Trip overview
On this 3 days fly in Uganda gorilla tracking trip you shall take a flight from Entebbe international airport to southwestern Uganda near a gorilla park; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and then transfer to the gorilla park via a shorter drive. The journey by road from Kampala/Entebbe to the gorilla parks takes about 8 – 9 hours of driving which some travelers find overwhelming given that they will be taking on the tiresome gorilla trekking adventure the following day. On this fly in trip you will take a one and half hours flight from Entebbe International Airport to one of the airstrips (either Kihihi airstrip or Kisoro airstrip) near a gorilla park and from there drive for about 1 – 3 hours to get to the park.
The flight to Bwindi National Park or Mgahinga National Park will treat you to amazing aerial views of the stunning landscape in southwestern Uganda. Also the flying trip gives you an early arrival to the park allowing you more time to enjoy the natural beauty, and can also do an extra activity such a community tour or do a boat ride on the beautiful Lake Mutanda if staying in that area.
Note that the flights on this 3 day gorilla trip are scheduled & shared, however you can request for the more luxurious private helicopter flight that will take you from Entebbe International Airport and land right at your lodge/hotel in Bwindi National Park.
3 day fly in gorilla trip itinerary
You will take an early morning flight from Entebbe International Airport to either Kisoro airstrip or Kihihi airstrip. You fly into Kisoro if you shall be tracking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park or in the Rushaga & Nkuringo sectors of the Bwindi which are closer to Kisoro, or if you shall be staying at Lake Mutanda in Kisoro which is situated midway between Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga National Park and allows you to track in any of the two parks. Otherwise you would fly to Kihihi airstrip which is situated near to the Buhoma & Ruhija sectors of Bwindi National Park. Note that Bwindi has four sectors where the gorilla trekking adventure is done (Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga & Nkuringo) and the choice of the sector depends on the availability of the gorilla tracking permits in that sector or the preferred accommodation. Also the availability of the seats on any of the flights can determine which part of the Bwindi you would go for the gorilla trek.
On arrival at the airstrip you shall be received by your tour driver who shall transfer you to your lodge. You will spend the rest of the day at leisure. Alternatively you can do a tour of the community near the park to learn about their cultures and traditions, or a boat ride on the beautiful Lake Mutanda (if staying at Lake Mutanda/Kisoro) to explore the breathtaking scenery and the striking views of the magnificent Virunga mountains in the backdrop of Lake Mutanda.
Accommodation options to choose from:
Budget: Mutanda Lake Resort
Midrange: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
Luxury: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Meal plan: Lunch, Dinner
You will a lunchbox and report to the park office by 7am. You will briefed on the gorilla tracking experience and the park rules after which you shall allocated to gorilla family. No more than people are allocated to a single gorilla family. You will then set off into Bwindi National Park for the gorilla tracking adventure. After the gorilla experience you shall spend the day relaxing at the lodge.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After early breakfast, you shall be transferred to the airstrip for the flight back to Entebbe.
Meal plan: Breakfast
Trips includes/excludes
- Tour car and tour driver driver/guide
- All meals
- Accommodation
- Gorilla tracking permit ($800)
- Drinking water
- Optional activities
- Visa fees
- Personal insurance
- Airfares
- Tips
- All personal expenses such as laundry, phone bills, curio purchases
How to prepare for your gorilla trip to Bwindi
- Book and confirm your tour well in advance because the limited gorilla permits mean you can miss out on your preferred dates
- Get into good fitness and prepare for a longer trek and to enable you enjoy the hike
- Ensure you are free from contagious diseases such as cough and flue which can easily be transmitted to the gorillas since they share 98% DNA with humans. Otherwise if you are found to have any of these you shall not be allowed to do the gorilla trek
- Essential items to bring for the trek include: good hiking shoes, long pants and long-sleeved shirt, rain jacket or poncho, insect repellent, sunscreen, gaiter, cap, and small backpack.
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