5 Days Mgahinga & Mount Sabinyo, The 5-day Mgahinga gorilla trek and Mount Sabyinyo hike from Kigali is an unforgettable safari that combines breathtaking natural beauty, thrilling outdoor activities, and intimate encounters with the majestic mountain gorillas. The safari begins in Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital, you will embark on a scenic drive to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, where you will trek through the lush forests and rugged terrain to track and observe the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. After the gorilla trekking you hike to the summit of Mount Sabinyo, one of the Virunga mountains, offering the wonderful views of the surrounding landscapes, lakes and volcanoes. Throughout the safari, you will have the opportunity to stay in a comfortable lodges, and enjoy the delicious local cuisine, and engage with the local communities, learning about their culture and traditions. The 5-day offers unforgettable experience that showcases the best of Uganda’s natural beauty and hospitality.
Tour Highlights.
Day 1: Kigali pick up and transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Day 2: Hiking Mount Sabinyo.
Day 3: Exploring Lake Mutanda on a boat trip.
Day 4: Gorilla trekking experience.
Day 5: Transfer to Kigali and departure.
Detailed itinerary.
Day 1: Kigali pick up and transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla national park.
On the first day of your safari, depending on your location, your safari guide with either meet you from Kigali International Airport or from your hotel in Kigali. Your safari guide will belief you about the 5 days safari, and then you will embark on your journey to Mgahinga gorilla national park that is located in Kisoro district in the south west of Uganda that is close to the Rwanda and then the Congo borders. The drive takes you through the stunning views of Lake Kivu, the Virunga Mountains and then the surrounding country side. The journey is approximately 4 to 5 hours, depending on the road conditions and the number of the stops you can make along the way. And once you arrive you will check in your lodge and enjoy your lunch. After lunch you will relax at your lodge, while preparing for the tomorrow’s activities and later you will enjoy dinner and overnight at your lodge.
Day 2: Hiking Mount Sabinyo.
On the 2nd day of the safari, wake up early in the morning and enjoy your hearty breakfast. After breakfast, you will meet your safari guide and then transfer to the Mgahinga gorilla national park head office and then be given a briefing about the hiking from the park officials. Later you will set off with your guides and start on the climbing the summit is situated at 3,669 meters, this is a thrilling adventure that offers you the breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape, lakes and volcanoes. Mount Sabyinyo is surrounded by the various biodiversity that offers you the attractive sightings of the various bird species, especially the Albertine birds that are only located to this park in the country like rare Rwenzori Turaco, and sighting other small mammals.
During the hiking you will get the chance to spot the mountain gorillas, golden monkeys on a lucky day, in the beautiful landscape, and once you reach at the top, you will sight the crater lakes at the top and be able to views the three countries covered by the Virunga mountains that is Rwanda, Uganda and then Democratic Republic of Congo. The safari takes a period 0f approximately 8 hours that is ascending and descending; the hike is a true test of endurance, but the rewards are well worth the effort, with the unforgettable views and a sense of accomplishment and after the experience you will retune to your lodge for dinner, relaxation and overnight stay.
Day 3: Exploring Lake Mutanda on a boat trip.
On the 3rd day of the safari, wake up early in the morning and be served with a hearty breakfast. After breakfast, after breakfast check out from your lodge and you will meet your safari guide and then you will connect to Lake Mutanda for a boat trip while on a canoe. This is the unforgettable experience to where you will visit various islands on the lake and sighting various bird species that includes the herons, kingfishers, eagles and among others with the perfect sightings of various animal species along the lake shores as you enjoy the views of the Virunga Mountains. After the experience you will be transferred for lunch. After lunch you will connect to Rushaga sector in Bwindi Impenetrable national park that will take you approximately 2 hours’ drive to your accommodation, and once you arrive you will check in your lodge for dinner, relaxation and overnight stay.
Day 4: Gorilla trekking experience.
On the 4th day of the safari, wake up early in the morning and enjoy breakfast. After breakfast you will carry your lunch, and meet your safari guide and he will transfer you to the park’s headquarters for the gorilla trekking briefing of the rules and regulations to follow by the experienced park ranger and guides. After the briefing you will be grouped into various groups of 8members per group and you will be allocated a gorilla family to trek and a park guide who is knowledgeable about the mountain gorillas and also conversant with the various gorilla trekking traits. Gorilla trekking takes a period of about 30 minutes to 6 hours or more depending on the location of the gorillas.
During gorilla trekking you will be impressed with the diverse spotting of various biodiversity and once the mountain gorillas are spotted you be given a period of one hour to be in the presence of the gorillas while maintaining a distance of 7 meters away from them, that is watching them feeding, playing, breastfeeding, mothers grooming their young ones, taking pictures and recording their videos and among others. After the experience you will be transferred back to the starting point to where you will be will receive the gorilla trekking certificates for taking part in gorilla trekking. After the experience depending on the time you will return from the gorilla trekking, you will participate and enjoy the community tour and visit the Batwa people, after the experience you will be returned back to your lodge for dinner, relaxation and overnight stay.
Day 5: Transfer to Kigali and departure.
On your final day of the safari, wake up early in the morning and enjoy breakfast. After breakfast you will check out from your lodge and then meet your safari guide and then transfer back to Kigali, this will take about 4 to 5 hours to Kigali and you will use the Cyanika border. This is a scenic drive with the rewarding of the stunning views of the rolling terrain hills and the perfect views of the Virunga Mountains. Upon your arrival in Kigali you will have lunch in one of the restaurant’s in the city and then if you are interested and have time you can go for the Kigali city tour that will make end your safari, that is visiting the popular Kigali genocide memorial site, Kimironko market, and any other location. After the experience you will be dropped off at your place of convenience either at the airport to catch your flight back home or to your hotel in Kigali that will make your safari come to the end.
End of 5 Days Mgahinga Gorilla trek and Mount Sabinyo Hike from Kigali
5 Days Mgahinga Gorilla trek and Mount Sabinyo Hike from Kigali includes.
Gorilla trekking permits.
Park entrance fees.
Hiking fees.
Boat cruise fees
All mentioned activities
Services of an English speaking driver guide
Full board accommodation
Pick up and drop off
Vehicle and fuel
Bottled water
5 Days Mgahinga Gorilla trek and Mount Sabinyo Hike from Kigali excludes.
Air flight tickets.
Visas.
Optional activities not included on the itinerary.
Personal expenses like buying souvenirs, crafts, drinks, laundry services, tips among others.
