2 Day Gorilla Tracking & Mount Sabyinyo Hike – Where Gold Meets Silver in Kisoro
Discover the only place on Earth where golden monkeys, silverback gorillas, and the golden glow of three nations meet. This short but powerful adventure takes you deep into the heart of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park—Uganda’s smallest park with the biggest surprises.
Trip Overview
Your journey begins with one of Africa’s most intimate wildlife encounters: tracking the mountain gorillas of Mgahinga. This rare experience brings you face‑to‑face with a gentle giant family living on the slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes. It is the emotional highlight of the trip—quiet, humbling, unforgettable.
The adventure continues the next day with a dramatic ascent of Mount Sabyinyo, the legendary “Old Man’s Teeth.” This rugged, thrilling hike rewards you with something few travelers ever experience: standing at the exact point where Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo meet—three countries in one moment, with only one visa.
From this tri-border summit, the world opens beneath your feet: rolling volcanoes, deep valleys, and the shimmering lakes of the Virunga massif.
Why This Trip Is Special
- Two iconic experiences in just two days—gorilla tracking and a major volcano summit.
- Mgahinga’s unique wildlife: the only place where gorillas and golden monkeys share the same ecosystem.
- A true bucket‑list moment: touching three countries at once on the Sabyinyo peak.
- Kisoro’s unmatched beauty: dramatic landscapes, cool mountain air, and warm local hospitality
Day 1: Gorilla Tracking in Mgahinga – Meeting the Nyakagezi Family
You begin your morning with a relaxed breakfast before setting off toward Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, home to the legendary Nyakagezi gorilla family, which recently welcomed a new baby—a joyful addition that makes this trek even more special.
Upon arrival, park rangers will take you through a detailed briefing on the dos and don’ts of gorilla tracking, preparing you for one of the most intimate wildlife encounters on the continent.
Your trek leads you through the rich natural tapestry of Mgahinga’s ecosystem:
- Birds calling from the canopy
- Unique plant species carpeting the forest floor
- Colorful insects weaving through the undergrowth
- And, if luck is on your side, a fleeting glimpse of the golden monkeys that share this volcanic landscape
As you approach the gorillas, the forest quiets and anticipation builds. Then, suddenly, you are there—standing just meters away from these gentle giants. You are allowed one unforgettable hour with them, observing their feeding habits, playful interactions, and the deep social bonds that define their family life.
Day 2: Conquering Mount Sabyinyo – Standing at the Junction of Three Nations
Today you take on one of Kisoro’s greatest challenges and most rewarding adventures: hiking Mount Sabyinyo, the ancient volcano whose jagged gorges resemble the worn teeth of an old man—hence its name. Many seasoned hikers say that no journey to Kisoro is complete until you have stood on Sabyinyo’s three dramatic peaks.
Sabyinyo is more than a mountain; it is a landmark of deep historical significance. Its summit was used as a natural demarcation point during the colonial era, forming the borders of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The map of Uganda literally begins and ends at this very point.
End of Trip: Evening Drive to Kisoro for a Taste of Nightlife
After conquering the rugged peaks of Mount Sabyinyo and standing at the meeting point of three nations, you descend the volcano with a full heart and a triumphant spirit. From the park, you will drive back to Kisoro Town, where the evening comes alive with warm lights, friendly and the relaxed rhythm of mountain nightlife.
Whether you choose to unwind with a cold drink, enjoy local music, or simply soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this charming highland town, Kisoro offers the perfect place to celebrate your adventure. It’s a gentle, joyful way to end your two‑day journey—surrounded by the people, culture, and energy that make this corner of Uganda unforgettable.
