This 3 Days Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga safari takes you deep into Uganda’s smallest but most dramatic gorilla habitat — Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Located on the edge of the Virunga Mountains near Kisoro, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offers a quieter, more exclusive gorilla trekking experience compared to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

The 3 Days Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park tour starts and ends in Kigali or Kisoro, making it ideal for travelers with limited time who still want the full gorilla encounter. Along with an expert guide from Jewel Gorilla Safaris, you'll cross volcanic landscapes, track a habituated gorilla family, and spend one unforgettable hour with the giants of the mist.

Whether you’re trekking for the first time or seeking an off-the-beaten-path alternative, this 3 Days Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga adventure delivers big wildlife in a small, pristine park.

3 Days Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Itinerary Summary

Day 1: Pick-up from Kigali (Rwanda) or Kisoro (Uganda) and transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Enjoy scenic views of the Virunga Volcanoes en route. Arrive in time for check-in, dinner, and briefing.

Day 2: Early breakfast and transfer to the park headquarters for your gorilla trekking experience in Mgahinga. Spend one unforgettable hour with a habituated gorilla family. Return to the lodge and relax or explore the local Batwa community (optional).

Day 3: After breakfast, begin your return journey to Kigali or Kisoro, marking the end of your 3 Days Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga adventure.

3 Days Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Your 3 Days Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga safari begins with a morning pick-up from either Kigali (Rwanda) or Kisoro (Uganda). From Kigali, you’ll cross the Cyanika border and enjoy a scenic 4–5 hour drive through Rwanda’s rolling hills and into the dramatic volcanic region of southwestern Uganda.

From Kisoro town, it's a short 1–2 hour transfer to the park depending on lodge location.

You’ll arrive near Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda’s smallest but most scenic gorilla reserve, nestled in the Virunga Mountains. After check-in at your lodge, you’ll have time to relax and prepare for the next day’s trek. Enjoy dinner and an early night ahead of your gorilla tracking adventure.

Accommodation: Budget or midrange lodge near Mgahinga
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
Route Options: Kigali – Cyanika border – Kisoro – Mgahinga OR Kisoro – Mgahinga direct

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking Experience in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Day two of your 3 Days Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga is the highlight of the trip. After an early breakfast, your guide will take you to the Ntebeko Visitor Center for a pre-trek briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers.

You’ll be assigned a gorilla family and start your hike through bamboo forests and afro-montane slopes — tracking one of Mgahinga’s habituated mountain gorilla groups, typically the Nyakagezi family.

Trekking can take 1–4 hours depending on where the gorillas are located. Once found, you’ll spend one hour in their presence, observing their behavior, feeding, and interactions — an emotional and awe-inspiring experience.

After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and rest. Optional afternoon activities include a Batwa community visit or a short guided nature walk along the Gahinga Trail.

Accommodation: Same lodge as Day 1
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Gorilla Permit Included

Day 3: Return to Kigali or Kisoro – End of Safari

After breakfast, your 3 Days Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga tour concludes with a transfer back to your drop-off point. If heading to Kigali, you’ll cross back via Cyanika and arrive by early afternoon — perfect for evening flights or optional city tours.

For travelers ending in Kisoro, we can drop you at your hotel or Kisoro Airport for onward travel.

This marks the end of your unforgettable gorilla trekking safari in Mgahinga, brought to you by Jewel Gorilla Safaris.

Meal Plan: Breakfast
Drop-off Options: Kigali city or airport / Kisoro town or airport