This is a 3-day safari in search of mountain gorillas and golden monkeys in Mount Mgahinga Park from Rwanda. On this trip you will discover why Mount Mgahinga Park is called “the place where gold meets silver”. This small but very impressive park is the only place in Uganda where two endangered animal species (mountain gorillas and golden monkeys) coexist naturally. It’s a place off the beaten track for most tourists and tour operators, but that’s no longer the case since the only habituated gorilla family finally settled there. This family of gorillas previously crossed the border between Uganda and Rwanda. With such uncertainty, travelers did not want to take risks and therefore avoided the park when it came to gorilla trekking. This gorilla family is now a permanent resident of this park, which has made it a favorite gorilla trekking destination for many tourists. Our 3-day Silver and Gold tour is designed to take you to this place with magnificent views where you can track gorillas and golden monkeys, with pick-up and drop-off from any part of Rwanda.

Highlights of the tour:

Hiking to meet mountain gorillas
Tracking golden monkeys
Observation of landscapes
Cultural encounters
Boat trip on Lake Mutanda.

Detailed trip plan:

Day 1: Kigali – Transfer to Mgahinga gorilla park.

Your driver will meet you in Kigali at the agreed time to pick you up from the airport or your hotel and take you to Mount Mgahinga Park in Uganda. Jungle Escape Africa invites you to visit the city of Kigali and the Genocide Memorial before leaving for Uganda, time permitting. You leave Kigali driving through stunning scenery, cross into Uganda via the Cyanika border post, have lunch in the town of Kisoro and then check into your lodge.

Accommodation: Mucha River Lodge – Budget, Mutanda Lake Resort – Mid-Range, Mount Gahinga Lodge – Luxury.

Day 2: Golden monkey tracking and boat ride on Lake Mutanda

You will be in one of the coldest places in Uganda, so hot coffee or tea will be part of your breakfast menu. After a hearty breakfast, you head to the park for a briefing by the rangers before starting the uphill golden monkey trek. Accompanied by armed park rangers, begin this remarkable and thrilling trek through the Gahinga Trail to the bamboo thickets. You will leave after an hour with these playful golden monkeys. Hop into the waiting car to head to Lake Mutanda to relax and take a boat ride before returning to the lodge.

Accommodation: Mucha River Lodge – Budget, Mutanda Lake Resort – Mid-Range, Mount Gahinga Lodge – Luxury.

Day 3: Gorilla trekking and return to Kigali, Rwanda.

After breakfast, return to the park to sign up for the gorilla trek. Mgahinga Park has only one family of gorillas (Nyakagezi) and they are not known to travel very far. As a result, trekking time is generally shorter than for families in Bwindi Forest Park. However, we cannot guarantee this because nature is never predictable. In anticipation of a shorter gorilla trek than the golden monkey trek, we planned for it to take place on the 3rd day (the same day we left for Kigali). This can still be changed. After the briefing, you will be led into the forest by experienced rangers who will explain the natural history of these gorillas and give you more information about the park in general. When you see the gorillas, you are entitled to an hour with them. You will leave the park, collect your trekking certificates and board your safari vehicle to return to Kigali, Rwanda. The return will be to the location of your choice and this will be the end of this Silver and Gold tour of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Package inclusions:

Gorilla trekking permit
Golden monkey trekking permit
Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
Accommodation and all meals as per plan
Bottled drinking water on board
Visit to Lake Mutanda and boat ride
Services of a driver/guide professional and experienced.

Exclusions:

Visa fees at the border
Beverages such as soda, beer, wine and other beverages.
Optional excursions
Items for personal use
Any changes to the itinerary.