Overview
Visit Uganda, the Pearl of Africa’ for a 3 days gorilla fly-in safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park located in the southwestern part of the country. Bwindi spans about 32,092 hectares in total land area, and is about 335 miles southwest of Kampala, the capital city of Uganda. You will locate and spend about one hour with the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural environment. During this tour you will enjoy a scheduled flight to save as much time as possible compared to road transport. There is also an optional opportunity to explore the Batwa, who are the indigenous communities that have lived in the forest for centuries.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is beautifully situated in the Albertine Rift region. The place experiences cold conditions, mostly in the morning and night hours, and the coldest months being June and July. The annual average temperature conditions range from 7oC to 20oC. Annual average rainfall recorded is around 2,390 millimeters and is heavier in the rain seasons, in the months of March to May and October to November. The hillsides are mostly covered by mist. The tropical rainforest is home to unique biodiversity, comprising of 400 plant species, 120 mammal species, 350 bird species, 200 butterfly species and 51 reptile species.
The mammal species include an impressive 459 mountain gorillas, almost a half of the global total population. Other mammal species include bush elephants, bush buffaloes, sitatungas, red tailed monkeys, chimpanzees, olive baboons, L’hoest’s monkeys, blue monkeys, vervet monkeys and others. Bird species here include the African green broadbill, blue headed sunbirds, short tailed warbler, and Shelley’s crimson wing among others. Reptile species include the three horned chameleon, African hairy bush viper, and skinks among others. The tree species include brown mahogany, ceiba trees, cecropia trees, ebony trees and others.
Besides mountain gorilla trekking adventures, visitors can enjoy numerous other tourist activities in and around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. These include nature walks, birdwatching adventures, cultural encounters with the Batwa Pygmies and Bakiga people, gorilla habituation experiences and much more. Ensure that you are well equipped for the tour with essential items while visiting Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for a 3 days gorilla safari. These items include raincoat, long-sleeved shirt, wide-brimmed hat, backpack, hiking poles, hiking boots, scarf, trousers, refillable water bottle, insect repellent and others
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
At your hotel your driver guide will meet you and brief you about the entire safari. You will be transported to Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi airstrip for an air transportation transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. 1.5 to 2 hours later you will land at either Kihihi or Kisoro Airstrip. Another driver guide will meet you and drive you to your lodge. You will check in at your booked lodge.
You can have an optional walk around the premise to enjoy the sights of birds and the green vegetation. You will return to your lodge for dinner and overnight sleep.
Day 2: Gorilla Tracking
Wake up to enjoy an early morning breakfast before meeting your driver guide. Ensure to pack a picnic lunch since the trek may take somewhere between 4 to 8 hours. You will be transported to the park headquarters. You will arrive just in time to attend a crucial orientation conducted by the park authorities. You will be guided into the dense forest by a knowledgeable park guide and armed rangers to locate a specific habituated gorilla family along with other 7 visitors. You will encounter the mountain gorillas, and for up to an hour, you will observe their behaviors before returning to the starting point.
Your driver will drive you back to your lodge for leisure. Alternatively, you can engage on an optional tour activity like cultural encounter with the Batwa tribe. You will return to your lodge for dinner and a goodnight’s sleep.
Day 3: Transfer Back to Entebbe
Wake up at leisure for your breakfast at the lodge. Check out of the lodge and meet your driver to transport you to either Kisoro or Kihihi airstrips. You will fly back to Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip. Upon arrival, you will meet another driver who will either drive you to your hotel, or ensure that you catch your return flight to complete your 3 days gorilla fly-in safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
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Gorilla safaris in Uganda
Gorilla trekking safaris involve moving through the lush forests in search of the endangered mountain gorillas for an opportunity to spend some quality time with these gentle giants. Gorilla trekking in Uganda is a popular adventure activity that attracts millions of visitors from all over the world. A gorilla safari experience in Uganda will introduce you to the epic adventures of the wild mountain gorillas. Uganda is the number one exclusive gorilla safari destination worldwide.
Mountain gorillas in Uganda are located in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These combined national parks harbor more than half of the entire mountain gorilla population in the world. As we move through this article, you will surely get to know why having a gorilla experience in Uganda is worth every penny.
Why take a gorilla safari in Uganda?
Uganda is one of the three East African countries that fall under the Virunga Conservation Area offering epic wild adventure experiences of mountain gorillas. However, Uganda is the best destination for gorilla trekking not only in the region but the entire world. This is why.
Uganda has the highest number of mountain gorillas in the world.
