6 Days Uganda Gorilla and Golden Monkey Trekking Adventure
A 6 days gorilla and golden monkey trekking tour presents a unique opportunity to encounter some of the world’s most captivating primates in their natural habitats.
This 6 day journey through Uganda’s lush landscapes o encounter with the wildlife, promises to be both thrilling and deeply moving.
In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Bwindi, you will encounter with nearly half of the world’s remaining gentle giants in the mist-covered rolling hills characterized with dense forests.
Golden monkeys, with their striking golden-orange fur, reside in the bamboo forests of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These lively and colorful primates will add a special touch to your wildlife tours in Uganda.
Highlights of 6 Days Uganda Gorilla and Golden Monkey Trekking Adventure:
- Day 1: Kampala- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Day 3: Transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- Day 4: Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga
- Day 5: Explore Mgahinga and Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
- Day 6: Additional Activities and Transfer to the Airport.
Detailed Itinerary for the 6 Days Uganda Gorilla and Golden Monkey Trekking Adventure
Day 1: Kampala- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Your adventure begins with a warm welcome at Entebbe International Airport by your Uganda safari guide,he will briefly tell you what to expect on your 6 Days Gorilla and Golden Monkey Trekking Adventure.
Depending on your arrival time, you will either be transferred to your hotel and embark on the adventurous tour the following day or you will straight away go on a scenic drive.
But we recommend that we freshly start on the journey in the morning to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park found in kisoro district, southwestern regions of Uganda ,10 hr 24 min (502.5 km) drive via Kabale – Mbarara Rd in a 4×4 wheel drive featured a pop-up roof to offer splendid views of wildlife while on game drives in the parks.
The journey from Kampala to serene and mystical Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is an adventure in itself. This road trip will take you through diverse landscapes, vibrant towns, and lush countryside, offering an immersive experience of Uganda’s natural beauty and cultural richness.
As you leave the urban sprawl, the scenery will suddenly transform. The bustling streets give way to verdant landscapes dotted with small villages and roadside markets.
The drive from Kampala to Bwindi typically takes 8 to 9 hours by road, but every moment of the journey is filled with fascinating sights and experiences.
As you head southwest, the landscape opens up to rolling hills covered in lush greenery. This part of Uganda is known for its fertile soils and agricultural abundance.
You’ll pass through plantations of bananas, tea, and coffee, interspersed with small farms and homesteads. The scenery is ever-changing and always captivating.
A popular stop along the route is the Equator crossing near Kayabwe. Here, you can stand with one foot in the northern hemisphere and the other in the southern hemisphere. It’s a great spot for photos and a quick break to stretch your legs.
As you move further, especially through the Mbarara region, you’ll see the iconic Ankole cattle with their long, curved horns. These majestic animals are an integral part of the local culture and economy, and their presence adds to the picturesque beauty of the journey.
At Mbarara city, you will have an en-route lunch. After the lunch, the journey will continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
As you approach Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the terrain becomes more rugged and the air cooler. The park, renowned for its dense forest and steep ridges, is a stark contrast to the open landscapes you’ve traversed.
The final leg of the journey involves navigating winding roads that ascend into the hills, offering breathtaking views of the forested slopes and deep valleys.
Upon arrival, you will straight check into the safari lodges for relaxations as you catching breaths of fresh air from Bwindi forests, you will then have dinner and enjoy your overnight stay.
Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Forest
Accommodation(Mid-range): Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge,buhoma communityhaven lodge, bwindi jungle lodge.
Meals: Dinner & Breakfast
Drinks: Drinking Water
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
After a warm breakfast, you head to the park head quarters for a small briefing before you embark on your 2ndday out of the 6 Days Gorilla and Golden Monkey Trekking Adventure.
With a an armed park ranger leading the trail, you get fully immersed into the dense forest, paving way with a macata through thick shrubs, hiking, trekking around rivers in search for your assigned gorilla family with your excitement and anticipations at their best peak.
The moment you encounter a gorilla family, all efforts will be rewarded. An hour will be spent Observing these magnificent gentle giants in their natural habitat, as they interact and go about their daily lives.
Trek out the forest, return to lodge for lunch. After lunch, use the after noon hours to relax in, interactions, explore the lodge and the nearby areas.
Day 3: Transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park & cultural encounters
After a hearty breakfast, set off for Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, a 2 hr 7 min road trip covering 48.6 km via Kisoro – Cyanika Rd.
