With this five-day Uganda adventure, you'll explore the buzzing streets of Kampala and the rich natural beauty of Mgahinga National Park, Uganda's smallest. Track majestic mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, spend a morning with rare golden monkeys, and engage with the Indigenous Batwa people before returning to Entebbe. This itinerary offers a brief yet authentic exploration of Uganda's wildlife, culture, and people as you veer off the beaten path.

Highlights

  • Track and find gorillas living in the Mgahinga National Park
  • Join an exclusive golden monkey habituation experience
  • Get to know the Batwa, the original residents of the region
  • Explore the bustling streets of Kampala with a guide

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Entebbe, Kampala City Tour Entebbe
Day 2 Transfer to Mgahinga National Park Mgahinga National Park
Day 3 Gorilla Tracking in Mgahinga National Park Mgahinga National Park
Day 4 Golden Monkey & Batwa Pygmies Cultural Experiences Mgahinga National Park
Day 5 Return to Entebbe, Depart  

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Entebbe, Kampala City Tour

Street in Kampala
The busy streets of Kampala are fun to explore

Apwoyo! Hello, and welcome to Uganda. On arrival at the airport, someone will be there ready to greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Entebbe, a small city on the shores of Lake Victoria, Africa's largest lake. Rest up and relax ahead of this afternoon's guided tour of Kampala. A guide will collect you for the 45-minute drive to the nation's capital, a buzzing city that blends tradition and modernity with warm, friendly people, a rich culture, and an entrepreneurial spirit.

Start at the Uganda Museum to explore the country's tribal heritage, then take a 30-minute boda-boda ride to get up close to the crowded, chaotic streets. Stop to taste a famous street snack called rolex, a tomato and onion omelet rolled with chapati. For lunch, try luwombo, a traditional Ugandan dish cooked in a banana leaf. Later, admire Kabaka's Palace, home to the Buganda tribe King, and visit Idi Amin's sobering torture chambers, a local dark tunnel. Finally, visit a local craft market to hunt for unique souvenirs before returning to Entebbe.

Day 2: Transfer to Mgahinga National Park

Mgahinga National Park
Early morning light over Mgahinga National Park

Today, you'll make the epic journey from Entebbe to Mgahinga National Park, a natural gem in southwestern Uganda. Mgahinga is renowned for its wildlife and beautiful volcanic landscapes. You'll find three towering peaks within the small park, a sanctuary for endangered mountain gorillas. Besides gorillas, Mgahinga is also home to golden monkeys, various bird species, and other wildlife. 

After breakfast, a private driver will begin the nine-hour journey to Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge, a tranquil stay near the park with plenty of activities. Along the drive, you might stop at Kayawbe for souvenir shopping near the equator and Mbarara for lunch.

Day 3: Gorilla Tracking in Mgahinga National Park

Gorilla Tracking in Mgahinga National Park
Expect an early start when you go gorilla tracking in Mgahinga National Park
Plan your trip to Uganda
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.

Today will be a highlight of your trip as you join your guide for an expedition into the wilds of Mgahinga National Park—one of the last places on Earth where you'll find the mountain gorilla. This small national park is in Uganda's southwest, with a landscape of dense jungle blanketing the steep slopes of extinct volcanoes. Lace up your hiking boots and prepare for a three- to six-hour trek to search for these critically endangered animals. Around 300 mountain gorillas call the park home, and their locations are tracked to prevent poaching.

Alongside the gorillas, this protected area is teeming with diverse species like golden monkeys, black and white colobus, leopards, serval cats, and remarkable birdlife, so keep your camera close!

Day 4: Golden Monkey & Batwa Pygmies Cultural Experiences

Golden Monkey
The wild and very rare golden monkey calls this park home

Today's unique experience will bring you close to the rare golden monkey like nowhere else. You'll spend half a day in the presence of these fascinating creatures, but you'll need a reasonable fitness level to hike to their habitat. On arrival, you'll be amazed as you encounter large troops of 50 or more. This particular family of monkeys has been habituated; they are used to human presence and won't flee as you approach. You'll have the opportunity to spend an hour observing the monkeys as they move around, feeding on bamboo shoots.

Later today, you'll meet the original residents of this region with an immersive Batwa Pygmy cultural experience. This educational center was created to pass down the customs and history of the displaced Batwa people to their children. Visitors help support the community's healthcare and education. Follow a trail through living history as you set out from the base of Muhuvura Cave. Learn how the people of this forest hunted with bows and arrows, help prepare a typical meal, discover the forest's many medicinal plants, and listen to traditional songs and stories.

Day 5: Return to Entebbe, Depart

Marker on equator
Take a picture with this marker on the equator in Uganda

It's your final day in Uganda. Today, a private driver will collect you for the nine-hour return journey to Entebbe. Along the route, you'll stop at the equator to take photos, stretch your legs, and enjoy a traditional lunch. You'll be dropped at the airport in time for your evening flight home or your onward journey. Safe travels!

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Map

Map of Uganda's Hidden Gem: Mgahinga National Park - 5 Days
Map of Uganda's Hidden Gem: Mgahinga National Park - 5 Days