Uganda Gorilla Trek & Golden Monkey 4-Day Safari

Meeting & Departure from Entebbe, Kampala, or Kigali

Your Uganda Gorilla Trek & Golden Monkey 4-Day Safari begins in the morning when you meet your professional guide in Entebbe or Kampala, Uganda’s bustling capital. Alternatively, for those starting from Kigali, Rwanda, this tour can also be customized to start and end in Kigali. Your guide will give you a warm welcome and brief you about the journey ahead as you depart for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home of the endangered mountain gorillas.

Scenic Drive to Bwindi

The drive from Entebbe or Kampala to Bwindi takes approximately 8-9 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. However, this scenic route will not only offer a comfortable and relaxing ride but also allow you to witness Uganda’s diverse landscapes. The journey takes you through lush green hills, vast farmlands, and picturesque villages where you’ll catch glimpses of daily Ugandan life. The route also brings you to the Equator, an iconic geographical landmark where the Earth is divided into the northern and southern hemispheres. Here, you’ll have an opportunity to stop, take photos, and learn about the significance of the Equator.

Lunch Stop in Mbarara

Midway through your Uganda Gorilla Trek & Golden Monkey 4-Day Safari journey, you’ll stop for lunch in Mbarara, a lively town located in southwestern Uganda. This town offers a glimpse into the Ugandan way of life, and you’ll have the chance to sample traditional Ugandan cuisine at one of the local restaurants. After lunch, you’ll continue your drive toward Bwindi.

Arrival at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

As you near Bwindi, the landscape will become more rugged and densely forested. Upon arrival, you’ll check in at your pre-booked lodge or camp, which offers a unique opportunity to rest and soak in the stunning views of the lush rainforest and surrounding hills. The area is incredibly peaceful, making it the perfect place to unwind after a long day of travel.

In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at your accommodation, where you can reflect on the adventures ahead and prepare for your first gorilla trek the next day.

• Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge
• Meal Plan: Full Board Basis

Gorilla Trekking Experience

After an early breakfast, you’ll meet your Uganda Gorilla Trek & Golden Monkey 4-Day Safari ranger guides for a briefing session about the gorilla trekking experience. This safety briefing will explain how to behave around the gorillas and the importance of minimizing human impact on their natural environment.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to approximately half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, and you will embark on an exciting trek to observe them in their natural habitat. The gorilla groups are habituated to human presence, making this a safe and incredible experience for trekkers. However, the trek can be challenging due to the steep and sometimes muddy terrain in the forest. Be prepared for a hike that could last anywhere from 2 to 8 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla group.

The Encounter with Gorillas

Once you locate the gorilla family, you’ll spend one hour in the presence of these magnificent creatures. You may see the gorillas feeding, playing, or interacting with each other in their natural environment. The experience of seeing them up close—sometimes just a few feet away—is truly humbling. The Uganda Gorilla Trek & Golden Monkey 4-Day Safari guides will help you observe without disturbing the animals, ensuring that your presence does not negatively impact their behavior or habitat.

After your gorilla trek, you’ll return to your lodge, where you can relax and reflect on your once-in-a-lifetime encounter. A hearty lunch will be waiting for you at the lodge, and the afternoon will be free to relax or engage in optional activities, such as a community walk or forest hike.

Overnight in Bwindi

Spend another restful night at your lodge near the park, enjoying the cool evening air and the sounds of the forest. Dinner will be served at your lodge, where you can recount the day’s adventures with fellow trekkers and guides.

• Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge
• Meal Plan: Full Board Basis

Golden Monkey Tracking: A Unique Primate Experience

After breakfast, you will drive for approximately 1.5 hours to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located near the borders of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mgahinga is known not only for its gorillas but also for its population of golden monkeys, which can be found in the park’s bamboo forests at the foot of the Virunga Mountains.

Golden monkey tracking offers a rare chance to observe these colorful primates, which are equally fascinating to encounter. The golden monkeys are more active and agile than gorillas, often seen leaping from tree to tree and foraging for food in the forest. Their golden fur, which gives them their name, and their playful behavior make for a very entertaining experience.

Tracking Golden Monkeys

The golden monkey tracking experience is more straightforward than gorilla trekking, with the walk generally being shorter and less strenuous. Uganda Gorilla Trek & Golden Monkey 4-Day Safari guide will take you through the bamboo forests while explaining the behavior and ecology of the golden monkeys. The golden monkeys live in small family groups, and once you locate them, you’ll have one hour to observe and photograph them as they go about their daily activities.

After the golden monkey tracking experience, you’ll return to the lodge for lunch, where you can relax and unwind for the rest of the afternoon. Mgahinga’s atmosphere is serene, with spectacular views of the Virunga Mountains, creating an ideal setting to enjoy the peace and beauty of the surroundings.

Cultural Add-On: Batwa Cultural Experience

In the afternoon, you have the option of adding a Batwa cultural experience. The Batwa people are the indigenous forest dwellers of this region, and their culture is deeply connected to the forests they once called home. You’ll have the opportunity to visit a Batwa community and learn about their traditions, music, dance, and way of life. This cultural add-on offers an enriching insight into the history of the region and adds a meaningful touch to your Uganda Gorilla Trek & Golden Monkey 4-Day Safari.

Overnight in Mgahinga

Enjoy a restful evening at your lodge near Mgahinga, where you can reflect on your golden monkey encounter and Batwa experience. A delicious dinner will be served at the lodge, with the option to relax by a campfire or simply enjoy the stunning surroundings.

• Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge
• Meal Plan: Full Board Basis

Leisurely Morning & Departure

After breakfast, you’ll have some free time to relax and take in the morning views before beginning your journey back to Kampala or Entebbe. If you’re flying out of Kigali, you’ll depart for Kigali, where you can also enjoy a brief tour of the city, depending on your flight time.

Drive Back to Kampala/Entebbe

The drive from Mgahinga to Kampala or Entebbe takes approximately 8-9 hours, but it will be a relaxing journey as you reflect on your adventures in Uganda. For those returning to Kigali, the journey is slightly shorter, taking about 4 hours.

End of Uganda Gorilla Trek & Golden Monkey 4-Day Safari