Arrive at the lodges, drop off what you need and head to the briefing point, preparing you for the upcoming adventurous activity of cultural encounters with the forest people.
At the Batwa trail, you explore the extraordinary cultural and tranditional ways of the Batwa people, it is a very rewarding cultural trail which is going to leave wanting to find more about other cultural groups in Uganda.
The trail is led by the Batwa guide, taking you through the hills of Gahinga volcanoes and muhabura to explore the hunting life style of the Batwa people.
You will learn about their life style, how they survived in the forests, catch glimpses of plant species they use as medicine, explore their traditional healers, learn about their ancient hunting techniques, how they used to gather food and honey, what they use to make their traditional soups, how they make fire by rubbing stones, watch their traditional dance performances, participate if you wish, beat drums and have fun.
Then lastly you will explore their ancient cave ,Ngarama Cave which was used as a hide out during wars in the ancient days, used as a meeting place, royal palace, court of law and a food storage.
After you will return to lodges for relaxation, for lunch,vthen diner and an overnight stay.
Accommodations ;Mid-range:·Mucha Hotel & Amajambere Iwacu Camp.
Meals:. Lunch, Dinner & Breakfast
Drinks: Drinking Water
Day 4: Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga
After break fasting at the hotel, depart to the park headquarters of the park for a simple briefing on the safety guidelines and an over view of the golden monkeys from the park rangers.
Begin your golden monkey trekking experience in the bamboo forests. The trek usually varies in length depending on the location of the monkey but lasts between 2-4 hours.
Once spotted, you spend like an hour observing them as they jump and swing around in trees, they are very playful primate species hence you will enjoy watching them with your guide providing you with insights in their conservation status and behaviors. take as much photography as you wish. After the adventurous moments, return to the park headquarter, enjoy your lunch.
After lunch, you can decide to take nature walks around the park, go for birding or for village walks, explore the local markets, hand crafts and vegetable markets, interact with locals, catch glimpses of what they are selling, have fun then return to your lodges and enjoy a relaxed evening.
Day 5: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
After breakfast, get on the drive to lake Bunyonyi. At lake Bunyonyi, we shall hire a local guide with a motorized canoe or even a traditional one depending on your preferences.
Lake Bunyonyi features 29 islands, each with its unique traditional history. Some of the popular islands visited include the punishment island, where girls who were unmarried but pregnant were abandoned, and Bwama island, which was a leprosy treatment center.
Bird watching; lake Bunyonyi is a birding paradise for bird lovers, a home for many little fascinating birds and big birds. Your guide can help you spot different bird species such as African Harrier Hawk, Malachite Kingfisher, and many weaver birds.
Around midday, you will lunch by the lakeside at one of the local restaurants or lodges. There are many places offering fresh fish from the lake, either fried or boiled. You might decide to order one accompanied by traditional dishes.
After lunch, have guided hikes up the hills surrounding lake Bunyonyi. It is a moderate hike filled with breaking panoramic views of the lake and it’s surroundings. don’t forget carrying a good digital camera to capture stunning views.
After the hike, you can decide to cool it off from the lake. Lake Bunyonyi is one of the few fresh water lakes in Uganda that is very safe for swimming because it is bilharzia and is not featured with dangerous water animals like hippos and crocodiles.
In the evening, wander off to local craft markets, you will find fascinating hand made crafts such baskets, fabrics, bungles that you might wish to buy for remembrance.
End your day at Lake Bunyonyi with a relaxing sunset cruise. Relaxing the peaceful atmosphere,watch the fascinating colors of the sunset reflecting off the water.
Return to your lodges for a night stay as you are enjoying the night atmosphere of lake Bunyonyi.
Day 6: Additional Activities and Transfer to the Airport
After a breakfast at the lodge, go for canoeing or Kayaking. Your guide will help you hire a canoe or a kayak for peaceful paddles. Explore the shoreline at your pace, paddle to one of the designated birding haven, catch glimpse of different water wading birds.
Around mid day, return to your lodges,relax a little bit as you are preparing for a check out. Ensure that you have all belonging readily packed. Grab a simple bite or have lunch and then check out.
Start on your journey back to city center or direct to Entebbe airport.
END OF 6 DAYS UGANDA GORILLA AND GOLDENMONKEY TREKKING.
Tour Inclusions
This comprehensive package typically covers the essentials for a seamless and immersive experience:
- All ground transportation in a comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof for scenic views and wildlife spotting en route.
- Professional English-speaking driver/guide throughout the tour.
