7 Days Mountain Gorillas and Golden Monkeys Safari
This 7 Days Mountain Gorillas and Golden Monkeys Safari is tailored for visitors looking for the off-the-beaten track adventure with a mix of rural culture, nature hiking and primate experience.
This Uganda primate safari starts from Entebbe, fly to Kisoro, across south western Uganda’s mountainous landscape, and check into your forest lodge on the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for the next three nights. From here, you will track mountain gorillas of Bwindi and spend one exciting hour observing the great apes in the wild.
On the fifth day of this Uganda safari, you will explore this mountainous region, join the traditional dug out canoeing excursion on the calm waters of the beautiful Lake Mutanda and check into your lodge.
While in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, you will join the golden monkey trekking excursion and meet the Batwa Forest people for immersive cultural experience. Finally, fly back to Entebbe from Kisoro on the seventh day to catch your late flight back home.
Highlights of 7 Days Mountain Gorillas and Golden Monkeys Safari
Day 1: Entebbe – Shoebill Tracking
Day 2: Fly to Kisoro – Canoeing
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking Experience
Day 4: Optional Activities
Day 5: Walking Safari
Day 6: Golden Monkey Trekking
Day 7: Departure
Detailed Itinerary of 7 Days Mountain Gorillas and Golden Monkeys Safari
Day 1: Entebbe – Shoebill Tracking
On arrival at Entebbe International Airport, our driver will pick you up and drive you to your hotel in Entebbe within Entebbe. Depending on your arrival time, you will meet with your trip specialist for a briefing and head to Mabamba swamps to meet the prehistoric shoebill. Alternatively, you can take a quite walk to the local markets or shop at the modern malls.
Accommodation: Boutique Hotel Number 5
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2: Fly to Kisoro – Canoeing
After an early breakfast, take an early morning flight from Entebbe to Kisoro. In Kisoro, you will meet your walking guide on a guided walk through village communities and terraced gardens and stop at the calm shores of Lake Mutanda.
While at Lake Mutanda, you will join the fishermen on a canoeing experience across the volcano lake in a traditional dug-out canoes. The relaxing ride drops you off for another garden walk to meet your driver uphill.
Accommodation: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking Experience
Your driver will pick you up by about 07:30 am with a packed lunch, the right trekking gears, drinking water, and a walking stick. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi excursion begins with a briefing session at 7:30 am at the Visitor’s Centre.
At exactly 08:00 am, your gorilla tracking guide and two gun – bearing rangers will lead you and seven other tourists into the forest to find a habituated gorilla group. Once you find the gorilla family, you will observe them for an hour at a distance of 10 meters.
Your time in the forest cannot be pre-determined as every day differs from the other. However, most trekkers are out of the jungle by 2:00pm filled with memories. Return to your lodge for an evening of rest or a massage at the lodge spa.
Accommodation: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Optional Activities
Today you will take part in some optional activities to keep you active. Otherwise, you can unwind at your lodge for a relaxing day. Stay back at the lodge and relax, read a book, join a cooking class or take a walk around the property and talk to some locals.
You can go back into the mysterious jungle to meet with the gorillas for the second. May be join the rangers for a gorilla habituation experience. But remember, you must pre-book the trekking permit. Also, you can visit the Batwa Forest people on a short forest trail where they showcase their ancient forest medicines, cultures, drama and dance.
Accommodation: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Walking Safari
Your day starts with a delicious breakfast at the lodge, and with packed lunch, drive down to Rubuguri junction for an optional 9 kilometre walk down to Lake Mutanda through villages and cultivated gardens. This part allows you to admire the rural landscape and connect with the community layouts of rural villages.
Accommodation: Mount Gahinga Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Golden Monkey Trekking
Wake up by 7:00 am and head to the briefing point by 7:30 am – Ntebeko Visitor Center, which is also the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park’s, is a 10-minute walk from Mount Gahinga Lodge. Your driver can transfer you, or you can start the adventure with a short walk.
After the briefing, the golden monkey excursion will start at about 8:00 am with a leader tracker guide and two gun-bearing rangers. You will trek up the slopes in a two-window to the bamboo forest zone, where golden monkeys hangout. When you meet these beautiful primates, you will spend about an hour watching their antics and social behaviors.
Golden monkeys are cheeky and playful and will jump on trees or curiously come close to you than expected. Enjoy the moment, but follow instructions from your lead guide.
Accommodation: Mount Gahinga Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7: Departure
Today is the last day on the 7 Days Mountain Gorillas and Golden Monkeys Safari. After enjoying a delicious breakfast, you will be transferred to the airstrip for your domestic flight to Entebbe, and connect for your international flight.
End of 7 Days Mountain Gorillas and Golden Monkeys Safari
Price includes
- Accommodation in mid-range-priced lodges and meals as indicated in itinerary
- Permit: 1 gorilla permit ($800), 1 golden monkey permit ($100)
- Return domestic flight between Entebbe and Kisoro Airports
- All excursions and activities as indicated in the itinerary under the supervision of a professional English-speaking guide.
- Ground transport and transfers in a 4×4 Custom Safari Landcruiser
- AMREF Evacuation Insurance cover
- Government taxes
Price Excludes
- Travel insurance
- International flights
- Visa fees and processing
- Extra activities and meals not indicated in the itinerary
- Extra luggage on domestic flights
- Service tips, gratuities, souvenirs, and snacks
- Accommodation after the end of the trip
