3 Days Mgahinga Gorilla and Hiking Safari : This 3 Days Mgahinga Gorilla and Hiking safari is a short safari tour package that takes you to southwestern region of Uganda to encounter these great mountain gorillas through trekking experience. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is one of the four gorilla national park that exists worldwide and a home that features with three conical, extinct volcanoes, part of the spectacular Virunga Range that lies along the border region of Uganda, DR Congo and Rwanda. The hiking experience is done on one of these inactive volcanoes namely; Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga and Mount Sabyinyo. The trip starts and ends in Kigali -Rwanda or Kampala- Uganda.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Pick up in Kigali -Kinigi and transfer to Mgahinga National Park
Depending on your location in Kigali, you will be picked by our driver guide who will brief you about the safari and then start the journey to Mgahinga Gorilla national park the journey lasts 4 to 5 hours’ drive passing through Katuna border to access the park. A long the way you will enjoy great views of rolling hills in Rwanda, terraced farmlands, beautiful scenery many others. Upon arrival in the park, you will check into the lodge for dinner and overnight. Dinner and overnight stay at Lake Chahafi Resort -Mid-range/ Lake Mulehe Lodge, Travel Best Camp – Budget
Day 2: Hike Mount Sabinyo
After breakfast, connect to the park headquarters with your driver guide with a packed lunch box, and enough mineral water bottles to keep you hydrated throughout the hike remember to wear appropriate hiking shoes, a cap, sunglasses, and long-sleeved attire but light among others.
After briefing, you will start the hike experience. The hike to the summit can take 8 hours depending on the climatic condition and other factors. The summits raise an elevation of about 3,645 meters above sea level. As soon as you get to the top of the mountain, expect to have a rewardable view of a caldera and a stunning view of the neighboring volcanoes within the park, spend some time. After, go back to the lodge. Have dinner and overnight stay at lodge as above.
Day 3: Gorilla trekking /Depart back to Kigali
After an early breakfast, report again to the park headquarters for a briefing about gorilla trekking. After the briefing, you will start trekking in the jungle in search of the mountain gorillas which takes about 2-6 hours depending on where the gorillas are located because they like to move from one place to another in search of food. During trekking you will be able to view other primate species such as l’hoest monkeys, chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, different plant species, birds many more.
When you find the mountain gorillas, you will be allowed to spend an hour with them in their natural habitat which gives you a gainful opportunity to observe their habits, and behaviors, watch gorillas feed, breastfeed, groom young ones, take photos and record the breathtaking moments to show people back home after the safari.
After the one-hour encounter with the gentle giants hike back to the park headquarters where you will be rewarded a certificate for participating in gorilla trekking.
Say goodbye to your guide and take your own return to Rwanda. End of 3 days of gorilla trekking Mgahinga from Kigali
Tour Includes;
- Gorilla trekking permits @700 pp
- Hiking fees
- Ground transfers to the park
- Accommodations as described
- Meals only at the lodge
- Professional English-speaking company guide
- Bottled water for drinking
Tour Excludes;
- Pick up and drop off in Kigali – Rwanda
- International flight fares
- Uganda and Rwanda Visas
- Tips for the guides, driver, and hotel
- Personal expenses like insurance, Laundry services, beverages at the lodges, etc
- Extra meals and drinks
