3 Days 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, ushering 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
Set about on a guided walk through the local community villages around Bwindi impenetrable forest. While here, you may pay a visit to a local orphanage, schools, traditional homes and banana brewing demonstrations. We tailor the gorilla trek your personal interests and 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 over high scrapper trees welcome you to this haven, coupled with various species of butterflies and an opportunity of bird watching as you traverse through the rainforest.
Day Two: Gorilla Trek Experience at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Rise up to early morning breakfast at your lodge / Hotel, from where your driver picks you up straight to the National Park’s headquarters. This is the day for the great Gorilla Trekking Uganda safari under guidance of a park guide. This is an early morning trek, often done 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 trekking into the tropical rainforest. Your physical fitness is much needed whilst on this adventure. However, if you are not fit enough, the park offers some Porter services at a cost. These can carry you in a chair for those tedious, but yet enjoyable hikes.
As you trek through the dense tropical rainforest, your reward is an immense lifetime experience of having sight of the gentle mountain gorillas as they take solace in their natural habitat. These amazing apes live a life worth a notice, as they share and care for each other in their day-to-day encounters. This is a lasting memory to live by. The gorilla trekking is not so structured with a time duration because the tracker may get sight of a group of gorillas just a few minutes after set-off from the starting point, or even late towards the end of the trek.
The trekkers only encounter these gentle mates for not more than an hour. Mountain gorillas are highly endangered, which renders them rare worldwide, estimated to be above 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 trek Uganda safari, head back 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, rain coat, 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)
