7 Days Gorillas & Golden Monkey Trekking – Kisoro by Air

Overview

Embark on a thrilling 7-day trekking safari in southwestern Uganda to encounter majestic mountain gorillas in Bwindi and playful golden monkeys in Mgahinga.

Soar from Entebbe to Kisoro and skip the lengthy 10-hour drive while taking in the breathtaking highland vistas of southwestern Uganda.

Experience three nights at the enchanting Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, perched on a forested ridge that offers breathtaking views of the misty Bwindi and the majestic Virunga Volcanoes chain. And enjoy two nights in the enchanting Gahinga Lodge at the foot of the Virugas. Both bush lodges offer outstanding guest services and a delightful gourmet selection.

Just a five-minute stroll from the starting point, embark on the thrilling gorilla trekking adventure on the third day and the exciting golden monkey trekking on the sixth day. Immerse yourself for an hour in the fascinating world of primates, as you observe their fundamental behaviors and social interactions alongside an expert tracker guide.

Embark on an exhilarating journey through secluded villages, lush terraced gardens, and engage with the Batwa forest people for an unforgettable cultural experience. This trip is a genuine journey into the wild that you will not want to overlook.

Comprehensive Travel Plan

The mountain gorillas and golden monkey trekking safari is designed for those who seek unique experiences, blending rural charm, cultural immersion, nature hikes, and encounters with primates. The journey is uniquely crafted for every explorer and unfolds in a distant African land.

From Entebbe, you will soar to Kisoro, traversing the stunning, rolling hills of southwestern Uganda, and settle into a tranquil forest lodge on the brink of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for the next three nights. From here, you will embark on a thrilling journey to track the mountain gorillas of Bwindi and spend one exhilarating hour observing the great apes in their wild habitat.

On the fifth day, you will embark on an exploration of the region, participate in a traditional dug-out canoeing excursion on the serene waters of Lake Mutanda, and settle into the picturesque Gahinga Lodge at the foot of Mount Gahinga.

From your forest cottage with breathtaking volcano views, you will embark on an exciting journey with the golden monkey excursion party and engage with the Batwa forest people for a rich cultural experience. On the seventh day, you will soar back to Entebbe from Kisoro to catch your late flight home.

Animals To Expect ( Tour Gallery Highlights )

wild adventures giraffe
wild adventures hippo
wild adventures rwanda nyungwe
silverback wild adventures batwa
silverback wild adventures golden monkey

Trip Itinerary ( Detailed Safari )

Day 1: Entebbe – Exploring the World of Shoebills

Your journey begins with a pickup from Entebbe International Airport, just a short 15-minute drive, before you settle into your hotel in Entebbe. You will gather with your trip specialist for an exciting briefing just before dinner.

For those who arrive early and seek excitement, there are optional activities around Entebbe to keep you engaged. For instance, bird-watchers can explore the famous botanical gardens or Mabamba swamps to encounter the ancient shoebill. You can embark on a serene stroll to the local markets or explore the vibrant modern malls.

Your accommodations will be at either Boutique Hotel Number 5, offering luxury, or the cozy Papyrus Guesthouse for a comfortable stay.

Day 2: Entebbe to Kisoro – A Journey on the Water

Your journey begins with an early morning flight from Entebbe to Kisoro. In Kisoro, you will embark on a journey with a walking guide, exploring vibrant village communities and lush terraced gardens, while taking a moment to pause at the serene shores of Lake Mutanda.

At lake Mutanda, you will embark on an exhilarating canoeing journey alongside local fishermen, gliding across the stunning volcanic waters in traditional dug-out canoes. The serene journey leads you to a delightful garden stroll as you prepare to meet your driver up the hill.

Residing at: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge

Dining: Morning Feast, Midday Meal, and Evening Banquet.

Day 3: Exciting Gorilla Trekking Adventure

Your butler will have you ready to embark on your day by 7:00 am, equipped with a packed lunch, the perfect trekking gear, refreshing drinking water, and a sturdy walking stick. The thrilling trekking excursion briefing kicks off at 7:30 am at the visitor’s centre.

8:00 am: Your enthusiastic gorilla tracking guide and two armed rangers will escort you and six fellow adventurers into the lush rainforest in search of a familiar gorilla group. Once you discover the mountain gorilla family, you will have the chance to watch them for about an hour from a distance of 10 meters. Alternatively, you can spend around four hours observing the gorillas if you secure a gorilla habituation pass.

