{"id":73741,"date":"2025-12-12T15:44:55","date_gmt":"2025-12-12T13:44:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.safari-collection.com\/?page_id=73741"},"modified":"2025-12-22T18:12:49","modified_gmt":"2025-12-22T16:12:49","slug":"safari-in-uganda","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/safaricurated.com\/en\/safari-in-uganda\/","title":{"rendered":"Safari in Uganda"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>There are journeys that change your perspective. In Uganda\u2019s south-western corner \u2013 where volcanoes rise above emerald, terraced hillsides \u2013 an encounter with the mountain gorillas awaits. The forest here is dense and humid, the trails steep, and the silence almost tangible. Standing just a few metres from a gorilla family, watching the youngsters play and meeting the silverback\u2019s calm gaze is as unsettling as it is serene.<br>Our gorilla treks set off early, at first light, as the day breaks over Mgahinga. You\u2019ll walk over soft earth, roots and through bamboo thickets until the tracker lifts a hand \u2013 and everyday life simply stops. The hour you\u2019re allowed in their presence passes in a blink, yet stays with you for a very long time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In practical terms, we most often route the trip via Rwanda, with a smooth border transfer to Mount Gahinga Lodge. This is your base for everything: alongside the mountain gorillas, you can seek out the curious golden monkeys in the bamboo forest, hike the volcanic slopes, or get to know the Batwa people through guided cultural walks. It all takes place close by, without long drives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As always, Safari Curated has handpicked this particular lodge to match the experience: a fire crackling on cool evenings, beautifully comfortable rooms with views of the volcanoes, and thoughtful service from the first pre-trek briefing to the final cup of coffee before you depart. Uganda does the rest.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-upplevspacer-1UrjJV wp-block-lazyblock-upplevspacer\"><div class=\"upplev-spacer\">\n\t&nbsp;\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-upplevhtml-Z1QFB6x wp-block-lazyblock-upplevhtml\"><div class=\"html-block\">\r\n   <div id=\"ugandaparkereng_hype_container\" class=\"HYPE_document\" style=\"margin:auto;position:relative;width:600px;height:350px;overflow:hidden;\">\n\t\t<script type=\"text\/javascript\" charset=\"utf-8\" src=\"https:\/\/safaricurated.com\/uganda_parker_ENG.hyperesources\/ugandaparkereng_hype_generated_script.js?27181\"><\/script>\n\t<\/div><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-upplevspacer-1pBBHi wp-block-lazyblock-upplevspacer\"><div class=\"upplev-spacer\">\n\t&nbsp;\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-upplevspacer-ZwCa65 wp-block-lazyblock-upplevspacer\"><div class=\"upplev-spacer\">\n\t&nbsp;\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-upplevspacer-gipT9 wp-block-lazyblock-upplevspacer\"><div class=\"upplev-spacer\">\n\t&nbsp;\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-upplevspacer-ZFxFlT wp-block-lazyblock-upplevspacer\"><div class=\"upplev-spacer\">\n\t&nbsp;\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p id=\"benguerra-val\"><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-upplevsmallheading-2f3MF wp-block-lazyblock-upplevsmallheading\"><h4 class=\"smallheading\">\r\n    The Virunga Mountains<\/h4><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:42px\">Mgahinga National Park<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Mgahinga Gorilla National Park lies in south-western Uganda, on the Ugandan side of the Virunga Mountains, right on the border with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is Uganda\u2019s smallest national park at just under 34 km\u00b2, yet it encompasses three extinct volcanoes \u2013 Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo \u2013 and ranges from just over 2,000 metres to above 4,000 metres in altitude.<br>The landscape is defined by bamboo thickets, lush montane forest and open heathland high above the valleys. This is home to a habituated mountain gorilla family that can be visited on foot, as well as large troops of golden monkeys, other forest-dwelling mammals and superb birdlife. The high elevation brings a cool, crisp climate and the treks can be physically demanding \u2013 but the reward is a serene volcanic setting and close, exclusive encounters with some of the world\u2019s most endangered primates.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-upplevhtml-WWbB6 wp-block-lazyblock-upplevhtml\"><div class=\"html-block\">\r\n   <div id=\"weatherugandaeng_hype_container\" class=\"HYPE_document\" style=\"margin:auto;position:relative;width:583px;height:224px;overflow:hidden;\">\n\t\t<script type=\"text\/javascript\" charset=\"utf-8\" src=\"https:\/\/safaricurated.com\/weather_uganda_ENG.hyperesources\/weatherugandaeng_hype_generated_script.js?69498\"><\/script>\n\t<\/div><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"alignnormal\"><div id=\"metaslider-id-70534\" style=\"width: 100%;\" class=\"ml-slider-3-108-0 metaslider metaslider-flex metaslider-70534 ml-slider ml-slider-lightbox-1-12-0 lightbox-disabled ms-theme-outline nav-hidden\" role=\"region\" aria-label=\"EN_Mo\u00e7ambique_&amp;Beyond_Benguerra_Island\" data-height=\"500\" data-width=\"700\">\n    <div id=\"metaslider_container_70534\">\n        <div id=\"metaslider_70534\">\n            <ul class='slides'>\n                <li style=\"display: block; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-70535 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2024-12-03 11:46:08\" data-filename=\"bey_01-1-700x500.