Fly-in Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour- 4 Days

Day 1: Start Fly-in Uganda Gorilla Trek Safari with Flight From Entebbe to Bwindi

Depending on the flight availability at the time of your booking, your departure time to Bwindi can be 07.00 am, 10:15 Am or 12:00 pm (check-in 2 hours before your flight departs).

It is advisable that you spend the night before this day in or near Entebbe so that you won't have to panic catching your flight to Bwindi. Most hotels in Entebbe offer complimentary shuttles to Entebbe Airport. If you can't get this, we are happy to arrange the transfer for you.

By the time you get to Entebbe Airport, our team should have already got in contact with you to give you the e-tickets for your flight as well as the gorilla permits (in case they might not have been sent to the park office in Bwindi already).

At Entebbe Airport, the terminal staff will be requiring you to present your passport to check-in for your flight to Bwindi. Aerolink staff shall also be waiting to receive and show you to the aircraft.

Your flight to Kisoro/Bwindi is about 1 hour and goes mostly at lower altitudes so you can have fabulous views of the remote villages of Uganda, rivers, and mountains.

When you arrive and disembark at Kihihi/Kisoro airstrip, you will be picked up by our representative who will be transferring you to your lodge for the night. The drive from either airstrip should normally be 1 hour through great sceneries.

If you have more time during the day, guided walking tours can be arranged. You could go for the Batwa pygmies community walk in Bwindi, or just a guided Bwindi community walk. Also, if you happen to arrive in the morning, guided walks in Bwindi National Park forest are possible.

Our proposed accommodation options in Bwindi:

Up-market: Mahogany Springs Lodge | Buhoma Lodge |Chameleon Hill Lodge | Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge Bwindi

Moderate: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge| Engagi Lodge |   Gorilla Mist Camp

Low Budget: Gorilla Haven Lodge Rushaga |  Ruhija Gorilla Friends Camp |  Gorilla Conservation Camp

Meals included today: Lunch and dinner only.

Meal plan: Lunch and dinner

See other Accommodation & Lodging options in or near to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Day 2: Your first Gorilla Trekking Experience in Bwindi

Early this morning (at about 7 am), your driver will be meeting you at your Bwindi lodge/ camp to ensure you are all well prepared for your first gorilla tracking exercise. This is normally after you have had your breakfast. You are then driven to the park office for the pre-gorilla trekking briefing. Here, more information about the conservation and ecology of mountain gorillas is shared and short video clips about the gorilla might also be played. Sometimes, a piece of local cultural music and dance performance from the communities is performed by the local women's group.

You will then be allocated to the gorilla group. The group comprises not more than 8 persons and visits one gorilla group/ gorilla family. Each group is allocated a team of ranger escorts and assisting trackers. We recommend that you consider hiring a porter to assist you to carry your backpack as these can be so tiring as you trek through the jungles of the thick forest undergrowth. The cost of hiring a porter for the gorilla trek is USD15 but you could give more if you prefer. For most gorilla families, there should be a 20-30 minutes drive to the trailhead for the gorilla trek but for some, it is just a walk away from the park office.

The gorilla trekking shall mostly be going through thick forest undergrowth with paths being made that day using machetes. The trekking can be physically challenging but there are several breaks along the way to allow you to catch your breath, but also for the rangers to give more information about the forest and the other wildlife species you shall be meeting as you hike to the gorillas in Bwindi.

We could as well take 2-4 hours to reach the location of the gorillas. When you finally encounter the mountain gorillas, you are allowed 1 hour with them. These gorillas, giant as they look have been habituated to human presence. So they will still be wild in a way but won't be running to hide from you or trying to attack you when you visit them. As you go about enjoying the mountain gorillas the rangers shall be giving you more information about them. They shall also be making clear of the shrubs and bushes so that you have better views and angles for taking photographs.

After your one hour with the gorillas, you will be setting off for your descent back. Along the way, the rangers will find a comfortable place in the jungle for you to enjoy your boxed lunch.

The rest of the day can be spent relaxing at your accommodation or taking more guided walks in the communities near Bwindi.

Proposed accommodation options in Bwindi:

Up-market: Mahogany Springs Lodge | Buhoma Lodge |Chameleon Hill Lodge | Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge Bwindi

Moderate: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge| Engagi Lodge |   Gorilla Mist Camp

Low Budget: Gorilla Haven Lodge Rushaga |  Ruhija Gorilla Friends Camp |  Gorilla Conservation Camp

Meal plan: Breakfast, boxed lunch, and dinner

See other Accommodation & Lodging options in or near to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Day 3: Second Gorilla Trek in Bwindi

Today we shall be enjoying the second gorilla trek in Bwindi. Tracking mountain gorillas multiple times has several benefits that could be underestimated if one only focuses on the cost of the second gorilla tracking permit. First, you have a chance to view a totally different gorilla family behaving uniquely different from the first one. Just like humans, mountain gorillas' families have different behaviors, more so when visitors are around. Also, the composition of every gorilla family is very different from the other with some having as many as 30 gorillas while others only have 5 mountain gorillas. Bwindi being a tropical rainforest,  the chances of having it rain on your gorilla trek day are very high. If on the first day you have it rain on you when you are viewing the gorillas in Bwindi, having a second gorilla trek helps remedy your experience so that you can have better photos as well.

Our team will ensure that you are allocated a different gorilla family on your second gorilla trek, it could be located in the same sector of Bwindi but will definitely have a different composition from the gorillas you would have seen on the first trekking experience.

Proposed accommodation options in Bwindi:

Up-market: Mahogany Springs Lodge | Buhoma Lodge |Chameleon Hill Lodge | Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge Bwindi

Moderate: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge| Engagi Lodge |   Gorilla Mist Camp

Low Budget: Gorilla Haven Lodge Rushaga |  Ruhija Gorilla Friends Camp |  Gorilla Conservation Camp

Meal plan: Breakfast, boxed lunch, and dinner

Day 4: Fly from Bwindi-Kihihi/Kisoro-Entebbe

After your memorable experience collections, the 4 days Uganda fly-in gorilla trek tour comes to an end sadly! Depending on the departure flight you are booked on,  our representative will take care of your transfer to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrip at the most appropriate time.

Please let us know if you wish us to include one (or more) nights in Kampala /Entebbe or arrange your transport to and from Entebbe Airport with Gorillas and Wildlife Safaris.

Meal plan: Breakfast only.

Morning flight options from Bwindi to Entebbe:

Departure time from Kihihi: 09.45 AM

Departure time from Kisoro: 09.10 AM

Arrival time in Entebbe: 11.25 AM

Afternoon flight options from Bwindi to Entebbe

Departure time from Kihihi: 14.05 PM or 15.05 PM

Arrival time in Entebbe: 15.55 PM or 16.15 PM

* Timings may vary depending on aircraft routing.

Buhoma Lodge

Buhoma Lodge is situated in Uganda in the idyllic Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, well known for being home to the rare and elusive mountain gorilla. From the private veranda of each cottage guests can enjoy views overlooking the forest whilst relaxing and taking in the stunning natural surrounds. Buhoma is an ideal accommodation for guests interested in gorilla trekking, being closely located to the meeting point for the treks.

There are ten comfortable cottages at Buhoma Lodge, each complete with a private veranda offering superb views of the forest. Cottages are traditionally decorated with wooden furnishings, but each is comfortable and spacious. Each cottage has en-suite facilities, and some provide bathtubs.

Meals are taken in the main, elevated lounge area, and are prepared using local ingredients to create an international cuisine. Located in the lounge, the bar is the perfect place to relax after the day's activities, or enjoy a drink around the fireplace.

Engagi Lodge

Engagi Lodge is a small and exclusive property on the edge of the Impenetrable Forest, close to the park headquarters. The lodge is open-ended at the front allowing a dramatic view of the Bwindi National Park from every corner inside the building.

The accommodation consists of eight en-suite Cottages which are evenly spaced out and hidden in the foliage. Each Cottage has either double or twin beds, a bathroom with flushing toilets and hot and cold running water. All units have private verandahs where guests can enjoy their early morning tea or coffee.

The kitchen, which has been built a distance away from the lodge to ensure privacy for the clients, prepares a variety of three course meals and all requirements such as vegetarians and vegans are catered for by our team of experienced Kampala trained chefs. The main lodge comprises a rock bar, the restaurant and a large wooden verandah with a separate outdoor viewing platform. The lodge building is large enough to cater for sizeable groups needing banqueting tables, but still allows smaller individual groups to spread out in the various different areas for privacy.

Rushaga Gorilla Camp

Rushaga Gorilla Camp is a midrange facility located in the Rushaga Sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Its within a walking distance from the Park Headquarters in the Rushaga Area of Bwindi.

Offering free WiFi and a sun terrace, Rushaga Gorilla Camp is located in Bugambira. Rushaga Gorilla Tracking (Nshongi Group) is 6 km away.

It offers 6 Luxury tents,  6 self-contained  Rooms (twin/double), and and ample Camping  site. All units feature a seating area. Some units have a terrace and/or balcony with garden views.

Guests can enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant or a drink at the bar. The property also offers packed lunches.

Bike hire is available at the property and the area is popular for cycling.

Gorilla Valley Lodge

Located on the border of the Bwindi impenetrable forest and set on a steep slope the lodge has a truly unique setting. Imagine waking up with the sounds of the forest, having your cup of coffee or tea on you private terrace, experiencing the forest coming alive and the mist mysteriously giving way for a lush jungle.

Gorilla Valley Lodge consists of 12 en-suite rooms, built on a steep slope, ensuring the best views on Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

All rooms have a private terrace from where to experience the splender of the forest. Tastefully decorated and equipped with solar water heaters and comfortable beds our rooms ensure a peaceful sleep.

Mahogany Springs

Mahogany Springs offers privacy and serenity blended with optimal comfort in a spectacular setting.

At Mahogany Springs it is the little touches that make the big difference, from the tiny details in the design of the lodge through to the unrivalled service levels provided by the highly trained staff.

Spend the day tracking for Gorillas through the forest, sitting on the terrace of your room or even down by the Munyanga River listening to the flowing waters as time slowly passes by.

The Rooms

All the rooms at Mahogany Springs are suites. The Superior Suites can be Twin, Double or Triple. These suites are spacious with large double doors and

beautiful windows. Each suite has its own private exquisitely designed terrace with panoramic views of the surrounding Bwindi Impenetrable Forest area.

All suites have large en-suite bathrooms with a gorgeously designed open terracotta shower. For added comfort and peace of mind all the suites have an advanced mosquito net system that wraps around the entire area of the beds.

There are power points in the living room and bedrooms as well as 2 desks/dressing tables.

Silverback Gorilla Lodge Bwindi

The lodge is located just minutes from the gate to the National Park where the gorilla tracking starts, and has stunning views over the forest. 

The food was good and plentiful. Buffet breakfast of cereal, fruit, eggs, bacon, grilled tomato etc.

The rooms are clean with functional mosquito nets and all have views over the forest with fantastic hot showers. There is also small gift shop in the lodge.

Gorilla Mist Camp Ruhija, Bwindi Impenetrable N.Park

This is a small camp with 4 thatched roof cottages with balconies overlooking the valley, forest and volcanoes. Located about 5 minutes from Bwindi/ Ruhija park offices from where gorilla tracking for either of the three families Oruzogo, Bitukula, and Kyaguliro starts.

Accommodation at the Gorilla Mist Camp is provided in clean well maintained rooms. All the accommodation has electric lighting installed. There are several leveled terraces for those with their own equipment to camp. Cold beers and sodas are available with local produce used to provide visitors meals.

Chameleon Hill Lodge

Chameleon Hill Lodge Bwindi

Chameleon Hill Lodge Bwindi

Chameleon Hill’s biggest leverage are the best views imaginable – from up the lush highlands, to the magical Lake Mutanda & its lush islands below and the sprawling highlands all around it, and to crown it off with a perfect backdrop of the Virunga Volcanic Mountains. The most visible of the volcanoes are Muhabura, Gahinga & Sabinyo whose peaks are cloudy most of the time. On clearer days, other Virunga volcanoes from Rwanda & D.R Congo can be sighted. At night, there is a good chance of spotting magma spilling in the air from the active volcano Nyiragongo, its epic!

The lodge has a unique style of multiple colors; each building painted a different color of the rainbow, which makes it so colorful and stand out beautifully.