Uganda has more than half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas. This has elevated the country to the first position of best gorilla destination in the world. With over 1000 wild mountain gorillas left in the wild, Uganda has over 550 of them protected in the two national parks of Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks. The wild mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park live in the four different sectors of the park.
These include the Buhoma, Nkuringo, Ruhija, and Rushaga sectors and visitors have a wider scope to choose where to trek. These incredible numbers of wild mountain gorillas in the country make it very possible and unforgettable to spend quality time up close to these giants. You will get to watch them eat, play, rest, and generally roam around as they go by with their daily chores.
Cheap gorilla permits
In Uganda, mountain gorilla trekking permits are affordably very cheap yet offer state-of-the-art services to the visitors. For the visitors that are foreigners and non-residents, their permits go for USD 800, USD 700 for foreign residents, with East African citizens, and nationals paying UGX 300,000. With the quality of the services offered in Uganda, the prices of mountain gorilla permits are very relatively cheap.
Affordable Accommodation facilities
Lodges in Uganda are comparably affordable but offer amazing services. Accommodation is very essential when embarking on a gorilla trekking experience in Uganda. Safety and comfortability are the two key elements for any accommodation facility. The facilities around the gorilla trekking parks in Uganda have mastered these key factors combining them with affordability. These accommodation facilities range from luxury, midrange to budget hence any visitors traveling in any class are catered for. This makes Uganda an epic gorilla trekking destination in the world.
Most gorilla families![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park harbors the highest number of mountain gorillas in Uganda. Therefore, given this huge population, the park has the most gorilla families not only in the country but in the entire region too. Bwindi has over 50 mountain gorilla families with only 24 habituated. Mgahinga National Park has only one gorilla family. This combination of Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks has made Uganda a top gorilla trekking destination.
Cultural encounter
When we drift away from the gorilla trekking, the cultural experience is also something to look out for. A cultural tour around the Batwa communities will uncover the different myths that surround these people as well as their ancient history.
Batwa people entertain their guests with cultural and ceremonial dances and songs. The tales from the community leaders about their history and why they are regarded as forest keepers are some of the finest stories. In Mgahinga, visitors will check out the Garama caves that once inhabited the Batwa people.
Variety of flora and fauna
The gorilla trekking experience in Uganda comes with a variety of flora and fauna to choose from. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest has one of the oldest flora species such as trees that date to over 25000 years ago. There are also other fauna species like primates such as olive baboons, white and blue colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and the rare golden monkeys. The gorilla trekking experience in Uganda will also introduce you to the different bird species in the forests. A gorilla trekking experience in Uganda is surely a well-packaged adventure.
When to take a Gorilla trekking experience in Uganda?
Uganda is a free country open to visiting any time of the year during any period. The country has two seasons of wet and dry seasons for the entire year. Gorilla trekking is best done during the dry season. This is usually during the months of June to September and December to February. During the dry season, the weather is generally dry with less vegetation offering clear and fantastic views of the mountain gorillas. The dry seasons in Uganda are generally hot and dry with little or no rainfall recorded in the entire season.
However, gorilla trekking can also be done during the wet season with the help of highly experienced guide rangers. Trekking during this season will require a level of physical fitness as the terrain can be so muddy and slippery.
What to pack on a gorilla trekking experience in Uganda?
- Raincoat or jacket. The weather in Uganda can tend to be so unpredictable as it may rain heavily in the dry season or shine harshly in the wet season. Thus, it is very important to always be prepared.
- Jungle boots or hiking boots. These boots are built to navigate even through the toughest terrain so keep in mind to carry a pair when going for a gorilla experience in Uganda. However, in some cases these boots can be rented at the gorilla parks as you prepare to trek.
- Long-sleeved shirts are also important to carry along as they protect you from thrones in the forests and bites from flying insects while at the same time keeping you cool.
- Accessories like sunscreen, flashlight, sunglasses, hats, and insect repellants among others. These are also good to carry because Uganda has a tropical climate which tends to be so hot and cold at night with numerous insects, especially in the wild.
- Energy giving snacks such as those rich in carbohydrates, proteins, and vitamins. Gorilla trekking is a very physical activity that drains your energy since you get to walk on foot through the dense vegetation of the mountain gorillas. Therefore, it is causal to keep energized throughout as you trek.
Reusable water bottle. Water is an important element in life hence as you embark on a gorilla experience in Uganda, a reusable water bottle should be the first thing to pack. Gorilla trekking requires one to be physically fit and always hydrated.
