3 DAYS UGANDA GORILLA TREKKING FLY-IN SAFARI
The 3-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking Fly-In Safari is a short but thrilling adventure that offers a unique opportunity to encounter endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda. This safari is designed for travelers who want a fast yet immersive experience, with the convenience of flying in and out of the park.
Day 1: Arrival and Flight to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Transfer to Entebbe Airport: The journey begins with a transfer from your hotel or airport in Entebbe/Kampala to Entebbe International Airport for a scheduled domestic flight to Kihihi Airstrip, near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The flight typically lasts about 1.5 hours, offering breathtaking views of Uganda’s landscapes.
- Arrival at Kihihi Airstrip: Upon landing, you will be met by a local guide and transferred to your lodge, a drive of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. The road trip offers views of Uganda’s stunning countryside, including tea plantations, rolling hills, and small villages.
- Accommodation and Relaxation: Once at your lodge, you’ll have time to settle in and relax after the journey. Most lodges around Bwindi offer eco-friendly luxury, with comfortable rooms, incredible views, and great amenities.
- Optional Activities: Depending on your arrival time, you can opt for optional activities like a community visit to meet the Batwa pygmies or a nature walk around the lodge.
- Dinner and Overnight Stay: Enjoy a delicious dinner at your lodge, followed by a restful night in preparation for the exciting day ahead.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Early Morning Start: After an early breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the park headquarters for a briefing by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) rangers. During the briefing, you’ll learn about the dos and don’ts of gorilla trekking.
- The Trek: You’ll then embark on your gorilla trekking adventure, led by experienced rangers. The trek can last anywhere between 2 to 8 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family you’re tracking. The terrain can be steep and challenging, so a reasonable level of fitness is required.
- Gorilla Encounter: Once you find the gorilla family, you’ll spend up to one hour with them. Watching these gentle giants in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience. You’ll observe their behaviors, including how they interact with each other, eat, and care for their young.
- Return to the Lodge: After the trek, you’ll return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. The afternoon can be spent at leisure, enjoying the lodge’s facilities, or going on optional activities such as forest walks, birdwatching, or community tours.
- Dinner and Overnight: Enjoy your evening with a hearty meal and relax after a fulfilling day of adventure.
Day 3: Flight Back to Entebbe
- Morning Relaxation: On your final day, you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast and soak in the serene environment of Bwindi. If time permits, you may also participate in a short activity such as a nature walk or visit to a local craft market.
- Transfer to Kihihi Airstrip: After checking out, you’ll be transferred back to Kihihi Airstrip for your flight to Entebbe.
- Return to Entebbe: The flight back to Entebbe takes about 1.5 hours. Upon arrival in Entebbe, you can choose to catch a connecting international flight or continue with your onward travel plans.
Accommodation Options
The lodges in Bwindi vary from mid-range to luxury options, such as:
- Buhoma Lodge (Luxury): An eco-friendly lodge with spectacular views, located near the park’s entrance.
- Mahogany Springs Lodge (Luxury): Offers luxury cottages with beautiful garden views.
- Silverback Lodge (Mid-range): Located on a hilltop with views over Bwindi Forest.
Inclusions
- Domestic flights from Entebbe to Kihihi and back
- All airport transfers
- Full board accommodation at selected lodges
- Park fees and gorilla trekking permits
- Ranger-guided gorilla trekking experience
- Bottled water during the trek
- English-speaking driver/guide
- Local community visit or nature walk (optional)
Exclusions
- International flights to and from Uganda
- Visas (if required)
- Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Additional activities such as the Batwa cultural experience
- Travel insurance
Best Time to Go
The best time to visit Bwindi for gorilla trekking is during the dry seasons from June to August and December to February. These months offer easier trekking conditions with less muddy paths. However, gorilla trekking is possible year-round, with the rainforest being lush and vibrant during the rainy seasons.
This 3-day fly-in safari is perfect for those looking for a short but intimate wildlife experience, focusing on one of the world’s most unique and endangered species.
Details
The 3-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking Fly-In Safari is a short but thrilling adventure that offers a unique opportunity to encounter endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda. This safari is designed for travelers who want a fast yet immersive experience, with the convenience of flying in and out of the park.
Day 1: Arrival and Flight to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Transfer to Entebbe Airport: The journey begins with a transfer from your hotel or airport in Entebbe/Kampala to Entebbe International Airport for a scheduled domestic flight to Kihihi Airstrip, near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The flight typically lasts about 1.5 hours, offering breathtaking views of Uganda’s landscapes.
- Arrival at Kihihi Airstrip: Upon landing, you will be met by a local guide and transferred to your lodge, a drive of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. The road trip offers views of Uganda's stunning countryside, including tea plantations, rolling hills, and small villages.
- Accommodation and Relaxation: Once at your lodge, you'll have time to settle in and relax after the journey. Most lodges around Bwindi offer eco-friendly luxury, with comfortable rooms, incredible views, and great amenities.
