Luxury Gorilla Fly-in Safari

Board a Cessna light aircraft and head into the southwestern pocket of Uganda. Trek through the forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in search of the mountain gorillas. Retreat to luxury lodges for sundowners and delicious food. Hard days, soft nights.
4 Days
$3,506

Luxury Gorilla Fly-in Safari - 4 - $3,506

Trip Summary and Itinerary Map

Meet the gorillas in Bwindi Forest. Parachute (not literally) into Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in search for the mountain gorillas. There are few travel experiences that top being deep in the forest of equatorial Africa just metres away from a 300kg silverback gorilla. 

This trip involves trekking in the Nkuringo section of Bwindi. There are 4 gorilla trekking trailheads at Bwindi: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. We can arrange trips from all 4 trailheads.

Which trailhead you will use will depend on a few factors, including the availability of permits, and your appetite for adventure (Nkuringo is a slightly tougher trek!).

Our specialists can help you decide which trailhead and accommodation is best for you - just get in touch!

Start from Entebbe and end at Entebbe

Landmarks potentially visited on Luxury Gorilla Fly-in Safari

Itinerary

Day 1: Entebbe

International flight into Entebbe Airport. Upon landing, clear Immigration and collect your luggage before leaving the airport to meet your driver by the terminal doors. 10 minute transfer to your hotel where you will spend the night. 

Overnight: Hotel Number 5

Meals: Breakfast


Day 2: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After an early breakfast, transfer to Entebbe International Airport for a domestic flight to western Uganda, departing at 07.00 or 07.45. Landing at Kihihi Airstrip (expected arrival at 08.45/09.30) you will be transferred by road for about one hour to Buhoma, the northern entry point to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. 

Check in at the lodge and enjoy a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, you have the opportunity to relax and prepare for the big day. If you are feeling active, you can visit the Ride 4 a Woman community, a locally founded women’s empowerment initiative. Learn to weave baskets, cook local dishes and watch the women of the community showcase their culture through traditional dance — or even better, you can learn to dance with them.

Alternatively, go for an optional guided forest walk for an introduction to Uganda's unique flora and fauna. Return to your lodge for dinner and good night's sleep.

Overnight: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 3: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

The Big Day arrives! Wake up early for a nourishing breakfast (you will need the energy) and then a short transfer to the national park offices where you will be allocated a gorilla family and a gorilla tracking guide. After a pre-tracking briefing on the ecology and history of the gorillas, as well as appropriate safety precautions, you head out by road to the trail-head for the start of your adventure.

The trek begins. Expect to walk between 2 and 8 hours in steep and sometimes muddy conditions, with showers often appearing. The trek can be tough and requires a degree of (average) fitness. When contact is made with the gorillas, you will be able to spend up to one hour with them. Watch them feed, move, play and wrestle. When the hour is up, return through the forest to your vehicle and the lodge for a second night stay.

Overnight: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 4: Return to Entebbe

This morning, transfer back 1.5 hours by road to Kihihi for the scheduled light aircraft flight to Entebbe International Airport where you will connect to your international flight home.

Meals: Breakfast

Prices, Departures and Inclusions

Prices are per person based on two people travelling together. The trip can also run on a private basis to fit around your plans. Departures may be tailored and can be set up on a date of your choice. Please note that prices decrease with group size. Please enquire for further details.

Includes

  • Airport transfer to/from Entebbe Airport
  • Accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Meals as described in the itinerary
  • Transport to/from the starting point for gorilla tracking
  • Gorilla trek permits
  • AMREF Flying Doctors Insurance
  • VAT for hotels and lodges outside Kampala

Excludes

  • International flight 
  • Visa (USD $50, available upon arrival & online)
  • Optional activities
  • Meals and drinks not mentioned above
  • Items of personal nature
  • Tips

Questions about this Trip?