7 DAYS UGANDA GORILLA & GOLDEN MONKEY TREKKING

 OVERVIEW

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DAY 1 -  BOUTIQUE HOTEL NUMBER 5 / ENTEBBE -  Bed & Breakfast -

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our professional Enchanting Rwanda driver–guide. Your hotel is just a short 15-minute transfer from the airport, ensuring a smooth and relaxing start to your journey. After check-in, you will meet with your dedicated trip specialist for a personalized safari briefing before dinner.

Otherwise, there are optional activities around Entebbe for those who arrive early and want to stay active. For example, bird-watchers can visit the world-renowned botanical gardens or Mabamba swamps to meet the prehistoric shoebill. You can take a quiet walk to the local markets or shop at the modern malls.

 

DAY 2 – Nkurungo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge / BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK – Fully inclusive –

You’ll take an early morning flight from Entebbe to Kisoro, enjoying breathtaking aerial views as you approach the scenic highlands. Upon arrival, you’ll meet your walking guide for a gentle community walk through terraced gardens and vibrant village landscapes, offering an intimate glimpse into local life.

Your walk leads you to the serene shores of Lake Mutanda, a jewel cradled between the volcanoes. Here, you’ll join local fishermen for a peaceful canoe experience across the mirror-calm waters in traditional dug-out canoes. This tranquil journey carries you across the lake to a garden path, where a short uphill walk brings you to your driver waiting to continue the adventure.

 

DAY 3 – Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge / BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK – Fully inclusive –

Your personal butler will ensure you’re ready for the day by 7:00 am, equipped with a packed lunch, proper trekking gear, drinking water, and a walking stick. After a warm cup of tea or coffee, you’ll head to the Visitor Centre for your pre-trek briefing at 7:30 am.

At 8:00 am, your expert gorilla tracking guide—accompanied by two armed rangers—will lead you and a small group of trekkers into the mist-shrouded rainforest in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family. Once located, you’ll spend up to one unforgettable hour observing them from a respectful 10-meter distance. For guests seeking a deeper experience, a Gorilla Habituation Permit allows up to four extraordinary hours with these gentle giants.

Because the trek follows the gorillas’ natural movements, the duration in the forest varies each day. However, most trekkers return by around 2:00 pm—tired, exhilarated, and smiling from ear to ear after an encounter of a lifetime.

Back at the lodge, we recommend indulging in a soothing massage at the spa followed by a peaceful, well-deserved evening of relaxation.

 

DAY 4 – Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge / BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK – Fully inclusive –

Day four of your Uganda Gorillas & Walking Safari invites you to choose your own adventure—or simply enjoy a peaceful day surrounded by the serenity of the forest.

Spend the day at leisure at your beautiful forest cottage. Indulge in a slow morning, read a book, join a hands-on cooking class, or take a gentle stroll around the property to interact with the friendly local community.

For the more adventurous, you may return to the mystical rainforest for a second gorilla trek—an opportunity to deepen your connection with a different family or witness new behaviors. Guests who have secured a Gorilla Habituation Permit can spend extended time with the rangers, observing the gorillas as they become accustomed to human presence.

You may also choose to visit the Batwa forest community on a guided trail. Here, the Batwa people share their centuries-old traditions through storytelling, ancient forest medicine demonstrations, dance, and vibrant cultural performances.

As the day draws to a close, consider a short walk to a stunning hilltop viewpoint for a magical sundowner picnic. With sweeping 360-degree views of rolling volcanic landscapes, it's the perfect way to end your day in the wild.

 

DAY 5 – Gahinga Lodge / MGAHINGA NATIONAL PARK – Fully inclusive –

Your day begins early with a hearty breakfast and a packed lunch, before driving down to Rubuguri Junction for an optional 9-kilometer walk to Lake Mutanda. This scenic trail winds through charming villages and terraced gardens, offering intimate glimpses into rural life and the stunning countryside that defines this region.

At Lake Mutanda, you may once again join the local fishermen for a peaceful canoe experience across the glassy volcanic waters, or reunite with your driver and continue to Kisoro town. Here, you’ll explore bustling fresh-food markets and soak up the vibrant cultural atmosphere before continuing to Gahinga Lodge.

Nestled at the base of the Virunga Volcanoes and just steps from the park entrance, Gahinga Lodge will be your tranquil home for the next two nights, complete with a private cottage designed for ultimate comfort and relaxation.

 

DAY 6 - Gahinga Lodge / MGAHINGA NATIONAL PARK – Fully inclusive –

you’ll start your day bright and early, waking up by 7:00 am to reach the briefing point by 7:30 am. The Ntebeko Visitor Center—also the headquarters of Mgahinga National Park—is just a scenic 10-minute walk from Gahinga Lodge. Your driver can transfer you there, or you may choose to begin your adventure with a refreshing morning stroll.

Following the briefing, your golden monkey tracking experience begins around 8:00 am, led by an expert tracker and accompanied by two armed rangers. The trek takes you up the gentle slopes of the volcanoes for about two hours, bringing you into the bamboo forest zone where these rare primates thrive.

Once you encounter the golden monkeys, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable hour observing their lively personalities. They are playful, curious, and often more interactive than expected—leaping through the bamboo, chattering among themselves, and sometimes edging surprisingly close. Take in every magical moment, and be sure to follow your guide’s instructions to ensure a safe and respectful encounter.

 

DAY 7 – Papyrus Guesthouse / ENTEBBE AIRPORT – OWN BILL -

Your final day on this unforgettable gorilla and golden monkey trekking adventure dawns with the serene beauty of Uganda’s rural highlands. After breakfast, take a moment to soak in the sights and sounds of the region one last time. Today, you’ll trade winding mountain roads for a breathtaking aerial view of the landscape you’ve come to love.

From Kisoro Airstrip—just a 30-minute drive from your lodge—you’ll board a scenic domestic flight to Entebbe. The one-hour journey offers spectacular views of rolling hills, volcanic peaks, and patchwork farmlands, giving you a perfect chance to reflect on the memories made over the past week.

For your onward travel, we recommend booking your international flight for later in the day. If you prefer a gentler pace or have an early-morning departure the next day, you can check into the charming Papyrus Guesthouse for a quiet and comfortable final night in Entebbe. Spend the afternoon browsing local craft shops for souvenirs, enjoying a relaxed meal, or simply unwinding before your journey home.