Walk with zebras at Lake Mburo, trek gorillas on the Virunga slopes of Mgahinga, and rest at Lake Bunyonyi before a flight home.
This southern loop is easier on the body than the usual western circuit. You start with open savannah at Lake Mburo, climb into the bamboo and volcano country of Mgahinga for your gorillas, and finish beside Lake Bunyonyi, where the only schedule is the sunset canoe.
Mgahinga is the quieter cousin of Bwindi. Fewer people trek there, the scenery is dramatic, and the lodge sits at the foot of the volcanoes.
Uganda
Luxury safari
Handpicked luxury lodges and camps, chosen for their setting, service and guiding.
Private safari
Your own vehicle and guide for the whole journey, never shared with other travellers.
Made to measure
Change the pace, a lodge or an activity and we rebuild the itinerary around you.
Start any day
Travel on the dates that suit you, subject to lodge and permit availability.
Solo travellers welcome
Priced for one on request, with the single supplement shown under Rates.
Minimum age 15
Gorilla permits are only issued to visitors aged 15 and over.
Pace and fitness
Balanced, fitness: active.
Leave Entebbe after breakfast and drive west to Lake Mburo, arriving at Mihingo Lodge for lunch. Mihingo overlooks a waterhole, and an afternoon game drive brings you zebra, impala and giraffe, with eland and buffalo in the open woodland.
Overnight
Mihingo Lodge (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
Tented rooms on a rocky ridge above a waterhole, next to Lake Mburo.
Walk with a ranger among the zebras and impala before the day warms up, then continue south through Kabale, with views over the terraced hills, to Mount Gahinga Lodge at the foot of the Virunga volcanoes.
Overnight
Mount Gahinga Lodge (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
Lava-stone bandas at the gate of Mgahinga, under three Virunga volcanoes.
Trek through bamboo and montane forest to find the gorilla family living on the volcano slopes. You have an hour with them, and the volcano views on the way make the climb worthwhile. The afternoon is for rest.
Overnight
Mount Gahinga Lodge (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
Lava-stone bandas at the gate of Mgahinga, under three Virunga volcanoes.
Drive to Lake Bunyonyi and settle in at BirdNest Resort. In the late afternoon paddle out in a dugout canoe among the islands as the light turns gold.
Overnight
BirdNest Resort (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
A calm lakeside hotel on Bunyonyi with a waterfront deck and heated pool.
Drive through the hills to Kihihi airstrip and take the scheduled flight to Entebbe, arriving in time for evening connections.
Mihingo Lodge (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
Tented rooms on a rocky ridge above a waterhole, next to Lake Mburo.
Lunch & dinner
Mount Gahinga Lodge (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
Lava-stone bandas at the gate of Mgahinga, under three Virunga volcanoes.
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
BirdNest Resort (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
A calm lakeside hotel on Bunyonyi with a waterfront deck and heated pool.
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Important to know
Rates per person
| Season | Solo | 2 people | 3 people | 4 people | 5 people | 6 people | 7+ people |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High season (Jun to Oct, Dec to Feb) | US$4,980 | US$4,220 | US$3,967 | US$3,967 | US$3,967 | US$3,967 | Get quote |
| Low season (Mar to May, Nov) | US$4,370 | US$3,700 | US$3,478 | US$3,478 | US$3,478 | US$3,478 | Get quote |
Prices are per person, in US dollars, and depend on the number of travellers sharing the vehicle and guide. They are sample rates for planning and will be confirmed when you enquire, as lodge and permit prices change each year. Gorilla permits are included at the current government rate and are subject to availability.
Best time for this trip Jun to Sep, Dec to Feb
For gorilla and chimp treks, bring sturdy waterproof hiking boots, long trousers you can tuck into your socks, a long-sleeved shirt, a light rain jacket and gardening gloves for grabbing vines. Porters are available at the trailhead and we recommend hiring one: it helps your trek and supports the local community.
Pack light, neutral colours for game drives, a warm fleece for early mornings, a sun hat and good sunscreen. Light aircraft have a soft-bag limit of 15 kg per person including hand luggage, so leave the hard suitcases at home.
Made to measure
Every Uwera safari is private. Slow the pace, add a night by a lake, swap a lodge or bring the children: tell us in your request and we will rebuild the itinerary around you.
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