Hike Virunga, Trek Gorillas and Golden Monkeys in Uganda – 8 Days
This 8-Day Hiking Trip in Uganda mixes mountain adventure with amazing wildlife in a simple way. You will climb Mount Sabinyo, one of the steep Virunga Volcanoes, and explore Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. You will meet golden monkeys in bamboo forests and see mountain gorillas in the Bwindi rainforest. The journey combines tough hiking with rich wildlife and local culture. You will also enjoy peaceful nights in top-rated forest lodges. These lodges sit on woodland edges with wide views of volcanoes and valleys. This trip includes your gorilla and monkey permits, a domestic flight, a trained guide, and safe transport.
Day 1: Search for the Shoebill in Entebbe
On arrival for Hiking Trip in Uganda, our driver from Iconic Africa Safaris will take you to your hotel in Entebbe. If you arrive early, take a boat trip on Lake Victoria through tall papyrus reeds. Look for the shoebill stork that looks like a bird from another age. You may also visit Entebbe Zoo, explore local markets, or relax in quiet suburbs. Use this day to settle in before your mountain adventure begins. Enjoy a peaceful night at Papyrus Guesthouse with breakfast included.
Day 2: Travel to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
After breakfast, travel from Entebbe to the beautiful Kisoro region in southwest Uganda. Choose between a long scenic road trip or a short domestic flight. Either way, you’ll arrive in Kisoro, where green hills rise to touch the clouds. Stay at Mount Gahinga Lodge, which sits below the Virunga Volcanoes. From your room, you will see Mount Gahinga, Mount Sabinyo, and Mount Muhavura. Relax and get ready for tomorrow’s hike. All meals are included at the lodge.
Day 3: Climb Mount Sabinyo
Start early and reach the Ntebeko Visitor Centre by 8:00 am. The first part of the trail is flat but swampy. Soon, the trail climbs through a bamboo forest where you may see buffalo tracks. You will hike for an hour through bamboo before entering thick rainforest. In the rainforest zone, watch for birds like sunbirds and Rwenzori turacos. The trail keeps rising through heather forests full of moss and giant old trees. This part includes many wooden stairs that get slippery when wet.
After a steep climb, you will reach the first peak at 3,380 meters above sea level. From here, climb steep ladders to the second and third peaks. The third peak is the summit, 3,645 meters high, where Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo meet. After reaching the top, start your careful descent back to the base. You will return to Mount Gahinga Lodge for a warm meal and a restful evening.
Day 4: Rest or Explore Around the Lodge
Take a relaxed day and enjoy optional activities around Mount Gahinga Lodge. Walk the Batwa Cultural Trail to learn about the forest people and their way of life. Visit the lodge’s community project to see how conservation supports local lives. You can also walk in the nearby forest or just relax at the lodge. Watch how the light changes over the volcanoes as you sip a warm drink. All meals are served at the lodge.
Day 5: Trek Golden Monkeys in Mgahinga
After breakfast, walk 10 minutes to the Ntebeko Visitor Centre for a short briefing at 7:30 am. At 8:00 am, start your guided trek into the park with two armed rangers for safety. Climb gently for two hours through the bamboo zone where golden monkeys live. When you find them, spend one hour watching their playful movements. They jump between trees or get close without fear. Follow the guide’s rules to stay safe and respectful. After the trek, return to Mount Gahinga Lodge for lunch and a relaxed afternoon.
Day 6: Canoe on Lake Mutanda and Walk to Bwindi
Begin the day early with a drive or walk from the lodge to Kisoro Town. From Kisoro, a walking guide will take you through farms and small villages toward Lake Mutanda. Enjoy the lake on a dugout canoe ride with stunning views of volcanoes in the background. After crossing the lake, walk through rolling hills to reach the northern edge. Your driver will meet you here and take you to Nkuringo. Stay at Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge with views of the rainforest. Meals are included.
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest
Wake up early and prepare for the highlight of the trip – mountain gorilla trekking. By 7:00 am, carry your lunch, water, and gear in a backpack. At 7:30 am, join the briefing session at the starting point near the lodge. After the talk, walk into the thick rainforest with trained rangers and a guide. The forest is wet, and the trail is not marked, but your guide will find the gorilla group. When you find them, watch the gorillas for one full hour as they play, eat, or rest. Keep your distance but take in every moment. Later, return to the lodge for dinner and a restful night.
Day 8: Return to Entebbe
On your final day of Hiking Trip in Uganda, travel from Kisoro back to Entebbe. You can fly in one hour or drive across Uganda on good roads. If your flight is later, freshen up at Papyrus Guesthouse in Entebbe before going to the airport. Your accommodation on this day is optional. Let us know if you want a room arranged before your departure.
What’s Included in the Price
- Mid-range accommodation and all meals as shown in the plan
- One gorilla trekking permit per person valued at USD 800
- One golden monkey trekking permit per person in Uganda worth USD 100
- Return domestic flight between Kisoro and Entebbe if chosen
- All scheduled activities and guide services during the safari
- Private 4×4 Land Cruiser for transport and transfers throughout the safari
- AMREF flying doctor emergency insurance cover
- All government taxes and park entry fees