Gorilla Safaris in Uganda & Rwanda
3 Days Gorilla Fly-in Safari in Bwindi National Park
3 DAYS GORILLA TREK RWANDA
Gorilla trek Rwanda involves exploring the rich wonders of Volcanoes National Park Ruhengeri. This is a typical African primate adventure package and includes a thrilling mountain gorilla trekking. At Volcanoes National Park Ruhengeri, there are 12 habituated gorilla groups (Sabyinyo, Karisimbi, Umubano, Susa A, Amahoro, Hirwa, etc) and each of these families is visited by a maximum of 8 (eight) guests per day. Your gorilla trek Rwanda safari begins and ends in Kigali city.
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Pick up at the hotel in Kigali, drive up to Volcanoes National Park Ruhengeri
Day 2: Experience the best of Rwanda mountain gorilla trekking & community visit
Day 3: Departure
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Pick up at the hotel in Kigali, drive up to Volcanoes National Park Ruhengeri
At leisure, enjoy a hefty breakfast and your Rwanda tour guide will pick you up at the hotel. From the hotel, connect to some of the iconic historical and cultural sites within Kigali capital in Rwanda. The 2-hour Kigali city excursion includes a visit to Kigali genocide site and local market where you can get some fresh fruits.
Have lunch break at one of the best restaurants or hotels and after, you will head off to Ruhengeri. Check in at the gorilla lodge inside or around the park.
Overnight stay
- 5 Volcanoes Lodge/Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge (Luxury)
- Le Bambou Lodge/Da Vinci Lodge/Gorilla Solution Lodge (Midrange)
- Muhabura Hotel/Home Inn(Budget)
- 5 Volcanoes Lodge/Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge (Luxury)
- Le Bambou Lodge/Da Vinci Lodge/Gorilla Solution Lodge (Midrange)
- Muhabura Hotel/Home Inn(Budget)
- Gorilla permits
- Accommodation & meals
- Guide/driver services
- Photography
- Ground travel in a 4WD vehicle
- All trip experiences exclusive of optional
- Bottled water
- Visas
- Tipping
- Laundry
- Airfares
- Extra activities
- Extra hotel fees in Kigali
- Travel Insurance expenses
- Shopping costs
- Beverage costs
- Passport expenses
10 Days Luxury Flying Holiday
Overview
The 10 days luxury flying holiday in Uganda takes you to the country’s wildlife-rich tourist destinations. You can explore Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Come and experience unique tourist activities that encompass gorilla trekking, game viewing, nature walks, chimpanzee trekking, boat cruises and much more.
Enjoy the most comfortable flights and ground transportation options on 4X4 safari vehicles, driven by our dedicated tour guides. You will spend your nights in opulent accommodation facilities, inside and outside the national parks.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Hotel
Upon your arrival at the Entebbe International Airport, you will be met and greeted by our driver guide. The driver will brief you about the entire tour arrangement before taking you to your booked hotel in either Kampala or Entebbe. If time allows, you may go for a city tour to experience the lively streets and bustling markets. This exposes you to the local cultures and the people’s unique lifestyles. You will return to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: Flight to Murchison Falls National Park
You will wake up at your hotel to enjoy your breakfast. Check out and meet your driver, who will take you to Kajjansi Airfield for a chartered flight to Murchison Falls National Park. You will arrive at Pakuba airstrip in 1 to 1.5 hours time. A driver will pick you up and take you to your luxurious lodge in Murchison Falls National Park. You will check in and refresh yourself, while you wait for your lunch. In the evening you will have dinner and have an overnight stay.
Day 3: Morning Game Drive, Afternoon Boat Cruise and Top of the Falls Hike
Enjoy your early morning breakfast at your lodge before meeting your driver. You will be taken for a breathtaking game drive in the northern sector of the park. This is an opportunity to spot countless wildlife species such as lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, giraffes, warthogs, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, hartebeests and olive baboons among others. You will return to your lodge for lunch and refreshment.
Then you will go for an epic boat cruise on the Nile River, that starts at 2 PM. This takes you to the bottom of the great Murchison Falls. There are other tour elements to enjoy while on this tour. These include birdwatching and wildlife viewing. Wildlife includes hippos, crocodiles, elephants and birds such as the shoebill and the African fish eagle among others. At the bottom of the water falls, you will step out of the boat to be picked up by a park guide waiting for you at the river bank. The guide will lead you on a hike to the top of the falls. This will provide another golden opportunity to observe the great Murchison Falls from the top. Take photos of yourself before meeting your driver for a return journey back to your lodge. Have dinner and overnight stay as you rejuvenate yourself for the next day.
