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Gorilla and Golden Monkey Safari in Uganda

OVER VIEW OF THE GORILLA AND GOLDEN MONKEY SAFARI IN UGANDA

This 6 Day Gorilla and Golden Monkey Safari in Uganda is an unforgettable adventure in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, where you’ll experience the Ultimate gorilla trekking and the rare opportunity to encounter golden monkeys in their natural habitat.

This exclusive safari offers a unique blend of primates, breathtaking landscapes, and rich biodiversity, making it a must-do for primate adventurers.


THE GORILLA AND GOLDEN MONKEY SAFARI IN UGANDA HIGHLIGHTS

  • Gorilla Trekking: Encounter majestic mountain gorillas at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
  • Golden Monkey Hike: Explore the enchanting bamboo forests, home to lively and rare golden monkeys.
  • Scenic Landscapes & Nature: Explore Uganda's stunning landscapes, including lush forests, hills, and plantations, with opportunities for bird watching and wildlife spotting.
  • Cultural Immersion: Discover Arts, Crafts and Photos of the History of Southwestern Uganda at the Igongo Cultural Center.
  • Visit the Batwa Community Group- 'Keepers of the Forest'
  • Comfortable Eco-friendly Accommodations that support sustainable and responsible travel.


  • ITINERARY
  • WHAT TO PACK
  • INCLUDES
  • TRAVEL INFORMATION
  • REQUEST A QUOTE 
ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe Airport

The 6 Day Gorilla and Golden Monkey Safari in Uganda starts at Entebbe Airport, where you will be met by a company representative/guide who will transfer you to your place of overnight stay. Depending on the time of your arrival, you may visit the Gorilla Conservation Cafe in Entebbe to learn more about Coffee in Uganda.

Gorilla Conservation Coffee is a social enterprise of Conservation Through Public Health, an award-winning NGO and nonprofit supporting local farmers and helping to protect endangered gorillas and their fragile habitat. 

Meal Plan: Dinner depending on time of arrival.

Accommodation: Papyrus Guest House

Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 2: To Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

The journey from Entebbe to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park with a delightful stopover at the Equator. Take picturesque moments through photography or immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of local community craft shops.

Your journey unfolds with another enriching stop at the Igongo Cultural Center for lunch, your adventure resumes as you proceed towards the park, with breathtaking vistas of the countryside adorned with terraced farmlands. Arrive in the evening at your destination, ready to unwind and embrace moments of relaxation at the start of your Gorilla and Golden Monkey Safari in Uganda.


Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Mucha Riverside Lodge

Comfort Level: Mid-range


Day 3:  Gorilla Trekking Experience  

In the early morning, you will be briefed on gorilla tracking at the park headquarters and assigned groups of 8 people per group. Accompanied by a guide and your packed lunch, you will go in search of the gorillas in a small group. You walk through the forest, sometimes you descend again and then climb up a slope again. The duration of gorilla tracking is unpredictable. 

The walk can be quite strenuous due to the muddy trails and mountainous areas and can take up to 8 hours depending on how far the gorillas have moved in search of food. It is worth it and what awaits you, in the end, is indescribable.

For an hour you can admire these peaceful ‘Gentle Giants’ as they go about their daily activities of grooming, feeding, and playing. It is a once-in-a-lifetime memorable experience.


Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Mucha Riverside Lodge

Comfort Level: Mid-range


Day 4:  Golden Monkey Hiking  

In the early morning, return to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for a detailed briefing on the rules and guidelines for golden monkey trekking.

Head out for an exciting trek through the forest, searching for these lively and playful primates. The trek can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours, depending on the monkeys' movements as they roam in search of food. Once you locate them, enjoy a magical hour observing their energetic antics and unique social behaviors before trekking back to the starting point.

After the trek, meet your driver-guide and head back to your lodge for some well-deserved relaxation.


Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Mucha Riverside Lodge

Comfort Level: Mid-range


Day 5:  Batwa Cultural Experience – Igongo Cultural Center

Breakfast head out into the vibrant Batwa Community Experience. Learn how this indigenous group used medicinal plants, perfected hunting techniques, making fire, and built traditional forest shelters. Then, join in their lively songs and dances, immersing yourself in the joyful spirit of their culture. It’s a unique chance to connect with the Batwa’s rich heritage and feel the pulse of the forest in a truly unforgettable way!

Later head to Igongo Cultural Center arriving in time for late lunch / have lunch en-route. You may make use of the spa and wellness center for relaxation. Alternatively, check out the Cultural Museum and discover art, crafts, photos and History of Southwestern Uganda.


Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Igongo Cultural Center and Country Hotel

Comfort Level: Mid-range


Day 6:  Igongo Museum - Entebbe - Departure

The day begins with a visit to the Igongo Museum to explore Ankole's cultural heritage, followed by a stop at the Nkwanzi Crafts Shop.

Next, you’ll head to Entebbe, with a stop at the Equator for photos or shopping and enjoy lunch on the way. Upon arrival in Entebbe, you'll have time to relax before your departure.

Depending on your flight time, a day room is available for freshening up before heading to the airport at the end of the Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour Experience.


Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch


WHAT TO PACK

• Comfortable hiking boots and lightweight clothing.

• Rain jacket and a warm sweater for cooler evenings.

• Insect repellent and sunscreen.

• Reusable water bottle.

• Binoculars and a good camera.

• Personal medications and a small first-aid kit.

• Nature blending clothes

INCLUDES

Included in the Gorilla and Golden Monkey Safari in Uganda

  • Ground transportation in a safari customized 4WD Toyota Landcruiser with gasoline/fuel
  • Gorilla trekking permit
  • Golden Monkey Hiking
  • Batwa Community Experience
  • Igongo Cultural Museum
  • Drinking water / refillable water bottle
  • English-speaking Guide
  • Accommodation and Meals
  • All Park Entrance Fees.