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/safaricurated.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/bey_01-1.jpg\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/safaricurated.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/bey_01-1-700x500.jpg\" height=\"500\" width=\"700\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-70534 slide-70535 msDefaultImage\" \/><\/a><div class=\"caption-wrap\"><div class=\"caption\">Your Cashina bedroom, designed for ultimate relaxation | Photo: &amp;Beyond<\/div><\/div><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-70536 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2024-12-03 11:46:08\" data-filename=\"Bath-in-Casinha-andBeyond-Benguerra-653x467.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/safaricurated.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Bath-in-Casinha-andBeyond-Benguerra.jpg\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/safaricurated.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Bath-in-Casinha-andBeyond-Benguerra-653x467.jpg\" height=\"500\" width=\"700\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-70534 slide-70536 msDefaultImage\" \/><\/a><div class=\"caption-wrap\"><div class=\"caption\">The stunning Casinha at &amp;Beyond Benguerra Island | Photo: &amp;Beyond Benguerra Island<\/div><\/div><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-70537 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2024-12-03 11:46:08\" data-filename=\"bey_02-700x500.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/safaricurated.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/bey_02.jpg\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/safaricurated.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/bey_02-700x500.jpg\" height=\"500\" width=\"700\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-70534 slide-70537 msDefaultImage\" \/><\/a><div class=\"caption-wrap\"><div class=\"caption\">Your private veranda with breathtaking views | Photo: &amp;Beyond<\/div><\/div><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-70538 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2024-12-03 11:46:08\" data-filename=\"Beach-dining-andBeyond-Benguerra-653x467.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/safaricurated.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Beach-dining-andBeyond-Benguerra.jpg\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/safaricurated.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Beach-dining-andBeyond-Benguerra-653x467.jpg\" height=\"500\" width=\"700\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-70534 slide-70538 msDefaultImage\" \/><\/a><div class=\"caption-wrap\"><div class=\"caption\">Set for a romantic beachfront dinner under the stars | Photo: &amp;Beyond Benguerra Island<\/div><\/div><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-70539 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2024-12-03 11:46:08\" data-filename=\"IMG_5136-1-700x500.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/safaricurated.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/IMG_5136-1.jpg\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/safaricurated.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/IMG_5136-1-700x500.jpg\" height=\"500\" width=\"700\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-70534 slide-70539 msDefaultImage\" \/><\/a><div class=\"caption-wrap\"><div class=\"caption\">The Dhow Bar at &amp;Beyond Benguerra Island Resort, where every moment feels magical | Photo: Safari Curated<\/div><\/div><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-70540 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2024-12-03 11:46:08\" data-filename=\"IMG_5098-700x500.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/safaricurated.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/IMG_5098.jpg\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/safaricurated.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/IMG_5098-700x500.jpg\" height=\"500\" width=\"700\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-70534 slide-70540 msDefaultImage\" \/><\/a><div class=\"caption-wrap\"><div class=\"caption\">The serene Casinha at &amp;Beyond Benguerra Island Resort, a true island escape | Photo: Safari Curated<\/div><\/div><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-70541 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2024-12-03 11:46:08\" data-filename=\"IMG_5020-700x500.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/safaricurated.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/IMG_5020.jpg\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/safaricurated.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/IMG_5020-700x500.jpg\" height=\"500\" width=\"700\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-70534 slide-70541 msDefaultImage\" \/><\/a><div class=\"caption-wrap\"><div class=\"caption\">Horseback riding along the pristine beach at &amp;Beyond Benguerra Island Resort | Photo: Safari Curated<\/div><\/div><\/li>\n            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n        \n    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"jamala-madikwe\">Mount Gahinga Lodge<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-upplevstar-Z2vVxoW wp-block-lazyblock-upplevstar\"><div class=\"single-star\">\r\n\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/safaricurated.com\/wp-content\/themes\/upplevsydafrika3.0\/assets\/images\/star_5_2x.png\" width=\"79\" height=\"14\"  style=\"width: 79px; height: auto;\" class=\"skip-lazy\" data-no-retina \/>\r\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>On the Ugandan side of the Virunga Mountains, just outside the boundary of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, you\u2019ll find Mount Gahinga Lodge \u2013 a small, characterful hideaway set in lush gardens with uninterrupted views of the dramatic volcanic peaks. Accommodation is in a handful of freestanding bandas, each with a sitting area, fireplace, generous bathroom and a private veranda \u2013 the perfect place to sink into an armchair after a day on the trails and let it all sink in, with valley views and volcanoes on the horizon. The style is warm and homely, with natural materials, earthy textiles and subtle touches inspired by Batwa and Bafumbira culture \u2013 very much a rustic mountain lodge rather than a classic savannah camp.