Golden Monkeys & Gorillas Safari
Discover the magic of Uganda’s Virunga Mountains and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park on this unforgettable journey.
Duration
6 Days
Starting At
USD 5,682+ per person
Overview
This safari combines two rare wildlife encounters—tracking mountain gorillas and the playful golden monkeys—while immersing you in the rich culture and breathtaking landscapes of Uganda.
Mgahinga National Park, part of the legendary Virunga Mountains, is home to both gorillas and the endemic golden monkeys, famous for their bamboo forest habitat. In Bwindi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll come face to face with the majestic mountain gorillas, one of the world’s most endangered species.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Uganda
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you’ll be warmly received by your guide. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a nature walk through the Botanical Gardens.
Overnight: 2 Friends Guesthouse (or similar)
Day 2: Journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, set off for Bwindi. Along the way, stop at the Equator for photos and a brief cultural experience.
Overnight: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Day 3: Gorilla Tracking – A Lifetime Experience
Start the day with an early breakfast before heading to the park headquarters for a briefing by experienced rangers. Then, venture into the dense tropical forest in search of the mountain gorillas. The trek may involve navigating steep, forested terrain, but the reward of standing just meters away from these gentle giants is priceless.
In the afternoon, visit the local community around Bwindi to learn about their traditions and way of life.
Overnight: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Day 4: Optional Second Gorilla Tracking or Leisure Day
You may choose to go on a second gorilla trek at Mgahinga, which offers a chance to meet a different gorilla family. Alternatively, spend the day exploring optional activities such as bird watching, forest walks, or community visits.
Overnight: Ichumbi Hotel (or similar)
Day 5: Golden Monkey Tracking at Mgahinga
Travel to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, part of the Virunga range. After breakfast, set out on an exciting trek to observe the playful golden monkeys, known for their unique behavior and bamboo forest habitat.
Overnight: Ichumbi Hotel (or similar)
Day 6: Return to Entebbe – Departure
After breakfast, transfer to the airstrip for your flight back to Entebbe. Depending on your flight schedule, you may enjoy some optional activities before departure.
Optional Add-ons (1–2 extra days at additional cost):
Mgahinga National Park, part of the legendary Virunga Mountains, is home to both gorillas and the endemic golden monkeys, famous for their bamboo forest habitat. In Bwindi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll come face to face with the majestic mountain gorillas, one of the world’s most endangered species.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Uganda
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you’ll be warmly received by your guide. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a nature walk through the Botanical Gardens.
Overnight: 2 Friends Guesthouse (or similar)
Day 2: Journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, set off for Bwindi. Along the way, stop at the Equator for photos and a brief cultural experience.
Overnight: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Day 3: Gorilla Tracking – A Lifetime Experience
Start the day with an early breakfast before heading to the park headquarters for a briefing by experienced rangers. Then, venture into the dense tropical forest in search of the mountain gorillas. The trek may involve navigating steep, forested terrain, but the reward of standing just meters away from these gentle giants is priceless.
In the afternoon, visit the local community around Bwindi to learn about their traditions and way of life.
Overnight: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Day 4: Optional Second Gorilla Tracking or Leisure Day
You may choose to go on a second gorilla trek at Mgahinga, which offers a chance to meet a different gorilla family. Alternatively, spend the day exploring optional activities such as bird watching, forest walks, or community visits.
Overnight: Ichumbi Hotel (or similar)
Day 5: Golden Monkey Tracking at Mgahinga
Travel to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, part of the Virunga range. After breakfast, set out on an exciting trek to observe the playful golden monkeys, known for their unique behavior and bamboo forest habitat.
Overnight: Ichumbi Hotel (or similar)
Day 6: Return to Entebbe – Departure
After breakfast, transfer to the airstrip for your flight back to Entebbe. Depending on your flight schedule, you may enjoy some optional activities before departure.
Optional Add-ons (1–2 extra days at additional cost):
- Cultural experiences & homestays – interact with local families and learn about their traditions.
- Boat rides & canoeing – enjoy dugout canoe excursions around crater lakes or Lake Bunyonyi, with stunning views and local storytelling.
- Extra Gorilla Trekking – a second gorilla permit can be arranged at $1,150.
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Highlights
- Double Primate Encounter: Experience the rare thrill of tracking both the majestic Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi and the playful, endemic Golden Monkeys in the bamboo forests of Mgahinga.
- Virunga Volcanoes Backdrop: Trek through the dramatic landscapes of the Virunga Mountains, a stunning chain of extinct volcanoes that straddle the borders of Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC.
- Cultural Immersion: Go beyond the wildlife with a Batwa Community Visit, learning the ancient forest traditions, folk stories, and songs of the "Keepers of the Forest."
- Equator Photo-Op: Enjoy a quintessential African road trip moment with a stop at the Equator for photos and a unique "water swirl" demonstration.
- Breathtaking Lodging: Stay at high-end retreats like Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, nestled right on the edge of the UNESCO-listed Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Meeting Location
Entebbe International Airport
Additional Information
Policy
List of Services
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Health & Participation Participation in our East African tours requires that you are in good overall health. Please inform us in advance if you have any medical conditions or dietary restrictions. The tour leader may, at their discretion, disqualify any participant whose physical condition could compromise their safety or that of the group. No refunds will be issued under such circumstances.Health & Participation
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Changes, Delays, and Tour Cancellation Rafiki Eco Tours reserves the right to adjust dates, itineraries, or accommodations in response to unexpected situations, such as adverse weather or transportation issues. Any extra expense due to such changes is the guest’s responsibility. If Rafiki Eco Tours must cancel a tour before departure—for example, due to insufficient participants or logistic issues—all payments made to Rafiki Eco Tours will be fully refunded. However, we are not responsible for non-refundable costs you may have incurred to prepare for your trip, such as airline tickets, special gear, or visa fees.Changes, Delays, and Tour Cancellation
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Limitations of Liability Rafiki Eco Tours, its owners, agents, and employees act as intermediaries for other service providers. We are not responsible for injury, loss, or damage to person or property resulting from factors outside our control (e.g. natural disasters, civil disturbances, regulatory changes). Any itinerary changes will be made to ensure your safety and comfort.Limitations of Liability
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Acknowledgment of Terms By making a reservation and submitting your deposit, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to these terms and conditions.Acknowledgment of Terms
Included in the Tour Price:
- Transportation in a 4WD vehicle or van
- English-speaking Ugandan driver/guide
- Specified accommodations
- All national park entrance fees
- All game drives as listed in the itinerary
- International airfare
- Meals not included in your accommodation
- Personal travel or medical insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses (drinks, laundry, souvenirs, etc.)
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Customs Notice Prior to returning to your home country, check local customs regulations. Notably, countries such as Australia and New Zealand have strict quarantine laws.Customs Notice
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Cancellation Policy To secure your spot on any Rafiki Eco Tours adventure, a non-refundable deposit of 40% of the total trip price is required at booking. The remaining 60% must be paid no later than 60 days before the tour’s departure date. All tour prices are provided and payable in U.S. dollars. If you need to cancel your reservation, refunds will be handled according to the following schedule:Cancellation Policy
- If you cancel more than 45 days before the tour’s first day: you will receive a refund of 65% of your deposit.
- For cancellations made 30–45 days before the tour: you will receive a 40% refund of the total tour cost.
- For cancellations with less than 25 days’ notice, no refund can be issued.
Pricing From
USD 5,682+ per person
Available Time: Year Round
Duration: 6 Days
Begins: Arrival in: Entebbe International Airport
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