5 DAYS/ 4 NIGHTS – MGAHINGA NATIONAL PARK.

Upon arrival at the airport, your driver will be waiting for you at the exit lounge with a sign displaying your name. He will then transfer you to your accommodation for an overnight stay. Based on your arrival time, Optional activities are available such as a boat cruise to Mabamba wetlands, encountering the chimpanzees on the Ngamba Sanctuary on Ngamba Island, or enjoying a sunset cruise on Lake Victoria. These options allow you to tailor your experience and make the most of your time in Uganda.

Accommodation options in Entebbe:

Luxury - Hotel No.5 Hotel No.5 is a serene luxury boutique hotel located in Entebbe, offering a luxurious and comfortable stay. It features various room types including deluxe rooms and apartments, ideal for longer stays. The ensuite rooms are equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, bathrobes, slippers, and a secure safety box with password protection, a desk, and an electric kettle for making tea or coffee. The hotel provides excellent facilities including a 24-hour front desk, shuttle service, a shared kitchen, and free Wi-Fi. There is also secure parking available and a swimming pool that caters to both adults and children. Guests can relax in the lounge area and enjoy complimentary house drinks. Hotel No.5 ensures a relaxing and enjoyable experience for all its visitors. Other luxury accommodations in Entebbe include; Protea Hotel, K- Hotel, Horizon Hotel, Lake Victoria Hotel, and Admas Hotel among others.

Mid-range – Karibu Guest House

Karibu Guest House, established in 2012, is a boutique hotel located in Entebbe, conveniently 10 minutes from the airport. It offers a uniquely intimate experience with only 8 rooms, ensuring personalized service and exclusivity. The guest house prides itself on providing a high level of hospitality, featuring delicious cuisine, a 24-hour reception, and fast, complimentary internet access. Guests can also enjoy amenities such as a swimming pool, spa services, and massages, enhancing their relaxation and comfort during their stay. Karibu Guest House is designed to offer a tranquil and memorable retreat for its lovely guests. Other mid-range accommodations in Entebbe include Boma Guest House, Papyrus Guest House, Imperial Heights Hotel, Frontier Hotel, Santa Maria Health Resort, Saffron Beach Cottages, 2 Friends Hotel, Anderita Hotel, Peniel Beach Hotel, Acacia Beach Hotel among others.

Budget – Guinea Fowl guest house.

Guinea Fowl Guest House takes its name from the rare Numididae bird species found exclusively in Africa. Known for its longevity among gallinaceous birds, it symbolizes the guest house's commitment to endurance and quality. The guest house provides a range of room options designed for a cozy and comfortable stay. Additional services include laundry facilities, luggage storage, secure parking, and special massage treatments. Guinea Fowl Guest House aims to ensure a relaxing and memorable experience for all its guests. Other budget accommodations in Entebbe include the Airport View Hotel, Entebbe Travelers’ Inn, Discovery Courts Hotel, Gorilla African Guest House, Hotel Royal Nest, Sienna Beach Hotel, and Rosemary Courts Hotel among others.

Your driver will pick you up from your accommodation in the morning to take you to the airport for your domestic flight to Kisoro Airstrip. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by your guide who will drive you to your accommodation, approximately a 2-hour journey. It is important to note that flights to and from Kisoro are only available in the morning timings. Mgahinga National Park, spanning 33.9 square kilometers, is Uganda's smallest national park and another primary location for gorilla trekking. Established in 1991 to protect its unique primates, including gorillas and golden monkeys, the park also hosts forest elephants and boasts 180 bird species, including 12 Albertine endemics like the Regal sunbird, Blue-headed sunbird, Handsome Francolin, and Rwenzori Turaco. The Nyakagezi family of gorillas which is the park's resident group, inhabits the steep slopes of Mgahinga volcano. Only a maximum of 8 people per day are permitted to trek these gorillas due to conservation efforts and the challenging terrain of the mountain. After relaxing at your lodge, participate in the Batwa cultural experience in the afternoon. The Batwa are among the tribes residing on the volcano's slopes and were traditionally forest dwellers until conservation efforts led them to relocate. They now sustain themselves by promoting their culture through various activities such as demonstrating hunting techniques, gathering food and fruits, and sharing traditional dances, songs, and stories. After this enriching 2-3 hours of cultural exploration, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight. Accommodation options in Mgahinga National Park.

