UGANDA · 6 DAYS · PRIVATE OR SMALL GROUP
Come face to face with mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, track golden monkeys in Mgahinga, and unwind on the shores of Lake Mutanda beneath the Virunga volcanoes.
From US$3,000 per person
Duration
6 days, 5 nights
Primates
Gorillas & golden monkeys
Best time
Jun–Sep & Dec–Feb
Minimum age
15 for gorilla trekking
Uganda is home to more than half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas. This trek bases you for four nights at a lakeside resort on Lake Mutanda, a volcanic lake with no crocodiles or hippos, so you can swim and kayak between treks. From here you'll trek gorillas in Bwindi, search for golden monkeys in Mgahinga, then finish in Kigali, Rwanda.
Highlights
✓ A guided gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
✓ Golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
✓ Four nights on the shores of Lake Mutanda
✓ A free day for a second gorilla trek, the Mt Sabyinyo hike or simply relaxing
✓ Half of our profits support education and conservation in East Africa
Your trek starts and ends in Kigali, Rwanda, and we'll help you choose flights. Timings are a guide and are adjusted around gorilla permits and conditions on the ground.
Accommodation: Mutanda Lake Resort
Transport: Private vehicle transfer from Kigali to Lake Mutanda
Meals: Lunch & dinner (no breakfast on arrival day)
Meet your guide at Kigali airport and drive 4–6 hours through Rwanda's green hills, including an international border crossing where you'll exit Rwanda and enter Uganda. Settle into Mutanda Lake Resort, your base for the next four nights, followed by an evening gorilla briefing.
Accommodation: Mutanda Lake Resort
Activities: Guided gorilla trek
Transport: Transfers to and from the national park
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Head out early to the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Treks last 1–6 hours depending on where the gorilla family is, followed by an unforgettable hour with them. Groups are capped at 8 people per family. See our tips on what to wear, and on porters and tipping.
How long you trek depends on how far away the gorillas are, and can be anywhere from 1 to 6 hours. We do our best to send you to one of the closer, easier-to-reach families.
The trek is often through thick forest, so wear hiking boots, a long-sleeved shirt and hiking pants. You'll also need rain gear. We send you a full packing list when you register, and our fitness and packing guide has more tips.
Accommodation: Mutanda Lake Resort
Activities: Guided golden monkey trek
Transport: Transfers to and from the national park
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Track playful golden monkeys through the bamboo forests of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, an easier trek than the gorillas, then return to the lake for a relaxed afternoon.
Accommodation: Mutanda Lake Resort
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Not included: Optional activities (see below)
Swim, kayak and relax on Lake Mutanda, or add a second gorilla trek (permit extra) or the very challenging Mt Sabyinyo hike (11,959 ft / 3,645m), where Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC meet.
Mount Sabyinyo hike. A very challenging full-day climb to the 11,959-foot (3,645m) summit in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, where Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC meet. Best for fit, experienced hikers.
Second gorilla trek. Spend another hour with a different gorilla family in Bwindi. A second gorilla permit is required at extra cost, and permits sell out early, so let us know when you book.
Accommodation: Heaven Boutique Hotel, Kigali
Transport: Private vehicle from Lake Mutanda to Kigali
Meals: Breakfast
Drive back to Kigali in the morning. The drive takes about 4–6 hours and includes an international border crossing, where you exit Uganda and enter Rwanda. In the afternoon, you can explore Kigali's markets and galleries or visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial (optional).
Transport: Transfer to Kigali International Airport
Meals: Breakfast
Transfer to Kigali International Airport for your flight home, or extend your adventure with a safari or beach stay.
Make this trip your own
Add extra days, upgrade your lodge, add a second gorilla trek or travel on your own dates. Tell us what you have in mind and we'll tailor the itinerary for you.
4–6 travelers
per person
2 travelers
per person
Solo traveler
per person
Prices are per person, twin share, in US dollars. Single rooms are available at a supplement. Gorilla permits often sell out a year ahead, so we recommend booking early.
✓ Gorilla trekking permit and park fees
✓ Golden monkey permit
✓ Private 4WD transport and driver-guide
✓ Airport transfers in Kigali
✓ 4 nights at Mutanda Lake Resort and 1 night at Heaven Boutique Hotel, Kigali
✓ Meals as listed in the itinerary
✗ International flights to and from Kigali (check flights on Google Flights)
✗ Visas and travel insurance (insurance is compulsory)
✗ Porters (about US$20 per day, recommended)
✗ Tips and personal spending
✗ Optional activities such as a second gorilla trek
“This was the most amazing experience of my life… My personal highlight was coming face-to-face with gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda. The organization, professionalism and attention to every detail could not be surpassed.”
Shirley H., Australia
“I couldn't recommend them enough! They made our Uganda trip such a smooth, enjoyable and unforgettable experience. The organization, support and attention to detail were amazing.”
Abbie W., Australia
“There were so many highlights for us African-newbies… and of course the gorilla trek… it was hard to beat the relaxing atmosphere of the Gorilla Leisure Lodge.”
Amanda & Richard L., Australia
Tell us your dates and group size and we'll check gorilla permit availability and send you a tailored quote.
Inquire now