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The Volcano and Hiking Adventure in Uganda
Mgahinga Volcano

OVER VIEW

Discover the thrill of adventure in Mgahinga National Park and Echuya Forest. This 8-day itinerary features exhilarating volcano hikes on Mt. Sabinyo and Mt. Muhavura, golden monkey trekking, and an enriching cultural experience with the Batwa community in Echuya Forest.


SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS

  • Hike Mount Sabinyo (3,669m) – Enjoy breathtaking views at the tri-border summit of Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC.
  • Hike Mount Muhavura (4,127m) – Conquer one of Uganda's highest peaks for panoramic volcanic vistas.
  • Batwa Community Experience – Connect with the Batwa people and discover their unique cultural heritage.
  • Nature Walk in Echuya Forest – Explore lush trails teeming with diverse flora and birdlife.
  • Golden Monkey Tracking – Encounter rare golden monkeys in their enchanting bamboo habitat.


Upon your arrival in Entebbe, a company representative will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Meal Plan: Dinner depending on time of arrival.

Accommodation: Papyrus Guest House

Comfort Level: Mid-range

Depart Kampala today for an exciting journey to Kisoro, a scenic town nestled in the stunning southwestern highlands of Uganda. Enjoy a leisurely drive through picturesque landscapes, with a delightful lunch stop along the way. Arrive in Kisoro in the evening, where the fresh mountain air and breathtaking views welcome you to this adventure-filled destination.


Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge.

Comfort Level: Mid-range


After breakfast drive 13km to the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park with a packed lunch and water, set off on a hiking expedition to one of the most challenging volcanoes in the park. The trail takes about 8 hours passing through lush forests and bamboo zones before reaching the rugged volcanic terrain near the summit.

The peak of Sabinyo offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, including other volcanoes like Mount Gahinga and Mount Muhabura. On a clear day, you can also see stunning vistas of the Virunga Massif and even the nearby Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda.


Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge

Comfort Level: Mid-range

After breakfast, you will head out for a nature walk in Echuya Forest Reserve where you get to learn about the Batwa’s history and the flora and fauna of Echuya. The hike has 2 options the longer trail 2 hours and the shorter trail 45 minutes.

A walk through the picturesque Rwamahano Batwa settlement, and have an interactive chat with the community. The community visit includes a traditional performance with bows and arrows, dancing, and singing. Later return to the lodge for relaxation and lunch


Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge

Comfort Level: Mid-range

Today set off for the most challenging hike – Mt. Muhavura (also known as Mount Muhabura). The mountain stands at an elevation of 4,127 meters (13,540 feet). The hike typically takes about 8-10 hours to complete, depending on your fitness level and the pace of the group. The trail can be steep and challenging at times, but it offers stunning views throughout the ascent.

You will have energy rich snacks at the first rest stop before proceeding ahead to the sub-alpine zone. Then, the real hiking starts, with tougher footing and wooden ladders to scale more vertical cliffs. Upon reaching the summit of Muhavura, you’ll be rewarded with a small crater, and panoramic views of the Virunga Mountains, including the Rwenzori Mountains, Lake Bunyonyi, and the neighboring countries of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (Lunch at summit or midway). Later descend back to the base and head back.


Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge

Comfort Level: Mid-range

After breakfast, head to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for a briefing about the rules and regulations to follow during golden monkey trekking. Start trekking in the forest in search of the golden monkeys which takes about 30 minutes to 4 hours depending on where the golden monkeys are located because they like to move from one place to another in search of food.

Spend an hour with the golden monkeys and then trek back to the starting point where you meet up with your driver guide and drive to the lodge for relaxation.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge.

Comfort Level: Mid-range

After an early breakfast, you'll set off for your journey back to Entebbe. Enjoy a scenic drive with lunch en route and a memorable stop at the Uganda Equator. Here, you'll witness a fascinating demonstration of how water flows differently in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Capture some photos at this iconic landmark before continuing your journey. You will arrive in Entebbe in the evening, where you can unwind and reflect on your incredible adventure.


Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Papyrus Guest House

Comfort Level: Mid-range


"After a delightful breakfast, your driver will transfer you to the airport for your onward flight back home. As your journey comes to an end, take a moment to reflect on the incredible experiences and unforgettable memories made during your time in Uganda. Safe travels and we hope to welcome you back for another adventure!"


Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch


• 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

Included in the Itinerary

  • Ground transportation in a safari customized 4WD Toyota Landcruiser with gasoline/fuel
  • All Nature walks 
  • All Community Visits
  • Golden Monkey permit
  • Batwa Community Visit in Echuya Forest
  • Drinking water / refillable water bottle
  • English-speaking Birding Guide
  • Accommodation and Meals
  • All Park Entrance Fees.


Excluded in the Itinerary

  • International Airfares;
  • Visa Fees;
  • Drinks and Beverages
  • Tips, and Gratuities for your Driver/guide and hotel staff
  • Optional activities unless specified as included
  • Any other services not expressly shown in the itinerary or indicated as included.


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!