3-Day Fly-In Gorilla Trekking Uganda Safari.
This fly-in Gorilla trekking Uganda safari takes you to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest sectors, home to the gentle mountain gorilla. Take a daily flight to Kisoro/ Kihihi airstrip. This is quite a short, but interesting journey paying you an aerial scenic perspective of Uganda’s beauty over a plane as scheduled from Entebbe Airport. This all starts with a morning drop-off by your hotel to Entebbe airport for the flight to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This is a very unique destination point characterized by the endangered species of the Mountain Gorillas, only estimated to be about 310 in total, divided up in 10 groups. These groups are located in different parts/ Sectors of the park like Ruhija, Buhoma, Nkuringo, Mgahinga and Rushaga.
Duration.
An adventurous drive from Kampala to Kisoro/ Kihihi lasts approximately 9-10 hours, yet a flight takes about an hour and thirty minutes (1hr 30 minutes). The flight from Entebbe to Kisoro is scheduled at 0700 hours while the return is at 0825 hours, as attributed to weather changes in the destination area. From Entebbe to Kihihi, two (2) flights are scheduled with the first leaving at 0700 hours, with return at 1020 hours. The second flight departs from Entebbe to Kihihi at 1015 hours, and leaves Kihihi at 1140 hours for Entebbe on day 3 upon the end of the Gorilla Trekking. All these schedules are dependent on the availability of space with the airline.
The fly-in Gorilla Trekking Uganda safari to Bwindi gets you a new experience, with a glim aerial view of the forest cover of Uganda, a folding hilly landscape of the western part of the country. Upon arrival, our guide takes you for some of the activities around the community. Our guide and safari driver from Ancient Africa Safaris will meet you at the airstrip, welcome and brief you on the day’s activities. Welcome to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for the Gorilla Trekking Uganda Safari.
Day One: Fly to Kisoro/ Kihihi.
Upon landing at the Kihihi Airstrip, our guide from Ancient Africa Safaris welcomes you with a bright smile and escorts you to the day’s program. With minimal or no fatigue at all, prepare for a guided walk/hike in the community or any of the following activities that you may find interesting.
An optional guided village community walk.
Join a guided walk through the local villages around Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. While here, you may visit a local orphanage, schools, traditional homes, and banana-brewing demonstrations. We tailor the gorilla trek to your personal interests, and it lasts three to four hours.
An optional guided forest walk.
Set out on a guided forest walk through the dense-tropical rainforest of Bwindi, under the guidance of well-trained UWA guides. The sounds and sights of the tropics, beautiful scenic views, swaying monkeys in the high-scraping trees, and a variety of butterfly species welcome you to this haven, along with opportunities for birdwatching as you traverse the rainforest.
Day Two: Gorilla Trek Experience at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Rise to an early morning breakfast at your lodge/hotel, from where your driver picks you up straight to the National Park’s headquarters. Today is the day of the great Gorilla Trekking Uganda safari, led by a park guide. This is an early-morning trek, often conducted in groups. Before you head out into the jungle for gorilla tracking, prepare for the registration and briefing from the park. These experienced trackers will accompany you on your trek into the tropical rainforest. Your physical fitness is much needed whilst on this adventure. However, if you are not fit enough, the park offers porter services for a fee. These can carry you in a chair for those tedious but enjoyable hikes.
As you trek through the dense tropical rainforest, your reward is an unforgettable lifetime experience of seeing the gentle mountain gorillas as they take solace in their natural habitat. These amazing apes’ lives are worth noticing, as they share and care for one another in their day-to-day interactions. This is a lasting memory to live by. Gorilla trekking is not strictly time-bound, as the tracker may spot a group of gorillas just a few minutes after departure from the starting point or even toward the end of the trek.
The trekkers only encounter these gentle mates for not more than an hour. Mountain gorillas are critically endangered, making them rare worldwide, with an estimated population of over 800 remaining.
While on your trek, you may have more opportunities to see different species of butterflies, birds, and other primates like monkeys high in the trees.
Upon completion of the gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, return to your lodge/hotel for lunch. If time permits, take another guided community walk around the park, visiting schools and other neighboring communities. After this, proceed to your lodge for relaxation in the evening breeze of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Day Three: Departure to Entebbe.
After having breakfast, sign out of the hotel/ Lodge where you were accommodated and your guide/ Driver will chauffeur you to either Kihihi or Kisoro, depending on the airstrip you landed at upon arrival. From here, fly to Entebbe International Airport. All these flights are in the morning.
Accommodation.
Luxury: Mahogany Spring lodge / Buhoma Lodge / 4- Gorilla Safari Lodge / Engaji Lodge / Kiho Gorilla Safari Lodge
Moderate: Bakiga Lodge / Gorilla Mist Camp / Rushaga Gorilla Camp / Ichumbi Lodge.
Budget: Ride 4 a Woman / Nshongi Camp / Buhoma Community Rest Camp / Ruhija Community Rest Camp.
What to Pack.
– Hiking shoes, Hat/cap, raincoat, gears, Lotions.
– Bottled water
– Sunscreen and Insect repellent
– Binoculars
– Well-charged camera
Safari Exclusions.
– Laundry services
– Insurance
– Wines, spirits, and soft drinks
– Tips
Flight Summary.
Entebbe to Kihihi (covers Mgahinga, Nkuringo, and Rushaga).
Depart: 0700 hrs (7:00am) / 1015 hrs (10:15am).
Arrive: 0845 hrs (8:45am) / 1125 hrs (11:25am).
Entebbe to Kisoro (covers Ruhija and Buhoma).
Depart: 0700 hrs (7:00am)
Arrive: 0810 hrs (8:00am)
