5 Days Uganda Gorillas and Cultural Tour

5 Days Uganda Gorillas and Cultural Tour

Our 5 Days Uganda Gorillas and Cultural Tour is tailored to take you on an adventure to the beautiful Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, found within the Virunga Conservation Area in Southwestern Uganda.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the smallest park in Uganda and the second gorilla trekking location in Uganda, after Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The park is part of the Virunga Conservation Area, comprising other gorilla trekking destinations, Virunga National Park in DR. Congo and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to only one habituated gorilla family, Nyakagezi, which you will trek on this safari. For the cultural encounters, you will visit the Batwa Village, where you will get a deeper insight into their life, traditions and cultures.

Highlights of 5 Days Uganda Gorillas and Cultural Tour

Day 1: Arrival and transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Day 2: Mountain Gorilla Trekking and rest.

Day 3: The Batwa Cultural Trail.

Day 4: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi and boat cruise/canoe ride.

Day 5: Return to Kampala or Entebbe.

Detailed Itinerary of 5-Day Uganda Gorilla and Cultural Tour

Day 1: Arrival and transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

On arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our driver-guide and begin your journey to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Along the way, you will have a stop at the Equator Crossing in Kayabwe for pictures and in Mbarara for photos.

Continue with your journey to Mgahinga, arriving in the evening, and check in at your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Overnight at Mount Gahinga Safari Lodge

Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2: Mountain Gorilla Trekking and rest.

Wake up early for breakfast and head to Ntebeko Park Headquarters for a briefing about gorilla trekking. A senior ranger guide will take you through rules and regulations to follow while in the presence of the gorillas. Then head into the forest of Mgahinga looking for the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family on a trek of approximately 4 to 5 hours or more.

When found, spend one hour learning about the members of the groups and the family’s unique characteristics, take photos and later return to the starting point for the trekking certificate. Then trek back to the park headquarters, meet your driver guide and return to your lodge for lunch. Spend the evening at rest or interact with fellow guests at the lodge and make use of the lodge’s facilities and services. Have dinner and an overnight stay.

Overnight at Mount Gahinga Safari Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: The Batwa Cultural Trail

Wake up to a delicious breakfast, and head to the briefing point of the Batwa Cultural Trail.

The Batwa Trail was launched in Mgahinga in 2011 to allow visitors to explore the extraordinary culture and tradition of the Batwa Pygmies and after the tour, you will agree that it is one of the most rewarding cultural experiences you have ever undertaken. This long and rewarding trail is usually conducted by the Batwa Guides and goes through the foothills of Muhabura and Gahinga Volcanoes to discover the hunter-gatherer lifestyle of the Batwa People.

On this trail you will learn about their ancient hunting techniques and traditional honey-gathering methods and be led to the local medicine man to see some of the plants, roots and leaves used as traditional medicine.

Interestingly, learn how Bamboo cups are made and see the wild fruits, leaves and roots used to make soup. your mind will be blown away by the way fire is made by rubbing sticks and is climaxed by a visit to Ngarama Cave (former food store, Royal Palace, court of Law, meeting place and hiding place during ancient battles).

Overnight at Mount Gahinga Safari Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi and boat cruise/canoe ride

Enjoy breakfast and check out of the lodge and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, the deepest lake in Uganda, also found in southwestern Uganda and a short distance from Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. This is your ideal relaxation spot after a hectic gorilla trek through the mountainous Virunga Conservation Area. Arrive on time for check-in and lunch, and later enjoy a boat cruise to some of the islands, including the Punishment Island, where unmarried pregnant girls were left to die.

Overnight at Lake Bunyonyi Resort

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: Return to Kampala or Entebbe

Enjoy a delicious breakfast, and check out of your lodge for a return journey to Kampala. You will be dropped off at the airport or hotel, bringing your safari to an end.

End of 5 Days Uganda Gorillas and Cultural Tour