Tour over view 3 Days Mgahinga Gorilla Trekking

This 3 Days Mgahinga Gorilla Trekking combines the once-in-a-lifetime thrill of tracking mountain gorillas in the dense forests of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park with the serene beauty of Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda’s most scenic and tranquil lake. The journey begins with a scenic drive through the rolling hills of southwestern Uganda, leading you to Mgahinga where you’ll embark on an unforgettable trek to encounter one of the habituated gorilla families in their natural habitat. After this exhilarating wildlife experience, unwind at Lake Bunyonyi, famously known as the “Switzerland of Africa,” where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views, island exploration, and peaceful relaxation before returning to Kampala or Kigali.

This safari is the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation—giving you the best of Uganda’s wild encounters and natural beauty within just three days.

Tour itinerary

Day 1; Pick up from Entebbe airport/Kampala city – Transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

After having breakfast at your hotel or on your arrival at Entebbe international airport meet your driver guide at the waiting lounge for pick up and briefing about your safari and later drive off to southwestern Uganda across the equator with an en-route stop here to carry out water experiment to watch the movement of forces at the line which separates the northern and southern hemispheres of the worldand take some memorial photos. Then proceed with your drive through the greater Ankole region with their proud Ankole long-horned cattle then have another stop for lunch in Mbarara city later drive straight Mgahinga gorilla national park for checking in at your reserved lodge for dinner and an overnight.

Day 2; Mgahinga gorilla national park – Mountain Gorilla trekking – Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

Have your fantastic heavy morning breakfast and transfer to the park information centre for the pre-trekking briefing about the guidelines to follow during mountain gorilla trekking walk. Later begin your adventurous mountain gorilla trekking walk through the bamboo forest cover in search of the giant mountain gorillas, during your mountain gorilla trekking walk, you may encounter other wildlife species such as bush pigs, duikers etc, many bird species and other primates like golden monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys and when you meet the mountain gorillas, you will be allowed to spend a maximum of one hour watching them, following their movements and taking as many photos as you would want then return to the starting point to relax, pick your trekking award, enjoy your packed lunch and refreshment and then transfer to Lake Bunyonyi to spend your evening while bird watching and canoeing later dinner and an overnight.

Day 3: Bunyonyi Safari Resort – Morning boat riding – Return to Entebbe International airport / Kampala

Wake up to have breakfast and then go for your morning boat riding on Lake Bunyonyi for bird watching and visiting several historical islands on Lake Bunyonyi such as the Akampeine island-which was used to punish girls who were found pregnant before marriage as lesson to others, then to kyahugye island where you will find some wildlife mammals such as; waterbucks, the Zebras, impalas and kobs. Conclude with Njuyeera and Bwama Islands-where it is said that missionary Dr. Leonard Sharp founded a leper colony. Lake Bunyonyi is said to be the second deepest lake in Africa after Lake Tanganyika in Tanzania and made of 29 islands where by each island has its own story that is worth listening to. After your boat riding safari return to your lodge to check out and embark on your drive back to Entebbe international airport to meet your return flight and this will be the end of your 3 days Mgahinga Mountain gorilla trekking tour and lake Bunyonyi treat.

Preparation for 3 days Mgahinga gorilla trekking and lake Bunyonyi retreat

  • Secure your gorilla trekking permit in advance (USD 800 per person in Uganda).

  •  visa  and yellow fever vaccination card.

  • Do some light exercises and stretching before the trip; gorilla trekking can be physically demanding.

  • Pack lightweight long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, waterproof jacket/poncho, gardening gloves, and a hat for sun protection.

  • Strong waterproof hiking boots with good grip are essential for the steep, muddy forest terrain.

  • Bring a comfortable backpack, reusable water bottle, binoculars, insect repellent, sunscreen, and walking stick (can be hired locally).

  • Carry light casual wear, swimwear, sandals, sunglasses, and a camera to enjoy relaxation and optional canoe rides at Lake Bunyonyi.

  • Have some cash for tipping porters, guides, or buying local crafts (ATMs may not be reliable in remote areas).

  • Confirm bookings for both Mgahinga and Lake Bunyonyi lodges in advance.

  • Be patient and ready for unpredictable trekking hours (from 2–7 hours depending on gorilla movements).

  • Bring optional extras like a good book, travel journal, or binoculars for birdwatching at Lake Bunyonyi.

Tour includes 3 Days Mgahinga Gorilla Trekking

  • Pick-up and transport in a private 4×4 safari vehicle from Kampala or Entebbe with an English-speaking driver-guide, fuel included

  • Accommodation for 2 nights on a full-board basis at lodges near Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Lake Bunyonyi

  • Gorilla trekking permit for one trek per person, guided hike, 1-hour gorilla viewing, and certificate

  • All meals including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and bottled water

  • Activities including gorilla trekking, boat/canoe ride on Lake Bunyonyi, birdwatching, and cultural/community visits including the Batwa community

  • All government taxes and park entrance fees