<br>The main lodge is home to the dining room, bar and lounge, as well as a bright viewing area with large windows facing the volcanoes \u2013 a natural gathering spot before and after activities. On gorilla-trekking mornings, breakfast is served early, often with the option of something light before you set off, followed by a more substantial brunch or lunch on your return. In the evening, multi-course dinners are served with an emphasis on local ingredients, with menus that change with the seasons and the mood. Afterwards, there\u2019s an open fire, a drink in hand, and time to relive the day\u2019s highlights at a slower pace.<br>Its location makes Mount Gahinga Lodge an ideal base for adventure. The starting point for Mgahinga\u2019s gorilla treks is close by, and a private path leads directly from the lodge into the park \u2013 a welcome touch on those early mornings. Beyond the mountain gorillas, you can head into the bamboo forest in search of the charming golden monkeys, tackle one of the volcanic peaks, or enjoy shorter walks in the surrounding countryside. The lodge is also an excellent place to gain an insight into Batwa culture, with village visits and guided cultural walks.<br>Children are welcome, but park regulations require guests to be at least 15 years old to take part in gorilla trekking.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-upplevaccommodationfacts-Z7ngFj wp-block-lazyblock-upplevaccommodationfacts\"><h4 class=\"accommodationheading\">\r\n\tAccommodation Facts<\/h4>\r\n<p><span class=\"accheadline\">Number of Rooms\/Suites:<\/span> 8 bandas (including 2 deluxe bandas)<br \/>\r\n<span class=\"accheadline\">Distance from Airport:<\/span> Approx. 5 hours by road from Kigali International Airport to the lodge, including the border crossing. From Entebbe: approx. 1-hour domestic flight from Entebbe to Kisoro Airstrip, followed by a 30\u201360-minute road transfer to the lodge, or around 8\u201310 hours by road (approx. 470\u2013500 km)<br \/>\r\n<span class=\"accheadline\">Worth Mentioning:<\/span> The lodge has its own direct access into Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (home to the gorillas)<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-upplevspacer-Z13uM4a wp-block-lazyblock-upplevspacer\"><div class=\"upplev-spacer\">\n\t&nbsp;\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-upplevspacer-Z2uEH0r wp-block-lazyblock-upplevspacer\"><div class=\"upplev-spacer\">\n\t&nbsp;\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"upplev-separator\">\n\n    * * * \n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Curated Add-On<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Combine your adventurous days with mountain gorillas and golden monkeys with a superb safari in, for example, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia or Botswana. Get in touch with Safari Curated and we\u2019ll be delighted to tell you more.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-upplevspacer-Z1U1Uda wp-block-lazyblock-upplevspacer\"><div class=\"upplev-spacer\">\n\t&nbsp;\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a title=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/safaricurated.com\/en\/contact-us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Contact Safari Curated for more information<\/strong>.<\/a><\/h3>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>There are journeys that change your perspective. In Uganda\u2019s south-western corner \u2013 where volcanoes rise above emerald, terraced hillsides \u2013 an encounter with the mountain gorillas awaits. The forest here is dense and humid, the trails steep, and the silence almost tangible. Standing just a few metres from a gorilla family, watching the youngsters play&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-templates\/template-madikwe.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-73741","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/safaricurated.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/73741","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/safaricurated.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/safaricurated.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/safaricurated.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/safaricurated.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=73741"}],"version-history":[{"count":19,"href":"https:\/\/safaricurated.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/73741\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":74050,"href":"https:\/\/safaricurated.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/73741\/revisions\/74050"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/safaricurated.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=73741"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}