3 Days of gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park.
Book this safari with Katland Safaris for expertly planned trips led by experienced local guides. Each safari is personalised, responsibly run, and focused on authentic wildlife encounters. Seamless planning ensures a smooth and unforgettable journey.
Overview
A 3-day gorilla trekking safari in Mgahinga National Park offers travelers a deeply immersive encounter with one of the world’s most iconic and endangered species: the mountain gorilla. Located in southwestern Uganda within the Virunga Massif, Mgahinga is a compact but biologically rich park, featuring bamboo forests, afro-montane vegetation, and volcanic peaks. Unlike shorter excursions, a three-day itinerary allows trekkers to fully experience gorilla tracking while exploring the park’s scenic beauty, culture, and wildlife at a comfortable pace.
This safari is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and adventure travelers who want to maximize their time with gorillas while also enjoying hikes, cultural visits, and intimate immersion in Uganda’s highland ecosystems.
Tour Highlights
- Day 1: Arrival and Preparation
- Day 2: Full-Day Gorilla Trekking Experience
- Day 3: Optional Gorilla Habituation or Cultural Activities
Detailed Itinerary: 3 Days of gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park.
Day 1: Arrival and Preparation
The journey begins with an early morning departure from Kampala, Kigali, or a nearby hub, traveling through lush highlands and rural communities. The drive provides scenic vistas of rolling hills, terraced farms, and small villages, offering a glimpse into local life before entering the dense forested landscapes of Mgahinga.
Upon arrival at the park’s base or nearby lodge, guests check in and enjoy a hearty lunch before orientation. Rangers provide a comprehensive briefing covering park regulations, trekking etiquette, safety measures, and what to expect during gorilla encounters. This is essential for ensuring both the safety of visitors and the protection of gorilla families.
The afternoon may include a short acclimatization hike on gentle trails near the lodge, allowing visitors to stretch their legs, observe small primates and birdlife, and get a feel for the terrain. Evening time is spent enjoying dinner at the lodge, reviewing maps, and preparing gear for the next day’s full trekking experience.
Day 2: Full-Day Gorilla Trekking Experience
Day two is dedicated to the main activity: gorilla trekking. After an early breakfast, travelers are transported to the designated trailhead, where experienced trackers lead groups into the dense forest in search of habituated gorilla families. The trek can last anywhere from two to six hours depending on the gorillas’ location, terrain, and weather conditions.
Trekking in Mgahinga involves navigating bamboo forests, volcanic slopes, and afro-montane vegetation. Guides provide constant information about the forest ecosystem, wildlife tracks, and the behaviors of the gorillas. Upon locating the gorilla family, guests are allowed up to one hour of close observation, capturing rare photographs and witnessing intimate social behaviors such as grooming, play, feeding, and parental care.
Lunch is often a packed meal in the forest or at a nearby resting point, giving trekkers time to rest while still surrounded by the sights and sounds of the gorilla habitat. The afternoon includes a gradual return hike to the lodge, where travelers can relax, enjoy dinner, and reflect on the day’s extraordinary encounters.
Day 3: Optional Gorilla Habituation or Cultural Activities
The final day provides flexibility for additional adventure or cultural engagement. For those seeking deeper immersion, a second day of gorilla tracking or habituation experience can be arranged, allowing more extended observation of gorilla behaviors and further photographic opportunities.
Alternatively, the morning may be spent on nature walks, golden monkey tracking, or visiting local Batwa communities, offering cultural insight into the people who share the forest with the gorillas. These activities provide a balance between wildlife observation and cultural appreciation, rounding out the experience.
After lunch, guests prepare for departure, traveling back to their original starting point. The journey offers scenic views of the Virunga volcanoes, terraced hills, and local villages, providing a final opportunity to absorb the beauty and diversity of southwestern Uganda.
Safari Includes
- Safari Park fees
- All Tour activities
- All Tour accommodation
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation ( To & From )
- All Taxes/VAT
- Everyday Meals ( As specified )
- Drinking water ( On all days )
Safari Excludes
- International flights ( From / to home )
- Additional Accommodation
- Tips
- Personal items(Souvenirs
- etc.)
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Gov increase of taxes and/or park fees
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3 Days of gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park.
Choose Your Location & Safari Type
Decide where you want to go, how long you will stay, and the kind of safari you want, such as game drives or gorilla trekking. This helps define your budget, travel dates, and overall plan.
Confirm the Safari Itinerary
Select a trusted safari operator and review the itinerary, including parks, accommodation, activities, and what is included. Confirm availability for lodges and permits before proceeding.
Make Payment and Prepare to Travel
Pay the required deposit to secure your safari bookings and confirm all arrangements. After confirmation, review the travel advice provided and prepare for your safari trip.
First-Time Safari Guide To Get Ready For Your Holiday
This East Africa Safari 101 guide explains everything a first-time safari traveler needs to know, from wildlife and game drives to costs, safety, and the best time to visit. It helps beginners understand what to expect on safari and how to plan a smooth, rewarding experience in East Africa.