Luxury – Mgahinga Lodge

Mount Gahinga Lodge stands as the only luxurious retreat on the outskirts of Mgahinga National Park, offering breathtaking views of Mount Sabinyo, Mount Mgahinga, and Mount Muhavura. From its reception area to each room—whether luxury or standard—all are elegantly designed using natural materials like stone. Each Banda (cottage) features an ensuite luxury shower room, a fireplace for warmth, and a private porch. The lodge's prime location includes a private footpath for direct access to start your golden monkey and gorilla trekking adventures within Mgahinga National Park. Guests can relax with complimentary spa and massage treatments at the lodge's beautiful spa. Culinary delights await, prepared by experienced chefs, and every room enjoys personalized service from a dedicated butler. Free internet access and an open bar stocked with premium and house drinks ensure a comfortable and indulgent stay at Mount Gahinga Lodge.

Mid-range –Mutanda Lake Resort Lodge

Mutanda Lake Resort Lodge is ideally positioned along the shores of Lake Mutanda, offering stunning views of three dormant volcanoes: Mount Sabinyo, Mount Muhavura, and Mount Virunga. These breathtaking landscapes can be enjoyed from the private verandahs of the cottages as well as from the bar and restaurant areas. Each cottage is well-appointed with its private verandah, a flushing toilet, shower facilities, and mosquito nets for comfort and relaxation. Guests can take advantage of complimentary internet access available in the restaurant, while the fully stocked bar ensures a delightful selection of drinks. The lodge also provides laundry services and offers convenient airstrip pick-up and drop-off services, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable stay at Mutanda Lake Resort Lodge. Other mid-range accommodations around Mgahinga National Park include Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge, Chameleon Hill, and Mgahinga Gorilla Triangle Lodge among others.

Budget – Traveler’s Rest Hotel

Traveler’s Rest Hotel is among the hotels that have been in existence for quite a long time. It is located at the exterior of Kisoro between Rwanda and Congo with perfect views of the volcanoes. Traveler’s Rest Hotel has 12 self-contained rooms made of raw material imported from Congo with queen-sized beds. Along the cozy beds, the hotel has a restaurant and bar with a big fireplace for some warmth in the evenings. Other budget accommodations around Mgahinga National Park include Mucha Hotel Kisoro, Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp, Kisoro Tourist Hotel, Mgahinga Rest Camp

Prepare yourself for an extraordinary day among the majestic gorillas! Your journey begins with an early breakfast, followed by a visit to UWA headquarters, where your trek will start. Be sure to pack a lunch, as the timing of your return from the forest is uncertain. After registration and a briefing by the ranger guides, you will be assigned a gorilla family to track, accompanied by a knowledgeable guide through the dense forest. The trek involves navigating various trails and can be physically demanding, in case you don’t meet the Gorillas sooner. However, any discomfort fades away once you encounter the gorillas. Witness their powerful presence as you observe babies playing, mothers nurturing, and males constructing nests in the treetops. It's a profound experience that leaves lasting memories. Here are some tips for your trek:

• •  Wear long trousers and a long-sleeved shirt for protection.
  •  Use sturdy hiking boots and consider gaiters for added safety.
  •  Bring at least 3 liters of water and a packed lunch in a cooler.
  •  Carry gloves to shield your hands from thorns.
  •  Consider hiring a porter to assist with carrying your belongings, especially on challenging terrain.
  •  Avoid using flash photography when capturing images of the gorillas.

After spending an hour with the gorillas, you return to the park headquarters for a certificate. Then, head back to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

The golden monkeys’ trek begins much like the gorilla trekking experience, starting with a briefing and registration at UWA headquarters before venturing into the forest accompanied by your guide. Golden monkeys are an exclusive species found solely in Uganda and Rwanda, owing to their habitat near the shared Mgahinga volcano. Unlike gorillas, these monkeys prefer the lower slopes of the mountain, making the trek less demanding and shorter. It usually takes around 30 minutes to an hour to locate them. Once found, you will have an hour to observe them as they feed, leap among trees, play, and nurture their young. After your memorable hour with the golden monkeys, return to headquarters to receive a certificate of participation. Then, retreat to your lodge for a delightful dinner and a peaceful overnight stay.

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