what could have been a fatal ailment. Gorilla Trekkers need to go by the rules for Gorilla Trekking.
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.
Presently, two gorilla families can be tracked here—the Nyakagezi Family and the Hirwa Family, which are visiting from Rwanda.
Afternoon: You might want to relax, reflect, and enjoy the Drink of Choice in Uganda, Uganda Waragi. We suggest mixing it with Krest Bitter Lemon Soda. Others might want to take advantage of the activities offered by the Lodge.
Meal Plan: Breakfast -Lunch – Dinner
Day 3: Golden Monkey Trekking
Golden Monkey Trekking: You embark on your Golden Trek with Uganda Wildlife Authority Rangers. This is a hike up on the sides of the Virunga Volcanoes in Mgahinga Gorilla Park to the Bamboo Forest.
There are several thousand endangered Golden Monkeys found in the park. They are beautiful and colorful monkeys, weigh about 30 pounds when mature, and are some of the liveliest monkeys you have ever seen.
The group you are trekking will be about 100 in size, but you do not have time to count them since they are always on the move.
The Trek is about 4 hours long, after which you return to Mount Gahinga Lodge, the only luxury lodge near the park where you can enjoy views of Mount Gahinga and even Lake Mutanda.
Golden Monkey Habituation Experience:
Instead of Golden Monkey Trekking, you can spend more time with them on the Golden Monkey Habituation Experience.
Day 4: Volcano Climbing
Breakfast and a packed lunch, 2 to 3 liters of water, your daypack, some snacks, a light rain jacket, long trousers, a long-sleeved shirt, and a hat, and you are set for a day climb of one of the three Volcanoes in the park. We suggest that you look at Gorilla Trekking.
Climb Mount Sabinyo (Sabyinyo) (3669 meters high):
The favorite of most of our Clients is Mount Sabinyo. This volcano is also called “Old Man’s Teeth,” pointing out that the crown of the volcano has eroded over time.
There are three peaks on this mountain with stunning views of Rwanda – the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Uganda – the last height involves climbing up some ladders – the result is rewarding – you will be able to step into the DRC, Rwanda, and Uganda – all without a visa and passport.
The climb takes about 8 – 10 hours and is about 14 kilometers. You will reflect on a most rewarding hike even though a steep climb.
The Mount Sabinyo climb requires a pre-dawn start – porters can be used to help you by carrying your day pack. This is a guided hike – you will need two to three liters of water, a packed lunch, and maybe some snacks.
This is the most Popular Climb.
Climb Mount Gahinga ( 3474 meters high):
As you approach the park, you will notice piles of rocks around the gardens – Gahinga means little stones, little stones.
This is a 6 – 7-hour hike–climb and, once again, quite rewarding with great views; you also pass through Bamboo Forest and different vegetation zones as you move toward the summit.
At one time, Mount Gahinga had a lovely crater lake, but over time, it has turned into a scenic swamp.
Two liters of water minimum will be needed, packed lunch and snacks.
You can use a porter to help you with your daypack. By doing so, you support a Ugandan Family and probably pay rent or school fees.
Climb Mount Muhavura (4127meters high)
This volcano is also referred to as “the Guide.” Visible from far and wide, it provides some of the best views available in Uganda – from the top of the hikers can see the Virunga Volcano Chain, Lake Edward, and Queen Elizabeth Park. Even the peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains are visible from here.
This hike takes about 8 to 10 hours but is well worth it – a very early start is needed to complete this one day – as other volcano climbs, it is a challenging hike, and one needs to be in good shape.
Two liters of water will be needed – packed lunch and snacks.
Porters can be used to make your climb easier.
One of the most rewarding Hikes-Climbs in Mgahinga Gorilla Park
Meal Plan: Breakfast -Lunch – Dinner
Day 5: Batwa Trail with the First People of the Forest – return to Kigali
Breakfast, and once again, we take a walk or drive to the Park Headquarters to meet the Batwa People, who will take us into the beloved Forest on the slopes of the volcanoes. This is a 5-hour hike with the Batwa, and you will begin to see the Forest through the eyes of the first people that lived here for thousands of years.
On this day, you will learn the Batwa way of hunting and gathering. The medicines and food they used to gather, and how they would hunt.
The idea was that the Batwa lived in the Forest for thousands of years, leaving a low ecological footprint until they were evicted in 1991 when the parks in Uganda were formed. The Batwa Trail keeps the ancient traditions alive and passes them on to the younger Batwa Generation.
Today, the Batwa people are conservation refugees living outside their beloved Forest. Mount Gahinga Lodge has built the Gahinga Batwa Village, allowing them to live with the dignity and respect they deserve. We further think that the Uganda Wildlife Authority should hire Rangers from the Batwa community; when Gorilla Tourism started in Uganda, it was guided by the Batwa Community that led tourists into the Forest.
Return to Kigali Rwana:
Your 5-Day Gorilla-Golden Monkey-Batwa Trail-Volcano Climbing Safari ends as you return to Kigali for your flight home. You can schedule a visit to the Genocide Memorial in Kigali. Overnight lodging can be arranged if needed.
Meal Plan: Breakfast -Lunch
Add a Relax and Chill Out Day
Add a Day – Relax and Chill Out-Unwind on one of Africa’s most scenic and Photographed Lakes: 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 Africa’s 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 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 here, having Uganda’s drink of Choice, Uganda Waragi, with a Krest Bitter Lemon Soda. You can try your hand paddling a dugout canoe. Birding Walk and island discovery boat rides can be done here, such as village walks and nature trails along Lake Mutanda.
What is included in your 5-Day Luxury Gorilla-Golden Monkey-Batwa Trail-Volcano Climbing Safari?
- Experienced Ugandan Driver-Guide: A Safari becomes more enjoyable when you go with a knowledgeable and professional Local Driver-Guide.
- Greet and Meet at Airport upon arrival: We provide meet and greet services, including a welcome gift and Safari Informational Packet.
- Full-Board Lodging: All meals are included except alcoholic drinks, sodas, and snacks that you might order apart from meals. Some luxury Lodges have non-premium alcoholic beverages and sodas.
- Private 4×4 Land Cruiser Safari Vehicle with pop-Up Roof: The vehicle has a car fridge, WiFi, and bottled Water.
- Gorilla Trekking: Gorilla Trekking Permits are included in your Safari. Additionally, we provide porter services, a walking stick for support, and bottled Water. Read our Practical Gorilla Trekking Advice:
- WiFi Internet Access: Most Lodges only provide a WiFi Internet Connection in the main Lodge. We offer you a MiFi Router that gives you and your party access to the internet in your cottage or room, depending on nearby transmission towers. Read Staying in touch with
- Your Dietary Needs can be met: Notify us if you are a vegan, vegetarian, or need a gluten-free diet. Halala dietary requirements can be completed in most instances. Strictly kosher nutritional requirements cannot be met on Safari. a.
- ; Automatic AMREF-Flying Doctors Air-Medivac Insurance coverage: Our clients have covered in the case of a rare need for medical evacuation to a hospital that meets international standards.
I have not included: Visas, Travel Insurance, Tips, laundry, drinks at lodges such as Alcoholic drinks and sodas, and optional activities.
Please contact us if you are interested in this 5-Day Luxury Gorilla-Golden Monkey-Batwa Trail-Volcano Climbing Safari.
