6 Days Gorilla Habituation, Batwa & Golden Monkey Safari Overview

How to spend the 6 Days Gorilla Habituation, Batwa & Golden Monkey Safari? This immersive 6-day safari is designed for travelers who want more than just a glimpse of Uganda’s incredible primates and indigenous cultures. Unlike standard gorilla trekking, this itinerary includes a full-day Gorilla Habituation Experience, a rare opportunity to spend up to four hours with a semi-habituated gorilla family in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You'll also encounter the charming and energetic golden monkeys of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and enjoy a guided Batwa cultural experience, where you’ll learn about the forest-dwelling traditions of Uganda’s indigenous pygmy communities. This journey blends adventure, culture, and conservation in one unforgettable safari.

6 Days Gorilla Habituation, Batwa & Golden Monkey Safari Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Transfer to Kampala

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you’ll be met by a Jewel Gorilla Safari driver-guide and transferred to your accommodation in Kampala. Depending on your arrival time, you may opt to explore the city or relax at the hotel in preparation for the adventure ahead. Overnight at a comfortable boutique hotel or luxury guesthouse in Kampala.

Overnight at Kampala Serena Hotel/Royal Suites Bugolobi

Meal Plan: Dinner

Day 2: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – Scenic Journey

After an early breakfast, depart Kampala and embark on a scenic drive to the southern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home of the Gorilla Habituation Experience. Along the way, enjoy views of Uganda’s rolling hills, tea plantations, and rural villages. Stop for lunch en route before continuing to your forest lodge, nestled on the edge of Bwindi. Settle in and enjoy a peaceful evening surrounded by nature. Overnight at a luxury lodge such as Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge or Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge.

Overnight at Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge/Four Gorillas Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: Gorilla Habituation Experience – 4 Hours with Gorillas

This is the highlight of your safari. After an early breakfast, you’ll head to the park headquarters for a briefing before setting off on the Gorilla Habituation Experience. Unlike the typical one-hour gorilla trek, this experience allows you to spend up to four hours in the company of a gorilla family still in the process of being habituated. This extended time offers a deeper understanding of their behavior, social dynamics, and conservation efforts. The trek itself can be demanding, so be prepared for a physically active day. Return to the lodge for a well-earned rest and dinner.

Overnight at Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge/Four Gorillas Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Batwa Cultural Trail – Learn from the Forest’s First People

Today, you’ll embark on a Batwa cultural experience led by members of the Batwa community. These indigenous forest dwellers share their traditional knowledge of hunting, medicine, and spiritual practices once used in Bwindi before it became a national park. The guided walk through the forest includes storytelling, music, and practical demonstrations that offer a rare and respectful insight into the Batwa way of life. Return to the lodge in the afternoon and enjoy time at leisure.

Overnight at Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge/Four Gorillas Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: Transfer to Mgahinga – Golden Monkey Trekking

After breakfast, transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located within the Virunga Volcano range. This park is home to the rare and endangered golden monkey, known for its vibrant orange-gold fur and playful nature. After a briefing at the park headquarters, head into the bamboo forest for your golden monkey trekking experience. Spend an hour observing these fast-moving, social primates in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, you can relax at the lodge or take an optional walk in the surrounding highlands.

Overnight at a lodge near Mgahinga, such as Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge or Mount Gahinga Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6: Return to Entebbe – Departure

After breakfast, begin your return journey to Entebbe via road or opt for a domestic flight (if arranged in advance). Along the way, enjoy your final glimpses of Uganda’s lush countryside. Depending on your flight schedule, you may stop for lunch or shopping before being dropped off at Entebbe International Airport for your departure.

Meal Plan: Breakfast