4 Days – Double Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi & Mgahinga
4 Days – Double Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi & Mgahinga: Twice the Gorilla Experience in Uganda Booking a Double gorilla trekking safari is the...
Booking a Double gorilla trekking safari is the ultimate primate adventure for dedicated wildlife enthusiasts. This 4 day safari takes you to two different national parks, giving you two separate gorilla trekking experiences in different habitats. A Double gorilla trekking safari allows you to track different gorilla families in different environments, maximizing your chances of unique sightings and behaviors. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about this double gorilla adventure.
This 4 day double gorilla trekking safari takes you to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Both parks are home to habituated mountain gorilla families, but they offer very different trekking experiences. Bwindi is a dense rainforest with steep, challenging terrain, while Mgahinga is a bamboo forest on the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes with higher altitude but often less steep trails.
By doing two treks in two different parks, you will have the opportunity to observe different gorilla families and behaviors. Each gorilla family has its own unique dynamics, personalities, and stories. You may see different behaviors in each park, from feeding and resting to playing and social interactions. This Double gorilla trekking safari also gives you a backup in case one trek is challenging or the gorillas are difficult to find.
In addition to the two gorilla treks, you will have the option to track golden monkeys in Mgahinga. Golden monkeys are striking primates with bright golden orange fur, found only in the Virunga Mountains. Adding golden monkey tracking to your Double gorilla trekking safari gives you a third primate species and makes your safari even more comprehensive.
A Double gorilla trekking safari offers twice the time with gorillas, giving you a much deeper understanding of their behavior and social dynamics. You will trek in two different habitats, from the dense rainforest of Bwindi to the bamboo forest of Mgahinga. Each park has its own unique atmosphere, wildlife, and trekking challenges. The contrast between the two parks is fascinating and adds variety to your safari.
This tour is ideal for photographers who want multiple opportunities to capture the perfect shot. With two treks, you have twice the chances to photograph gorillas in different lighting conditions and settings. It is also ideal for researchers who want to observe gorilla behavior over multiple sessions, and for dedicated wildlife enthusiasts who want to maximize their gorilla experience.
Uganda is the only country in the world where you can track mountain gorillas in two different national parks Bwindi gorilla trekking destination . Bwindi and Mgahinga are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites and part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area. By visiting both parks, you gain a complete understanding of mountain gorilla conservation in Uganda.
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to the domestic terminal. You will take a domestic flight to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrip, depending on which sector of Bwindi you are staying in. The flight takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours and offers stunning aerial views of Lake Victoria and the Rwenzori Mountains.
Upon landing, you will be met by your local guide and drive to your lodge in Bwindi. You will arrive in the late afternoon, with time to relax and prepare for the next day’s trek. Your guide will brief you on what to expect for your first gorilla trek. Overnight at a lodge near Bwindi.
After an early breakfast at 5:30 AM, you will drive to the Bwindi park headquarters for a briefing. You will be assigned to a specific gorilla family based on your fitness level and preferences. The Bwindi sector you are in will determine which families are available.
The trek through the dense rainforest can take 2 to 7 hours depending on where the gorillas are located. The terrain is steep and can be muddy. You will be accompanied by experienced guides, trackers, and armed rangers. Once you find the gorillas, you will spend one hour observing them. After the trek, you will return to your lodge for dinner and overnight. You will have time to rest and prepare for the transfer to Mgahinga the next day.
After breakfast, you will drive to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The drive takes approximately 2 to 3 hours through beautiful countryside with views of the Virunga volcanoes. Mgahinga is located on the slopes of the Virunga massif, a chain of eight volcanoes spanning Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
You will have a briefing at the Mgahinga park headquarters before your second gorilla trek Mgahinga golden monkey destination . The trek in Mgahinga is in bamboo forest on the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes. The terrain is different from Bwindi, often less steep but at higher altitude (2,200 to 3,000 meters). The higher altitude can make breathing more difficult, so trek slowly and drink plenty of water.
Mgahinga has fewer gorilla families than Bwindi, but the experience is intimate and special. The bamboo forest is beautiful, and you may see golden monkeys as well as gorillas. After the trek, you will have the option to track golden monkeys (additional permit required). Golden monkeys are energetic and acrobatic, making for an entertaining experience. Overnight at a lodge near Mgahinga, with stunning views of the Virunga volcanoes. mountain gorilla trekking experience
After breakfast, you will drive back to Entebbe, with a stop at the Equator for photos. The Equator line is marked with a sign, and you can stand with one foot in the northern hemisphere and one foot in the southern hemisphere. There are also demonstrations of how water drains differently on either side of the Equator.
You will have lunch in Mbarara, a bustling town known for its delicious Ankole long horned cattle beef. You will then continue to Entebbe and be dropped off at Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your Double gorilla trekking safari.
| Feature | Bwindi Impenetrable Forest | Mgahinga Gorilla National Park |
|---|---|---|
| Terrain | Steep, dense rainforest | Bamboo forest on volcano slopes |
| Altitude | 1,600 to 2,600 meters | 2,200 to 3,000 meters |
| Trek Difficulty | Moderate to strenuous | Moderate (higher altitude) |
| Gorilla Families | 19 families across 4 sectors | 1 habituated family |
| Other Wildlife | Forest elephants, chimpanzees, 350 bird species | Golden monkeys, 200 bird species |
| Best For | Diverse trekking options, more permit availability | Smaller crowds, golden monkeys, volcano views |
This tour includes two gorilla permits – one for Bwindi and one for Mgahinga. You will have two separate trekking experiences on different days.
The minimum age is 15 years for both gorilla treks. There are no exceptions to this rule.
Yes, golden monkey tracking can be added on Day 3 in Mgahinga. The permit costs 100 dollars and must be arranged in advance.
Bwindi generally has steeper, more challenging terrain. Mgahinga has higher altitude but often less steep trails. Both require reasonable fitness.
A Double gorilla trekking safari offers twice the time with gorillas, giving you a deeper understanding of their behavior and social dynamics. By visiting two different parks, you gain a complete picture of mountain gorilla conservation in Uganda. Book your Double gorilla trekking safari today and experience the ultimate primate adventure.
