This 3-day itinerary is perfect for travelers seeking a compact, high-impact adventure in Uganda’s most exclusive gorilla trekking destination. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offers dramatic volcanic scenery, rare primate encounters, and fewer crowds than neighboring Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Highlights

This 3-day Mgahinga itinerary blends golden monkey trekking, exclusive gorilla encounters with the Nyakagezi family, and a dramatic summit hike to Mount Sabyinyo’s tri-border peak—or a relaxing finale at Lake Mutanda. With flexible accommodation options from luxury lodges to budget-friendly camps, it’s the perfect mix of primate adventure, volcanic scenery, and off-the-beaten-path charm

Experience all the highlights in just one trip! You will visit the most beautiful national parks of the country, meet the gorillas and swim the deepest lake of Uganda!

Upon arrival in the Kisoro region, travelers kick off their adventure with a golden monkey trek. These endangered primates, known for their vibrant golden-orange fur and acrobatic antics, thrive in Mgahinga’s bamboo forests. The trek typically starts early from Ntebeko Gate and lasts around four hours, including one hour of observation. It’s a lighter, more playful introduction to the park’s primate life and a great warm-up for the more demanding gorilla trek.

Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation Options: Luxury: Mount Gahinga Lodge – Boutique eco-lodge with volcanic stone cottages, spa, and cultural experiences. Located near Ntebeko Gate.

Midrange: Lake Mutanda Resort – Lakeside cottages with volcano views, canoeing, and birdwatching. ~45 minutes from the park.

Budget: Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp – Community-run camp with basic bandas and dorms, just outside the park gate.

Day two is the main event: trekking to see the Nyakagezi gorilla family, Mgahinga’s only habituated group. This family is known for its multiple silverbacks and occasional cross-border movements, though they spend most of their time in Uganda. Treks begin with a morning briefing and can last 1–6 hours depending on the gorillas’ location. Once found, visitors spend one unforgettable hour with them in their natural habitat. It’s a more exclusive experience than Bwindi, with only eight permits issued per day.

Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation Options: Luxury: Mount Gahinga Lodge – Ideal for early trek starts and post-trek relaxation with gourmet meals and private terraces.

Midrange: Travellers Rest Hotel Kisoro – Historic lodge with garden views, en-suite rooms, and easy access to Mgahinga.

Budget: Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp – Budget-friendly and closest to Ntebeko Gate for early morning gorilla trekking.

The final day offers two options:

Mount Sabyinyo hike: A technical and rewarding climb to a tri-border summit where Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC meet. It’s steep, ladder-assisted, and ideal for fit adventurers seeking dramatic views and bragging rights.

Lake Mutanda relaxation: For those preferring a gentler wind-down, Lake Mutanda offers serene canoe rides, birdwatching, and stunning volcanic backdrops—perfect for reflecting on the journey before departure.

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch