Safari Overview

A 3-day gorilla trekking safari in Uganda is a deeply rewarding adventure focused primarily on encountering the endangered Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat, usually at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. This 3 day fly in itinerary maximizes your time in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, allowing for a focused and less strenuous experience with the critically endangered mountain gorillas.

We will also focus on minimizing your carbon footprint, choosing accommodations with strong eco-credentials, and ensuring your community engagement provides maximum benefit.

Safari Summary

Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport. Transfer to the Bwindi Forest area via domestic flight.

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking

Day 3: Flight back to Entebbe

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport & transfer to Bwindi

Early breakfast and transfer to Entebbe International Airport (EBB) or Kajjansi Airfield. Board a scheduled domestic flight (e.g., to Kihihi Airstrip for Northern Bwindi or Kisoro Airstrip for Southern Bwindi). The flight takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. You will be met by your safari guide and transferred via 4x4 vehicle to your lodge (approx. 1 to 2 hours, depending on the airstrip and sector). Check in, enjoy lunch, and have the rest of the afternoon to relax or enjoy the lodge amenities in preparation for the trek. Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 2: Gorilla trekking

Early breakfast before transferring to the park headquarters. You will receive an essential briefing from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) rangers on gorilla behavior, safety rules, and what to expect. You will be assigned to one of the habituated gorilla families, typically in groups of 8 trekkers. The adventure begins! Led by expert trackers and armed rangers, you hike deep into the rainforest. The duration can vary widely, from 2 to 8 hours, depending on where the gorilla family is located that day. This is a strenuous activity involving steep, slippery, and dense jungle terrain. (Porters are highly recommended to assist with bags and stability, also acts as a great way to support the local community) Upon finding the family, you are allowed one hour observing the gorillas. You must maintain a distance of at least 7 meters (21 feet) and follow all guide instructions. Flash photography is strictly prohibited. Return to the park headquarters, receive your gorilla trekking certificate, and transfer back to the lodge to relax.

Day 3: Transfer back to Entebbe

Enjoy a final breakfast. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for a short optional activity like a cultural visit to the local Batwa (Pygmy) community. Short transfer (approx 1-2 hours) back to Kihihi or Kisoro Airstrip. Board your domestic flight back to Entebbe International Airport (EBB) or Kajjansi Airfield. Arrive in Entebbe. You will be transferred to your onward international flight or hotel, concluding the fly-in safari.

A flight back to Entebbe drastically cuts the road time and carbon emissions of the final day. To offset the flight's impact, we usually donate a percentage of the proceeds to Uganda's Carbon offset programs of reforestation.