- All acitivity fees
- All Park entrance fees
- Accommodation for 5 nights on a full-board basis (breakfast, lunch, dinner) in selected lodges/hotels.
- All meals as specified (mostly breakfast, lunch, dinner; drinking water provided).
- Cultural activities such as the Batwa Trail experience.
- Airport transfers (Entebbe arrival/departure, if applicable).
Tour Exclusions
The following are not included to allow flexibility for personal preferences:
- International flights to/from Entebbe International Airport.
- Uganda entry visa (if required).
- Personal expenses (e.g., tips, laundry, beverages like alcohol/soft drinks, phone calls).
- Travel insurance
- Optional activities (e.g., extra hikes, village walks, or souvenirs).
- Porter fees during treks
- Any items not mentioned in the inclusions.
Tour Costs Per Person
Costs are approximate estimates for 2025-2026 based on current permit fees, accommodation rates, and typical operator pricing for similar 6-day itineraries (private safari basis, 2+ people sharing). Prices can vary by season, group size, exact lodges, and fluctuations in fuel/permits. Solo travelers pay a single supplement.
- Budget (basic lodges/guesthouses, e.g., community camps or simple eco-lodges like Buhoma Community Haven or Mucha Hotel): $1,800 – $2,500 USD per person.
Focuses on affordable comfort with shared transfers where possible. - Mid-range (comfortable lodges like Rushaga Gorilla Havens, Bwindi Jungle Lodge, Amajambere Iwacu Camp, or lakeside options at Bunyonyi): $2,800 – $4,000 USD per person.
This is the most popular category, balancing quality accommodation, reliable service, and great value. - Luxury (upscale lodges with premium amenities, e.g., high-end options in Bwindi/Mgahinga sectors or exclusive lakeside retreats): $4,500 – $7,000+ USD per person.
Includes superior service, private guides, and enhanced experiences.
Note: Early booking (3-6+ months ahead) is essential, especially for peak seasons, as permits sell out fast.
Packing List to Consider
Gorilla and golden monkey trekking involves hiking through dense, potentially muddy/rainy forests with variable weather (cool mornings, warm days, possible rain). Pack light but smart—use a small daypack for the trek (porters available).
Essentials:
- Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support and grip (broken in advance).
- Long-sleeved shirts and long pants (neutral colors like khaki, green, brown to avoid attracting insects/gorillas).
- Waterproof rain jacket/poncho and rain pants (rain is possible year-round).
- Lightweight fleece or sweater for cool mornings/evenings.
- Insect repellent (strong, DEET-based) and citronella soap.
- Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses.
- Reusable water bottle.
- Small backpack/daypack.
- Gloves (gardening-style for gripping vegetation).
- Headlamp/flashlight.
- Personal first-aid kit (band-aids, painkillers, anti-diarrhea meds, blister plasters).
- Camera/binoculars (with extra batteries/chargers; no flash photography with gorillas).
- Face masks (required near gorillas in some cases).
- Passport, yellow fever certificate (if required), and copies.
Optional/Recommended:
- Trekking poles.
- Quick-dry towel.
- Snacks/energy bars.
- Swimwear (for Lake Bunyonyi).
- Light sandals for evenings/lodges.
Avoid bright colors, strong perfumes, and single-use plastics.
Best Months to Visit
Gorilla and golden monkey trekking is possible year-round, but the best months are during the dry seasons for easier trails, less mud, better visibility, and more comfortable hiking:
- June to September (peak dry season; excellent conditions, but busier and higher demand for permits).
- December to February (short dry season; great weather with fewer crowds than peak).
The rainy seasons (March-May and October-November) offer lush scenery and fewer visitors (lower lodge rates), but trails can be slippery and muddy—ideal if you don’t mind wet conditions and want a more intimate experience.
Uganda’s equatorial climate keeps temperatures mild (50-80°F/10-27°C), but prepare for rain anytime in the forests.
Embark on this life-changing adventure with Uganda Wildlife Tours—your trusted local experts dedicated to responsible, sustainable travel. We handle every detail, from securing those hard-to-get gorilla permits early to pairing you with experienced guides who prioritize safety, conservation, and authentic encounters.
Our personalized service ensures you focus on the magic of meeting the gentle giants and golden monkeys up close, while creating memories that last a lifetime.
Spots fill quickly—contact us today to book your 6 Days Uganda Gorilla and Golden Monkey Trekking Adventure and experience the Pearl of Africa like never before!