Day 4: Transfer to Kasese Airstrip then Kibale National Park
Enjoy your morning breakfast before checking out of your lodge. Your driver will take you to Pakuba Airstrip for a chartered flight to Kasese Airstrip. This is a 1-hour flight southwards. At Kasese, you will be met by our driver guide who transfer you to Kibale Forest National Park. You will arrive at your lodge, where you will check in, refresh and have your lunch. You can spend the rest of the day relaxing or spotting the local wildlife, including the numerous bird species around. In the evening you will have a delicious dinner before your overnight stay.
Day 5: Chimp Tracking and Bigodi Swamp Tour
Wake up for an early morning wonderful breakfast before meeting your driver. You will be driven to the Kanyanchu Visitor Center in Kibale National Park. The driver will ensure that you are there by 8 AM to attend the briefing conducted by the park guide. You will be led by the ranger guide into the forest to locate a vocal chimpanzee group. This hiking experience will take 2 to 3 hours. After encountering the group, you will spend an hour in their presence. Observe their unique behaviors, and take photos. Return to the starting point where your driver will take you to your accommodation, for lunch and refreshment.
In the afternoon, you will be driven to the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, which is considered a bird haven. You will have the serene guided nature walk that offers excellent opportunities to spot the great blue turaco, papyrus gonolek, black and white colobus monkeys and sitatungas among others. You will also have a chance to explore and buy the craft items made by the skilled local communities. Return to your accommodation for relaxation, dinner and overnight.
Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Wake up at leisure and have your delicious breakfast. Check out of your accommodation and enjoy a scenic drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Upon arrival, check in at your booked accommodation and freshen up. You can spend the rest of the day relaxing or even swimming. At nightfall, have your dinner and overnight stay.
Day 7: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Cruise
Wake up at your accommodation to enjoy your breakfast. Your driver will take you to the park, in the Kasenyi plains for a morning game drive. You will have excellent views of lions, leopards, hyenas, warthogs, buffaloes and elephants among others. This is the perfect chance to take more photos of the wildlife set against the backdrop of the savannah vegetation. Your driver will bring you back to the lodge for lunch and refreshment.
Later in the afternoon, you will be taken to the Kazinga Channel for a boat cruise. Along the Channel, you will observe numerous mammal, reptile, plants and bird species. These include hippos, shoebills, grey crowned cranes, elephants and others. Take as many photos as you want. Afterwards you will be driven back to your accommodation for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 8: Transfer from Mweya Airstrip to Kihihi Airstrip in Bwindi
At the lodge, wake up for your luxurious breakfast before checking out. Your driver will take you to Mweya airstrip to board a chartered flight to Kihihi Airstrip near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. After this 15-minute flight, you will be picked up by a driver who will take you to your booked accommodation within or near the park. You will relax and have your lunch. You could spend the remainder of the day observing the local wildlife before dinner and overnight sleep.
Day 9: Gorilla Trekking in Rushaga Sector
Wake up for an early morning breakfast before meeting your driver guide. Carry a picnic lunch in your backpack before you are taken to the park headquarters before 8am. Attend a session where the park ranger talks about the gorilla trekking rules and regulations. You will be placed in a group of eight other hikers and allocated a gorilla group to locate. A ranger guide and armed guards will lead you through the trails in the dense forest to locate your assigned gorilla family. This hike may take 2 to 3 hours, or even more depending on the location of the gorillas.
Encounter the gorilla family, and only an hour is allowed for you to be in their presence. Observe their unique lifestyles, feeding habits, hierarchies, and other behaviors. Take photos before hiking back to the starting point for a certificate of participation. Your dedicated driver will bring you back to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 10: Flight from Kihihi Airstrip to Entebbe International Airport
Wake up to enjoy your delicious breakfast before checking out. You will be taken to Kihihi Airstrip for a scheduled flight to Entebbe International Airport. Upon arrival, you will take a departure flight back home. This is the end of your 10 days luxury flying holiday safari in Uganda.
