Overview:
Experience the magic of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park on this 2-day adventure, combining gorilla trekking with an enriching Batwa cultural experience. This itinerary is perfect for travellers seeking a short but immersive safari in Uganda, with a convenient shuttle transfer from Kigali, Rwanda.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, nestled within the Virunga Mountains, is home to Uganda’s portion of the endangered mountain gorillas. The park also offers a deep cultural connection with the Batwa people, the indigenous forest dwellers who once lived alongside the great apes in harmony. This carefully curated itinerary allows you to explore both wildlife and cultural heritage in just two days, ensuring a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Transfer to Uganda & Batwa Cultural Experience
Your 2-day safari begins with a pickup from Kigali International Airport or your hotel in Kigali. After a warm welcome and a short briefing by Hillary, your professional guide, you will embark on a scenic drive to Uganda, crossing through the Cyanika border post into the southwestern highlands.
Morning: Kigali to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
The drive from Kigali to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park takes approximately 3–4 hours, offering breathtaking views of Rwanda’s rolling hills, terraced farmlands, and the towering Virunga Volcanoes in the distance. Upon arrival in Uganda, you will check in at your lodge near Mgahinga National Park and enjoy a delicious lunch.
Afternoon: Batwa Cultural Experience (Outside the Park)
In the afternoon, embark on a Batwa cultural experience, an eye-opening journey into the lives of the Batwa pygmies, the original inhabitants of the forests. This experience takes place outside Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, in a Batwa community, where you will witness traditional storytelling, music, and dances that reflect their rich heritage.
The Batwa will demonstrate their hunting and gathering skills, traditional fire-making techniques, and the use of medicinal plants for healing. This interactive tour offers a unique opportunity to engage with the Batwa elders, gaining insight into how they once survived in the dense Bwindi and Mgahinga forests before conservation efforts led to their displacement.
After this memorable cultural immersion, return to your lodge or camp for a relaxing evening. Enjoy a delicious Ugandan meal and rest well in preparation for the exciting gorilla trekking adventure the next day.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga – Return to Kigali
Morning: Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Wake up early and have a hearty breakfast before heading to the Mgahinga National Park headquarters for the pre-trekking briefing. The park rangers will provide essential information about gorilla trekking regulations, safety measures, and what to expect during the trek.
At 8:00 AM, you will begin your gorilla trekking adventure, following experienced guides through the dense bamboo forests and mountainous terrain. Mgahinga is home to the Nyakagezi gorilla family, a fully habituated group known for their relaxed and playful nature.
The trek can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the movement of the gorillas. Once you locate the mountain gorillas, you will spend a precious hour observing and photographing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Watching a silverback interact with his family, observing the playful juveniles, and witnessing the gentle gaze of a mother gorilla is truly a life-changing experience.
Afternoon: Departure to Kigali
After the unforgettable gorilla encounter, return to the park headquarters for a certificate of participation. Enjoy lunch at your lodge before beginning the journey back to Kigali.
The return shuttle to Kigali follows the same scenic route, offering final glimpses of the Virunga volcanoes and lush highlands. Depending on your flight schedule, you will be dropped off at Kigali International Airport or at your preferred location in Kigali, marking the end of an extraordinary 2-day adventure