It's easy to see why people often compare Uganda to Rwanda when they're planning a mountain gorilla trekking safari. You can get close to the Virunga gorillas in Rwanda, and you can see a different side of the same amazing mountain ecosystem in Uganda.

As there are only few number of gorilla trekking permits available each day in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, the forest will feel smaller, wilder, and more personal. The Mgahinga in Uganda is part of the Virunga Conservation Area, which is shared by Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The different things that will happen on this trip are what will make it so interesting. If you walk slowly in a mountain forest in the morning, you will hear branches breaking above you. If you sit next to Lake Mutanda in the afternoon, you see the amazing volcanoes mountains mirrored in the water. The air will be cool at high elevation, and the nearby towns will add a human story to the landscape. The forest will be damp and earthy.

The gorilla trek will be the most moving part of the safari, but that's not where the safari ends. As the Uganda Wildlife Authority says the golden monkey is only found in the Virunga Mountains and that tracking groups of familiar monkeys is possible. This gives you the chance to see a second unique primate in its natural habitant. 

The Batwa culture experience will make things more interesting. You won't just be passing in the region; you'll have the chance to engage with them, whose their past is deeply linked to the forest. The Batwa are thought to have been some of the first people to live in this forest, which encourages community involvement in conservation and tourism.

The schedule is a good compromise for travelers who want to be comfortable and enjoy every moment on a safari. Private vehicles will take you around, you'll stay in carefully chosen mid-range accommodations, and your budget will go toward things that are most important: permits, expert driver guides, reliable logistics, and worthwhile experiences. The end result will be a short Uganda trip made for tourists who want more than only a list of places to see.

Difficulty Level

As a result of mountain gorilla trekking lasting several hours on uneven forest ground, this safari will require modest physical fitness. Mountain gorilla treks can last anywhere from 2 to 7 hours, based on where the gorilla family is and how they are moving. Once the habituated group is found, visitors will spend up to an hour watching them. 

Along the hiking trails, there will be muddy walkways, roots, rocks, slopes, and plants that can get slippery after it rains. Mountain hiking trainings are not 100% necessary, but you should be able to walk steadily for several hours. Porters will be hired to make the walk easier, especially for people who would benefit from extra physical support.

Between Rwanda and southwestern Uganda, there are also winding highland roads to take. Mountains surround Mgahinga, and the park's high elevation and volcanic terrain make it cooler than most people think East Africa would be. When driving to the area, we suggests a four-wheel-drive vehicle and that is why we have included it in the tour packages that goes in a area.

Active travellers who can walk on their own will enjoy this tour. The current minimum age limit for gorilla trekking is 15 years.