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3 DAYS MGAHINGA GORILLA TOUR
The Mgahinga gorilla tour takes you on an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Mgahinga is Uganda’s smallest park and lies in Kisoro district, close to the D.R. Congo. It is one of the few blessed places in Africa where you can locate both the endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys while in their natural habitat. Mgahinga extends up to only 33.7sq.km and supports more than gorillas. The park also protects several forest elephants, bush pigs, bushbucks, buffaloes, jackals, and more than 217 species of birds. This short Uganda trip begins and ends in Entebbe or Kampala capital. Brief Itinerary
- Day 1: Transfer from hotel to Mgahinga to see Uganda gorillas
- Day 2: Uganda Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga
- Day 3: Depart
![](https://www.tripscapersafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Mgahinga-national-park-1024x683.jpeg)
- Luxury: Mount Gahinga Lodge
- Midrange: Lake Mutanda Resort
- Budget: Kisoro Travellers Rest Inn
- Luxury: Mount Gahinga Lodge
- Midrange: Lake Mutanda Resort
- Budget: Kisoro Travellers Rest Inn
- Valid gorilla permit
- All trip activities exclusive of optional
- Travel by car and English-speaking guide/driver
- Accommodation and meals
- Bottled water
- International flights
- Tips or any gratuities
- Travel Insurance
- Shopping expenses
- All optional experiences or activities
- Extra accommodation options after or before the trip
3 DAYS BWINDI GORILLA TOUR
This tour is a remarkable journey into African jungles for you to enjoy up close with the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. This trip takes you to the spectacular Bwindi Impenetrable National Park where you will have the best of gorilla trekking adventure.
Bwindi is situated in Southwestern Uganda and is a recognized UNESCO site, home to over 459 rare mountain gorillas. The park extends up to 331sq.km lying at elevation of 1160-2607m protecting over 21 fully habituated gorilla families. Besides gorilla treks, your tour also covers a cultural or community visit at the Batwa community.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer to Bwindi for gorilla trekking tour
You will depart from your respective hotel facility for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park where you will have the best of Uganda gorilla trekking tour. Drive on Kampala-Mbarara-Kabale route for 8-9 hours and en-route, a stopover will be made at the Equator crossing. Proceed to Southwestern Uganda while enjoying the countryside breathtaking sceneries characterized by rolling hills, vast plantation and more. You will check in at the lodge around Buhoma sector, the northern gorilla trekking region where the first gorilla family to open for trekking is found.
Accommodation
- Luxury: Buhoma Lodge
- Midrange: Mahogany Springs Lodge/Engagi Lodge
- Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp.
- Cost of gorilla permits
- Guide/driver services in Uganda
- Accommodation plus meals
- Transportation
- Bottled water
- Cultural visits
- Tips
- Telephone bills
- Shopping bills
- Laundry services
- Travel insurance
- Airfares
- Optional activities
10 DAYS UGANDA AND RWANDA
This safari takes you through the best primate and wildlife destinations. This trip includes thrilling experiences like gorilla trekking in the jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, golden monkey tracking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, Chimpanzee tracking & canopy walk in Nyungwe, game viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park and city tour in Kigali. Detailed Itinerary Day 1: Pick up, drive by car to Queen Elizabeth National Park via Mbarara Embark on a scenic drive from the vibrant Kampala capitalvia Masaka-Mbarara route to Queen Elizabeth NP, Uganda’s 2nd biggest park and most popular destination with huge herds of elephants. Located in Kasese, Western Uganda, Queen Elizabeth N/Park will be your target destination for big game viewing experience as per this itinerary. Driving via the Mbarara route allows you to take a break at the Uganda Equator crossing for photography and relaxation. After, you continue to Igongo cultural center for tasty cultural/traditional dishes and finally, head off to your lodge at Queen Elizabeth National Park. Accommodation
- Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge
- Midrange: Enganzi Game Lodge/Elephant Plains
- Budget: Simba Camp/Kazinga Channel Resort
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- Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge
- Midrange: Enganzi Game Lodge/Elephant Plains
- Budget: Simba Camp/Kazinga Channel Resort
- Luxury: Buhoma Lodge
- Midrange: Engagi Lodge
- Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp
- Luxury: Buhoma Lodge
- Midrange: Engagi Lodge
- Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp
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- Luxury: One&Only Gorilla Nest/Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
- Midrange: Five Volcanoes Hotel/Da Vinci/Le Bambou
- Budget: Kinigi Guesthouse
- Luxury: One&Only Gorilla Nest/Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
- Midrange: Five Volcanoes Hotel/Da Vinci/Le Bambou
- Budget: Kinigi Guesthouse
- Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House
- Midrange: Nyungwe Hill Top View Hotel
- Budget: Gisakura Guesthouse
- The Retreat/Five-to-Five Volcanoes Hotel
- The Retreat/Five-to-Five Volcanoes Hotel
- Gorilla/chimp permits
- Accommodation and meals
- Game drives
- Launch cruise
- Cultural experiences
- Park entry fees
- Guide/driver services
- Bottled water
- Tips
- Visas
- Passports
- Insurance
- Telephone bills
BOOK OUR CURATED SAFARIS
Add Uganda and Rwanda to your travel list this year as we are offering a fantastic tailor-made tours to individual and small groups