This 3 Days Flying Gorilla Trekking Bwindi safari transfers you to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking and also saves you the long and tiring road trip from Kampala that could take up to 8 hours. You save more energy that will be needed for the rigorous trekking in the impenetrable Bwindi Forest, thereby enjoying your forest experience. Also an early arrival gives you more time to experience and appreciate this magnificent forest and the local communities.
Flights are taken either from along Kampala – Entebbe highway at Kajjansi Airstrip courtesy of Fly Uganda, or from Entebbe International Airport courtesy of Aerolink Uganda.
Highlights of the 3 Days Flying Gorilla Trekking Bwindi safari
- Scenic flight
- Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Itinerary For The 3 Days Flying Gorilla Trekking Bwindi Safari
Day 1: Fly to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Have early breakfast, and prepare for pick-up at 7:00 am. Transfer to Kajjansi Airstrip or to Entebbe International Airport. Check in for your morning flight to southwestern Uganda, in Kihihi, Kanungu District. It is a one hour flight. Upon landing, your driver who shall be at Kihihi airstrip beforehand shall receive you and drive you to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – home of the Mountain Gorillas. This is a one hour scenic drive. Check in at your accommodation, relax and have lunch. Later you could do a nature walk on one of the trails in Bwindi Forest and observe beautiful nature & wildlife including monkeys and other small animals, birds, butterflies, water streams, and beautiful sceneries across the forest. Return for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation options
- Buhoma: Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany Springs (Luxury), Buhoma Community Rest Camp (Budget)
- Nkuringo: Clouds Gorilla Lodge (Luxury), Nkuringo Gorilla Camp (Budget)
- Ruhiija: Gorilla Mist Camp
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
Travel Time: 1 Hour (Flying), 1 and 1/2 Hours (Driving)
Day 2: Gorilla Tracking
Have early breakfast, get your trekking attire on, pick packed lunch, water and transfer to the park offices. You will convene with the rest of the travellers for gorilla trekking briefing and allocation of the gorilla families. No more than 8 travellers can be allocated to one gorilla family.
Bwindi constitutes 3 regions of gorilla tracking, that is, Ruhija, Buhoma & Nkuringo. Each region has a number of habituated gorilla families. We secure you a gorilla trekking permit for a particular region, depending on availability that is. Also the choice of accommodation depends on the region we would have secured for your trekking. Meaning we will select accommodation situated in the same region as the tracking permit.
At the park offices of the region, the rangers then allocate the travelers to the various gorilla families of that region, putting into consideration a number of factors. For instance, a distant gorilla family that would take several hours to locate is likely to be allocated to youthful and more fit travelers.
After briefing and allocation, you will transfer to the starting point and head into the forest to track your habituated gorilla group. It will take from a few minutes to several hours to finally locate the gorillas depending on how far they could have moved. You will be allowed no more than one hour with the gorillas. After you will return to meet your driver and transfer you back to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Transfer back to Kampala.
After breakfast, you will transfer to Kihihi for your flight back to Entebbe / Kajjansi, and from there be driven to your preferred drop-off.
Alternatively you could chose to make the return trip by road. This is a good option that offers some incredible experiences along the way including beautiful sceneries and some spectacular wildlife encounters. You could drive through the Ishasha wilderness of Queen Elizabeth National Park for a chance to sight the tree climbing lions and other wildlife such as Topis, Buffaloes, and Elephants. You also get to drive along Lake Mburo National Park after Mbarara and here you could sight Zebras and Impalas. Another interesting encounter is the Uganda Equator. Lunch is en-route.
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
Recommended attire and other items to take along for gorilla trekking
- Hiking boots – low-cut & light preferred.
- Long trousers – jeans or khaki work well due to their hard material that will protect you from any scratches
- Long sleeved shirt will do well to protect your arms from scratches and insect bites
- A light rain jacket. Bwindi tends to experience lengthy rainy seasons.
- A hat with a wide brim is essential to protect your hair and head from particles falling off trees. Alternatively a rain jacket with a hood would do.
- Shades/sun glasses (not very essential)
- Day pack
- Enough drinking water (1 to 2 liters)
- Insect repellent
- Cotton gloves come in handy when supporting oneself on branches and vines that could be thorny or rough.
Note: Porter services are available at a cost at the park office. If you are not sure of your fitness & good energy levels it is advisable to take one to carry your bags and provide that push and pull when need be.
Tour inclusions
- Transport – flight, tour vehicle, driver guide, fuel
- Full board accommodation for 2 nights
- All meals
- Bottled water
- Gorilla permit
Safari exclusions
- Gratitude and tipping
- Alcoholic drinks
- Travel insurance
- International flights
- Curio shop purchases
- Phone bill and other personal expenditure