Facilities and Services

• The Lobby – housed by the main castle, is comfy with colorful cushions. On arrival, it is here the lodge manager warmly welcomes you, served a glass of juice to refresh, & briefed before proceeding to check in to your room.
• The Restaurant – serves 3 meals a day, that is, breakfast, lunch & dinner, of both local & international delicacies. Lunch and dinner are served 3 courses (starter, main course & dessert). A daily menu for the main meal course is displayed. Visitors that require special consideration for meals or an alternative from the day’s menu make prior communication with the manager.
• Tea/Coffee is available in the Restaurant throughout the day.
• A Bar – located right next to the restaurant, has a good collection of renowned international wines & spirits in addition to the local beer brands.
• The Lounge, offers comfort on quality seats, sofas with cushions, and magnificent vistas of Lake Mutanda & the impressive landscape. Even better it has a fireplace to make your evenings cozy.
• A Library – placed in the lounge, has a good collection of travel information & books including field guides of birds, Trees & Shrubs, etc.
• A large deck, extending from the main house (that houses the Restaurant, Bar, & Lounge) overlooks the magnificent scenery – Lake Mutanda, the lush highlands, & cloudy Volcanoes.
• Evenings are kept entertained with traditional folklore by the local dancing group
• Electricity is provided by a generator, switched on from 7.00pm to 10.30pm.
• Laundry services are available at small cost.

Accommodation at Chameleon Hill Lodge

The lodge has a total of 10 chalets that include 5 doubles and 5 twins. Odd numbers are doubles while even numbers are twins.

Each chalet comprises of 1 large bed for the doubles, 2 beds (not as large as those in the doubles) for the twins. In the twins, beds can be pushed together to form a double. An extra bed can be added in the double room on request, for instance to accommodate a child. Mosquito nets over the bed, in spite of this being a mosquito-free area/zone.

Other extras in the room include extra thick blanket for the colder nights; bottle of drinking water per day; wardrobe;  a Safe; Umbrella, a patio with excellent views over Lake Mutanda, highlands & Volcanoes

In the en-suite bathroom you will find, Linen and bath towels, a toilet, shower, and a wash bowl. Hot shower are available 24/7.

In between chalets is a fencing to ensure maximum privacy.

Trackers Lodge Buhoma

Trekker's tavern Cottages is located at the hilltop in Ruhija overlooking the Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park Ruhija side, one of the most famous parks and home to more than half of the world population of mountain gorillas.

The lodge is very eco-friendly and has a lovely cozy atmosphere with 5 spacious cottages all with ensuite bathrooms with hot showers and flush toilets.

A place of infinite calm surrounded by untamed majesty and commanding panoramic views of the Virungas on a clear day, the beautiful sunrise, Lake Edward and Bwindi forest in the south. It is around 15 minutes walk  from the Ruhija park headquarters.

The lodge is a perfect place for bird watchers as a variety of albertine rift endemics and other special birds can be viewed from the verandas of the cottages. A day walk to the mines offers a bird watcher a chance to see the Spotted Eagle Owl in a day roost, Doherty's Bushshrike, Mackinnon's Bushshrike, Red throated Wryneck, Dusky Twinspot, a variety of Waxbills and many others.

Buhoma Community Rest Camp

Buhoma Community Rest Camp (BCRC) is attractive complex set in wooded grounds on the slope facing a forest gallery immediately inside Bwindi National park entrance gate and has been in existence since 1993. They have self contained Bandas which are cabins in African Style, Self Contained Tents and Dormitories  for your accommodation needs while doing a  Gorilla Tracking tour in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Buhoma Community Rest Camp is setup at the Edge of Bwindi impenetrable National Park with the main aim of providing quality Lodging service to tourists and visitors.
They have got six (6) well finished safari tents, which are self-contained facing the forest with a spectacular view.

Wake up and go to sleep with the relaxing music of nature. Two cottages that are self-contained facing the forest. Nothing beats the scenes that unfold right in front of you. Gorillas do drop by to say hullo occasionally.

We also have got five (5) twin cottage bandas which are non-self-contained and are built with local materials with African architectural design.

Ruhija Gorilla Friends Resort Camp, Bwindi Impenetrable N.Park

It is located about 600m from the Ruhija Gorilla tracking trail-head. An ideal budget lodging in Ruhija accommodation during your trip for you to track Kyanguriro, Bitukura and Oruzongo Gorilla Groups.   The campsite has  4 furnished safari tents ($30 per person bed breakfast), a restaurant and bar.

 Spectacular views overlooking valley towards the forest. Also 3 twin rooms available and camping possible.

Included in the 4 Days Uganda Fly-in gorilla trekking tour/safari

• 2 gorilla tracking permits per person
• All airport and airstrips transfers  
• Flight to and from Kihihi/Kisoro Airstrip  
• All accommodations while on tour  
• Meals as specified in the itinerary

Excluded

• International flight (can be arranged if required)
• Visa and personal insurance
• Drinks, tips and gratuities
• Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, etc.)
• Any item or activity not mentioned in the tour package