- Optional Activities: Depending on your arrival time, you can opt for optional activities like a community visit to meet the Batwa pygmies or a nature walk around the lodge.
- Dinner and Overnight Stay: Enjoy a delicious dinner at your lodge, followed by a restful night in preparation for the exciting day ahead.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Early Morning Start: After an early breakfast, you'll be transferred to the park headquarters for a briefing by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) rangers. During the briefing, you'll learn about the dos and don’ts of gorilla trekking.
- The Trek: You'll then embark on your gorilla trekking adventure, led by experienced rangers. The trek can last anywhere between 2 to 8 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family you're tracking. The terrain can be steep and challenging, so a reasonable level of fitness is required.
- Gorilla Encounter: Once you find the gorilla family, you’ll spend up to one hour with them. Watching these gentle giants in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience. You'll observe their behaviors, including how they interact with each other, eat, and care for their young.
- Return to the Lodge: After the trek, you'll return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. The afternoon can be spent at leisure, enjoying the lodge’s facilities, or going on optional activities such as forest walks, birdwatching, or community tours.
- Dinner and Overnight: Enjoy your evening with a hearty meal and relax after a fulfilling day of adventure.
Day 3: Flight Back to Entebbe
- Morning Relaxation: On your final day, you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast and soak in the serene environment of Bwindi. If time permits, you may also participate in a short activity such as a nature walk or visit to a local craft market.
- Transfer to Kihihi Airstrip: After checking out, you'll be transferred back to Kihihi Airstrip for your flight to Entebbe.
- Return to Entebbe: The flight back to Entebbe takes about 1.5 hours. Upon arrival in Entebbe, you can choose to catch a connecting international flight or continue with your onward travel plans.
Accommodation Options
The lodges in Bwindi vary from mid-range to luxury options, such as:
- Buhoma Lodge (Luxury): An eco-friendly lodge with spectacular views, located near the park's entrance.
- Mahogany Springs Lodge (Luxury): Offers luxury cottages with beautiful garden views.
- Silverback Lodge (Mid-range): Located on a hilltop with views over Bwindi Forest.
Inclusions
- Domestic flights from Entebbe to Kihihi and back
- All airport transfers
- Full board accommodation at selected lodges
- Park fees and gorilla trekking permits
- Ranger-guided gorilla trekking experience
- Bottled water during the trek
- English-speaking driver/guide
- Local community visit or nature walk (optional)
Exclusions
- International flights to and from Uganda
- Visas (if required)
- Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Additional activities such as the Batwa cultural experience
- Travel insurance
Best Time to Go
The best time to visit Bwindi for gorilla trekking is during the dry seasons from
June to August and
December to February. These months offer easier trekking conditions with less muddy paths. However, gorilla trekking is possible year-round, with the rainforest being lush and vibrant during the rainy seasons.
This 3-day fly-in safari is perfect for those looking for a short but intimate wildlife experience, focusing on one of the world's most unique and endangered species.
Arrival at Entebbe, check in for your afternoon flight to Kihihi Airstrip.
After noon flight departs Entebbe at 13:00hrs and arrives at Kihihi at 15:30hrs. Upon arrival at the Airstrip, you will be welcomed by your Lodge guide who will drive you straight to your Lodge for the rest of the day. Overnight on Full Board
Buhoma Haven Lodge.
The day is finally here for your unforgettable lifetime experience of meeting face to face with the giant mountain Gorillas. You will start your day with an early breakfast at your lodge and then transfer to the Park headquarters (Depending on which location you have booked your accommodation) for briefing. There are 4 sectors in which Gorilla trekking takes place within Bwindi Forest. The park's northern side comprises Buhoma and Ruhija Sector and the southern side comprises Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors. After Briefing, you will start on your day’s trek. Searching for the gorillas may take like 2-5hrs depending on where they were last spotted the previous day. Once they have been spotted, you will be given one hour to take videos, photos and also get a chance to ask the rangers and the guides any questions about these giant apes. Besides the great Apes, the forest is also a home to other wildlife and bird species such as butterflies, primates, mammals, frogs and so on which all can be seen along the way to the Gorillas. After seeing the Gorillas, you will then head back to your lodge and retire for the rest of the day. The whole day activity can take between 5 to 9hrs. Packed Lunch and hiring porters are highly recommended. If time permits, enjoy community walk around the park including Buhoma Hospital, Ride 4 a Woman project and community. The activities involved include visits to a traditional home, banana brewing with demonstrations of how local Waragi is made, meeting traditional medicinal healers and also visiting the local orphanage and school. Return to your Lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight stay. Full Board.
Buhoma Haven’s Lodge
After your morning breakfast, you will be driven back to Airstrip by the Lodge guide to catch your flight out of Bwindi back to Entebbe. Upon arrival connect with your flight on wards.
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