You will be picked up from your hotel or airport in Kampala or Entebbe by your driver-guide, who will brief you on your safari. You will then drive southwest to Mgahinga National Park, passing through scenic landscapes of rolling hills, farmlands, and forests. You will have a stopover at the Equator for photos and snacks, and another one at Mbarara for lunch. Arrive at Mgahinga in the late afternoon, and check in at your lodge or hotel then have some time to relax and enjoy the views of the volcanoes before dinner.

Here are some of the best places to stay in or near Mgahinga National Park:

Mount Gahinga Lodge: This is a luxury lodge operated by Volcanoes Safaris, located at the base of Mount Gahinga. It has 10 stone cottages with fireplaces, en-suite bathrooms, and private verandas. It also has a main lodge with a lounge, dining area, bar, library, and sunroom. The lodge offers activities such as gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, volcano hiking, Batwa cultural trail, massage, and yoga. The price per night ranges from $300 to $500 per person, depending on the season and package.

Travelers Rest Hotel: This is a budget hotel located in Kisoro town, about 14 km from the park gate. It has 11 rooms with private bathrooms, mosquito nets, and Wi-Fi. It also has a restaurant, bar, lounge, garden, and library. The hotel offers services such as gorilla permits, transport, laundry, and massage. The price per night is about $50 per person.

Bwindi Jungle Lodge: This is a mid-range lodge located near Lake Mulehe, about 10 km from the park gate. It has 12 rooms with private bathrooms, balconies, and lake views. It also has a restaurant, bar, lounge, fireplace, and jetty. The lodge offers activities such as gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, canoeing, fishing, birdwatching, and community visits. The price per night is about $150 per person.

Virunga Campsite & Backpackers: This is a budget campsite and hotel located in Kisoro town, about 14 km from the park gate. It has tents, dorms, and rooms with shared or private bathrooms. It also has a restaurant, bar, lounge, garden, and parking. The campsite offers services such as gorilla permits, transport, tours, and car hire. The price per night is about $15 per person.

After an early breakfast, you will head to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking. You are assigned to a group of up to 8 people, and a ranger guide who will lead you into the forest. You will follow the trails and signs left by the gorillas, until you find them. You will then spend an hour observing them from a safe distance, as they feed, play, groom, and rest. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you will cherish forever.

After your gorilla encounter, you then return to your lodge or hotel for lunch and a short rest. In the afternoon, visit the Garama Cave, where the Batwa pygmies used to live and hide from their enemies. Learn about their history and culture, as well as their challenges and hopes for the future. Also enjoy their music and dance performances.

On your last day, you are presented two options: either track the golden monkeys or hike to one of the volcanoes. The golden monkeys are endemic to the Virunga Massif, and they are very playful and colourful. Follow them through the bamboo forest, and watch them jump from tree to tree. Alternatively, you can hike to one of the three volcanoes in Mgahinga: Sabinyo, Gahinga, or Muhavura. Each one offers a different challenge and reward, such as panoramic views, crater lakes, or rare plants. After your morning activity, you will have lunch at your lodge or hotel, and then drive back to Kampala or Entebbe. Stopover at Mbarara for refreshments, and another one at the Equator for souvenir shopping. Reach Kampala or Entebbe in the evening, where your driver-guide will drop you off at your hotel or airport.