For those wishing to take advantage of Uganda’s more affordable gorilla trekking permits while still flying in and out of Kigali, this three day itinerary is the perfect fit.
This four day itinerary takes you to the often overlooked Mgahinga National Park, where you’ll enjoy both a gorilla trekking adventure and the chance to see the park’s playful golden monkeys.
Your Journey Mapped Out
Ready to set out? Your adventure awaits!
- DAY 1 – KIGALI – MGAHINGA NATIONAL PARK
- DAY 2 – MGAHINGA NATIONAL PARK
- DAY 3 – MGAHINGA NATIONAL PARK – MUSANZE
- DAY 4 – MUSANZE – KIGALI
Upon arrival in Kigali, you'll be met by your Shadows of Africa driver and begin the six hour drive north to Mgahinga National Park in southern Uganda.
Don't let the length of the drive put you off: this is one of the most spectacular drives you'll ever undertake.
Your drive will take you through quiet mountain valleys and quaint terraced farms, along the shores of glistening lakes, and deep into the steaming jungles of southern Uganda.
Crossing the border at Cyanika, you'll then overnight close to the park.
After an early breakfast at your hotel, you'll proceed directly to the Mgahinga National Park's headquarters to meet your guides. After completing the briefing, you'll embark on the once in a lifetime experience of tracking the enigmatic mountain gorillas.
There is no guarantee how long or difficult your tracking experience will be as it depends on where the family of gorillas is and on weather conditions, It can take anywhere from two up to six hours of trekking through the mountain forest at relatively high altitudes. Fitness is definitely recommended for those wishing to undertake the excursion.
One of the most memorable experiences you're likely to ever have, you'll be allowed an hour of close contact with the gorillas once you've found them. You'll be privileged enough to come within mere metres of a family of these rare and beautiful animals, observing their family dynamics and getting to learn a bit about each gorilla's distinct personality in serene silence.
After your hike is complete, you'll have some time to relax and refresh.
You'll set off after breakfast for your chance for a close encounter with Mgahinga's playful golden monkeys. You'll spend your morning observing their death-defying leaps and fascinating behaviour.
You'll then set off for the drive to Musanze, Rwanda's second largest city and the home of the Dian Fossey Museum. You'll overnight on the fringes of Volcanoes National Park.
You'll depart after breakfast for the drive back to the Rwandan capital, where you'll enjoy a complimentary city tour including a visit to the Genocide Memorial and a tour of local markets.
The Trip Cost Includes
- Pick-up or Drop-off service from and to Airport(in our own vehicle)
- Transportation to and from!!
- Food all along the trip(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and a cup of coffee or tea) and accommodations during the trip in hotels with family environment
- Transportation, food, accommodation and insurance of Guide during the trip
- Down jacket, all-season sleeping bag, duffel bag and trekking map(in case if you don’t have your own. Down jacket, sleeping bag and duffel bag must be returned after completion of the trip)
- First Aid Medical Kit(Your guide will carry the Medical Kit but we also advise to bring yourself for your own use, as far as possible)
- All the required permits and paperwork
The Trip Cost Excludes
- International Airfare
- Visa Charges
- Hotel Expenses(In Kathmandu, some packages do include hotel expenses)
- Your travel and medical insurance
- Personal Expenses such as shopping, bar bills, hot shower, telephone, laundry, titbits etc
- Food and accommodations in Kathmandu
- Services not mentioned or not promised by the agent/agency
- Emergency expenses such as expenses on chartered helicopter.
Annapurna Base Camp is a Grade B or a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will to, you can.
On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.
The highest altitude reached is 4190m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.
Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, hot water facility could be free at lower elevation.
No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.
Yes. Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.
Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during off season.
It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.
For Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.