Your experience in the forest is always unique, with each day offering its own surprises and discoveries. However, most trekkers emerge from the jungle by 2:00 pm, wearing a satisfied grin.

We suggest indulging in a rejuvenating massage at the lodge spa upon your return, followed by a tranquil evening to unwind.

Residing at: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (packed), and Dinner.

Day 4: Exciting Opportunities Await

The fourth day of this Uganda gorillas & walking safari journey offers some optional activities to keep your spirit alive and engaged. Alternatively, you can immerse yourself in the tranquility of your forest cottage for a day of rejuvenation.

Unwind at the lodge, dive into a captivating book, participate in a cooking class, or explore the grounds and engage with the locals.

Venture once more into the enigmatic jungle to encounter the gorillas again. Consider teaming up with the rangers for an immersive experience that allows you to spend extended time with the gorillas. Just keep in mind that securing your trekking permit in advance is essential.

Explore the Batwa forest people on a brief trail where they reveal their timeless forest medicines, rich cultures, captivating drama, and vibrant dance.

Embark on a sundowner picnic atop the world, surrounded by breathtaking 360-degree vistas of the rolling hills. It is just a short stroll from the lodge.

Residing at: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge

Dining: Morning Feast, Midday Meal, and Evening Banquet.

Day 5: Bwindi to Mgahinga – An exhilarating walking safari

The day begins bright and early after breakfast as we prepare a packed lunch and set off on a drive to Rubuguri junction. Here, an optional 9-kilometer trek awaits, leading us through charming villages and lush cultivated gardens down to the stunning Lake Mutanda. This section invites you to explore the countryside and engage with the vibrant layouts of charming villages.

Embark on an exciting canoeing journey with the fishermen on Lake Mutanda, or accompany your driver to the vibrant town of Kisoro. In Kisoro town, we will dive into the vibrant local fresh-food markets and soak in the town’s cultural atmosphere before embarking on a drive to Gahinga Lodge, nestled at the base of the majestic Virunga Volcanoes, just a stone’s throw from the park entrance. Your next two nights will be spent in a private cottage at Gahinga, where every moment promises excitement and exploration.

Your accommodation will be at Gahinga Lodge.

Dining: Breakfast, Lunch (Packable), Dinner

Day 6: Trekking with Golden Monkeys in Mgahinga

Rise and shine by 7:00 am to embark on your journey to the briefing point by 7:30 am. The Ntebeko visitor center, serving as the headquarters for Mgahinga National Park, is just a short 10-minute stroll from Gahinga Lodge. Your driver can take you there, or you can kick off the journey with a brief stroll.

Following the briefing, the golden monkey excursion will kick off around 8:00 am, accompanied by a lead tracker guide and two armed rangers. Prepare for an exhilarating two-hour trek up the slopes to the enchanting bamboo forest zone, where playful golden monkeys frolic among the trees. When you encounter them, you will find yourself captivated for about an hour, observing their lively antics and intriguing social behaviors.

Golden monkeys are lively and spirited, often leaping through the trees or approaching you with unexpected curiosity. Embrace the experience, but heed the guidance of your lead guide.

Your accommodation will be at Gahinga Lodge.

Dining: Breakfast, Lunch (Packable), Dinner

Day 7: Journey from Kisoro to Entebbe

The seventh day marks your final adventure with the mountain gorillas and golden monkeys in the stunning rural landscape. Fortunately, you will soar above this stunning hilly landscape for at least an hour to relish the memories.

Prepare for an exhilarating hour-long domestic flight from Kisoro Airport, just 30 minutes away, to Entebbe International Airport.

Consider reserving your flight back home for later that day, or enjoy a serene evening at our charming Papyrus Guesthouse in Entebbe. You might explore some local shops for unique souvenirs to bring back with you before embarking on your journey home the next day.

Stay options (Optional): Papyrus Guesthouse Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (packed)

End Of Tour

Tour 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 )

Tour 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

Contact Us / Inquire Now

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    I feel more comfortable with gorillas than people. I can anticipate what a gorilla’s going to do, and they’re purely motivated. Dian Fossey.