Excluded in the Gorilla and Golden Monkey Safari in Uganda


  • International Airfares;
  • Visa Fees;
  • Drinks and Beverages
  • Tips, and Gratuities for your Driver/guide and hotel staff
  • Jinja Activities white-water rafting, kayaking, tubing, or even quad biking.
  • Optional activities unless specified as included
  • Any other services not expressly shown in the itinerary or indicated as included.


TRAVEL INFORMATION

Uganda – The Pearl of Africa’s Untamed Beauty

Uganda, aptly named the Pearl of Africa, is a land Gifted by Nature. It is located in the Great Lakes Region with breathtaking landscapes, extraordinary biodiversity, and unforgettable adventures. This remarkably diverse country is where the East African savannah meets the lush West African jungle, creating an ecological paradise unlike any other.

Towering over Uganda’s landscapes are the majestic Rwenzori Mountains, Africa’s third-highest range, and the dramatic Virunga Volcanoes, while the shimmering waters of Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake, cradle its southern border. Lying in a basin between the eastern and western branches of the Rift Valley, Uganda’s elevated position gives it a more temperate climate than its equatorial location might suggest. Most of the country sits over 1,000 meters above sea level, with a landscape that is largely flat apart from the forested mountain ranges that often define its borders.

One of Africa’s most water-rich nations, Uganda’s lakes, rivers, and wetlands cover 25% of its surface, keeping the landscape lush and green for most of the year—though the northern region gradually transitions into semi-desert.

Nowhere else on the continent can travelers witness such a rich variety of primates with such ease. From great apes—mountain gorillas and chimpanzees—to over a dozen monkey species, Uganda is a primate lover’s paradise. But it’s not just primates that thrive here. With over 1,000 bird species, Uganda is a birder’s wonderland, home to rare rainforest specialists and some of Africa’s most sought-after birds.

We invite you to explore Uganda, a diverse landscape with abundant wildlife, plenty to discover, and unique experiences. When recounting your time in this jewel of a country, you'll struggle to find the words that do justice to it.

Entry Requirements:

Your passport must have a minimum of at least two full clear pages for visas and stamps and be valid for more than 6 months from the date of entry into Uganda.

Please check visa requirements prior to travel with your booking agent or Bush Wander, as requirements are regularly changed with little notice.

Most passports require a single-entry visa (US$50). Visas cannot be obtained on arrival. You must apply and pay for them online at least two weeks before your arrival. You must upload clear copies of your current passport, a yellow fever certificate, and a passport photo.

Only Visa and Mastercard cards are accepted for visa payments. Once payment is made, the system will process your application and send you a barcoded email. Print out this email and bring it with you to Uganda. Upon arrival, you should present the barcoded email to the immigration officer, who will scan the barcode, take your fingerprints and photo, and place a visa in your passport.

Alternatively, the Ugandan High Commissions may issue visas where such commissions are located.

Visa Exempt Countries:

The following nationalities do not require a visa to enter Uganda: all nationalities from East African countries (Tanzania, Rwanda, Kenya, Burundi), all nationalities from COMESA countries (Angola, Eritrea, Malawi, Madagascar, Seychelles, Swaziland, Zambia, Comoros, Kenya, Mauritius, Zimbabwe), and passport holders from OTHERS (Antigua, Barbados, Fiji, Grenada, Lesotho, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, The Grenadines, Vanuatu, Cyprus, Bahamas, Belize, Gambia, Jamaica, Malta, Singapore, St. Vincent-Tonga and Ireland).

East Africa Tourist Visa:

If you are planning an East Africa trip to Uganda, Rwanda, and/or Kenya, it may be better to apply for a multiple-entry visa, valid for 90 days at USD 100 per visa. For more information go through the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration if you are entering Uganda first, or alternatively, the Government visa site for the East Africa country you will be first entering.

Money and Currency:

Before you travel, call your credit card companies to let them know you will be traveling. This will help to ensure the credit card company won’t flag any of your vacation expenses. ATMs are available in major towns or cities though at times may not be reliable due to a limited amount of money to be withdrawn.

  • Credit cards are widely accepted within Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda. Major hotels and restaurants accept VISA and MasterCard. AMEX and others are not recommended as establishments usually don’t support them. Note that a surcharge of 5% is attached to their usage.
  • Local Currencies are recommended to use while on safari. There are many forex bureaus and banks in the capital cities and the main towns. Smaller denominations than US$100 may attract a less favorable rate of exchange. Notes older than 2010 may not be accepted in the country.
  • Forex Bureaus are located in major towns or cities and have regular banking hours Monday to Friday from 08:30hrs to 16:00hrs. Saturdays are open from 09:00hrs to 12:00hrs. Traveler’s Cheques may be changed in major towns/cities. American Express cheques are accepted but they do attract a low rate. If you can, forego this option. Note: A purchase receipt and a passport are often asked for by the bank and forex bureaus as proof of ownership.

Health and Medical Information

Travelers require a Yellow Fever inoculation more than 10 days prior to your departure otherwise you won't obtain a visa. The certificate will be checked on arrival in Uganda. On top of that it is also advised you get vaccinations for DTP, Hepatitis A and malaria. Some organizations may advice you to take Typhoid, Cholera, Hepatitis B and Rabies as well. Please consult your pharmacist/doctor.

Travel Insurance on tour

It’s highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and other unforeseen circumstances. Ensure that your insurance policy provides adequate coverage for your entire trip duration and the activities you plan to undertake, such as wildlife viewing and adventure sports.

Flights & Getting Around

If you need assistance with flight bookings, Travelers Link Africa offers an inflight service—simply share your travel dates, and we’ll take care of the rest!


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