6 DAYS MGAHINGA AND LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK SAFARI

Where volcanoes touch the sky and endangered gorilla roam free – Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a magical meeting point of Adventure, culture and conservation. Tucked into Uganda’s Southwestern corner this misty mountain paradise offers once a lifetime encounters with mountain gorillas, golden monkeys and vibrant traditions of the vibrant traditions of the Batwa people all set against a stunning backdrop of the Virunga Volcanoes. Where as in the heart of southwestern Uganda, we have Lake Mburo National Park a breathtaking wildlife destination covering 370 square kilometers. The park is the only savannah reserve in Uganda with a lake at its center, making it a unique ecological hotspot with a mix of savannah, acacia woodland, rocky ridges, and wetlands. It is home to an array of wildlife, including zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, impalas, elands, and hippos, making it a perfect safari destination. With over 350 bird species, the park is also a haven for birdwatchers. Unlike many other Ugandan parks, walking safaris, horseback safaris, and cycling tours are permitted, offering visitors an up-close encounter with nature.

 Highlights and activities:

• Gorilla trekking – Track the Nyakagezi Gorilla family known for being calm, Playful and relatively easy to find
• Mountain hiking –
• Batwa cultural trail – walk in the footsteps of the Batwa pygmies the forest dwelling people who once lived harmony with the Gorillas
• Nature walk – walk while viewing a stunning scenery – marvel at Volcanic cones, alpine vegetation, crater lakes and panoramic views into Rwanda and DR Congo
• Lake Mburo National park
• Boat Cruise In L. Lake Mburo
• Nature Walk In Lake Mburo
• Bird watching
• Namugongo shrine
• Uganda museum

African Craft village

Itinerary  

 Day 1: Arrival and city tour

You will be welcomed by a representative of Motion Safaris Ltd who will transfer you to your hotel in Kampala. Depending on the time of arrival, our guide will take you on a city tour for an exciting introduction with the capital. Visit some interesting and historical sites, including the Namugongo Martyrs Shrine, the Uganda Museum and of course the African Craft Village. We also advise you to have money changed today. Retire to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

DAY 2: Transfer From Kampala To Ngahinga Forest

You will be picked from your overnight hotel in Entebbe or Kampala by our driver guide at around 6:00am who will brief you about your trip, make sure that you have all the necessary gear and paper work. You will then drive to Mgahinga National Park in southwestern Uganda with some stopovers at Mpambire royal drum makers to witness how drums are made from cow hide and wood. You will then proceed to Kayabwe for the Equator experience then to Mbarara City for Lunch at Igongo Cultural Center depending on the time at your disposal. After lunch you will take a scenic drive to Kisoro district starting with the flat lands of Ntungamo, and the rolling hills of Kabale to terraced hills and meandering roads to Kisoro District. You will arrive in time for, dinner, evening relaxation at the lodge and overnight stay.

ACCOMMODATION: Mgahinga Gorilla Triangle/ Lake Mulehe Gorilla lodge

DAY 3: Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga National Park

After an early morning breakfast, you will be driven to Mgahinga National Park headquarters arriving in time for briefing from UWA rangers about gorilla trekking, dos and don’ts and instructions to be followed on the trek with the gorillas and after the trek, you will then be led to the forest to search for the mountain gorillas. Mgahinga National Park has only one habituated mountain gorilla family called Nyakagezi which used to move between Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Mgahinga National Park but it is now permanently resident in Uganda. Once you find Nyakagezi Family, you will be allowed one hour with the gorillas and then return back to the Lodge for your overnight.

DAY 4: Transfer From Ngahinga Forest To Lake Mburo National Park

Have breakfast and check out of the lodge/Hotel for a journey  to Lake Mburo National Park located in the western side of Uganda.

Check In at the lodge, have Lunch, relax and wait for the evening game drive. For the evening game drive expect to see different animal species like the Zebras, Uganda Kobs, warthogs, Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge. 

ACCOMODATION OPTIONS: Mburo Safari Lodge/ Rwakobo rock lodge/Manatanta Tented Camp

DAY 5: Game Drive In Lake Mburo National Park – Sundowner Boat Cruise

After a cup of Uganda coffee, enjoy a morning game drive. Expect to see Impalas, Topis, Zebras, African Elephants and more various animal species, go back to the lodge for a hearty lunch then an evening boat ride as we watch the sun set on Lake Mburo, expect to see crocodile, Hippos, elephants, and a number of bird species like red faced barbet, African wattled lapwing, bare faced go away bird.

Dinner and Overnight stay at the lodge.  

DAY 6: Eclipse Monument – Return

Hearty Breakfast at your own pace, check out of the lodge and go to the eclipse monument, where you’ll learn a lot about the Ankole culture and its experience. Lunch at Igongo cultural center, Depart for Kampala. Stop over at Kayabwe for the Equator experience. You can take photos and also support the local community by purchasing souvenirs.