5-Day Lake Bunyonyi & Mgahinga Gorilla Trekking Safari (Luxury Safari)
Destinations: Lake Bunyonyi • Mgahinga Gorilla National Park • Kisoro Highlands
Style: Luxury lodges with panoramic views, personalized service, and curated experiences
Ideal for: Solo travelers, couples, small groups, nature lovers, and cultural explorers
Where Misty Mountains Meet Island Serenity
This 5-day luxury safari blends two of Uganda’s most enchanting destinations: the tranquil waters of Lake Bunyonyi and the mist-shrouded slopes of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. You’ll trek through ancient forests to meet the endangered Nyakagezi gorilla family, glide across Africa’s second-deepest lake, and engage with the Batwa community, all while enjoying the finest accommodations, gourmet cuisine, and personalized service.
Key Tour Highlights
- Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga’s montane forest
- Scenic boat ride and island visits on Lake Bunyonyi
- Batwa cultural trail and forest storytelling
- Optional golden monkey tracking or volcano hike
- Luxury lodge stays with spa, private terraces, and curated menus
Major Attractions
Location | Highlight |
|---|---|
| Mgahinga Gorilla NP | Gorilla trekking, golden monkeys, volcanoes |
| Lake Bunyonyi | Canoeing, birdwatching, island visits |
| Batwa Cultural Trail | Forest traditions, music, sacred sites |
| Kisoro Highlands | Scenic drives, crater lakes, community life |
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Lake Bunyonyi & Sunset Cruise
Travel Time: ~7–8 hours from Kampala/Entebbe (or 1-hour flight to Kisoro + 1.5-hour drive)
Activities:
- Scenic Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi Arrive via charter flight or luxury road transfer. Enjoy the winding drive through Kabale’s terraced hills. Duration: Morning to early afternoon
- Sunset Boat Cruise on Lake Bunyonyi Glide across the lake’s glassy waters, visiting iconic islands like Punishment Island and enjoying sundowners onboard. Duration: 1.5 hours
Accommodation: Luxury Option: Birdnest Bunyonyi Resort / Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort
Amenities: Lakeside suites, gourmet restaurant, spa, private balconies, Wi-Fi
Day 2: Transfer to Mgahinga & Batwa Cultural Trail
Drive Time: ~1.5 hours to Mgahinga
Activities:
- Transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Enjoy a scenic drive through the highlands to your lodge near the park entrance. Duration: Morning transfer
- Batwa Cultural Trail Experience Walk with Batwa guides through their ancestral forest, visiting sacred sites, learning survival skills, and enjoying traditional music and storytelling. Duration: 2 hours
Accommodation: Luxury Option: Mount Gahinga Lodge
Amenities: Private bandas with fireplaces, spa, organic garden, butler service, volcano views
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga
Activities:
- Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park After breakfast, head to Ntebeko Visitor Center for briefing. Trek through bamboo and montane forest to find the Nyakagezi gorilla family. Spend one unforgettable hour with them. Duration: 2–6 hours depending on gorilla location
- Afternoon Spa Treatment or Forest Meditation Return to the lodge for a massage or guided meditation session overlooking the volcanoes. Duration: 1 hour (optional)
Accommodation: Same as Day 2
Day 4: Optional Volcano Hike or Golden Monkey Tracking
Activities (choose one):
- Guided Hike up Mount Gahinga or Sabinyo
Trek through afro-montane forest and alpine meadows to reach stunning summit views. Packed gourmet picnic provided.
Duration: 4–6 hours depending on volcano choice
OR
Golden Monkey Tracking in Mgahinga Forest Join rangers for a morning trek to observe endangered golden monkeys leaping through bamboo thickets. Duration: 2–3 hours - Evening Cultural Performance & Campfire Dinner Enjoy a relaxed evening with local music and storytelling around the lodge’s fire pit. Duration: 1.5 hours
Accommodation: Same as Day 2
Day 5: Return to Lake Bunyonyi & Departure
Activities:
- Morning Canoe Ride or Birdwatching Walk Enjoy a final paddle across the lake or a guided walk through the lakeside forest. Duration: 1.5 hours
- Transfer to Entebbe or Kampala Depart mid-morning for your return journey. Optional overnight stop in Kabale or charter flight from Kisoro. Duration: Afternoon transfer
✅ Inclusions
- Gorilla trekking permit (USD 800 per person)
- All ground transfers or domestic flights (as per package)
- 4 nights luxury accommodation
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Park entry fees and ranger guides
- Batwa cultural experience
- Optional volcano hike or golden monkey tracking
- Boat cruise and canoe ride
- Spa treatment or wellness session
- Bottled drinking water and house beverages
❌ Exclusions
- International flights
- Uganda visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Premium alcoholic beverages
- Tips and personal expenses
- Optional activities not listed
Accommodation Overview
Lodge Name | Location | Key Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| Birdnest Bunyonyi Resort | Lake Bunyonyi | Lakeside suites, gourmet dining, spa |
| Mount Gahinga Lodge | Mgahinga | Private bandas, spa, volcano views, Wi-Fi |
This luxury safari is perfect for travelers who want to experience Uganda’s volcanic beauty and gorilla magic with elegance, comfort, and cultural depth.
Let the mist lift. Let the mountains speak