Best Fly-In Gorilla Trekking In Uganda Plan

The best plan for a fly-in gorilla trekking safari in Uganda is securing the gorilla permit, book accommodation and secure domestic flights to Bwindi impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park.

From Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi Airfield, scheduled daily domestic flights are open to Kisoro or Kihihi airstrips upcountry then transfer to Bwindi or Mgahinga National Parks. It is best to reserve a seat on these flights because they sell out fast since the locals use them too. Note that the air crafts used as normally small with a limited capacity.

If you wish to save sometime or relax after a long international flight then flying gorilla trekking serves as the best choice since flights duration they normally take is about 1 and half hour to 2 hours then 2 hours transfer to the park.

In case you have to switch to another safari destination after gorilla trekking, do organize ground transport too especially if destined for game parks like Queen Elizabeth National Park or Kibale National Park for chimpanzee trekking.

Highlight Of Fly-In Gorilla Trekking Safari In Uganda

Day 1 Fly to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Day 2 Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Day 3 Fly To Kajjansi or Entebbe Airstrip.

 Additional Uganda Safari Activities To Combine With Gorilla Trekking

• Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda as Uganda has more than 5000 chimpanzees living in different parts of the country some include Kibale National Park, Kyambura gorge, Kaniyo Pabidi forest, Budongo forest and others. Book a chimpanzee trekking permit first
• Game drives in Uganda to various game parks distributed throughout the country including Murchison Falls National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park.
• Water activities in Uganda even though the country is landlocked some include white water rafting, Angling, boat cruising, beach activities, kayaking, swimming and others.
• Golden monkey trekking to spend time with another endangered primate specie in the world known for its charming character.
• Uganda cultural experience as the country is endowed with people from different ethnicity rich in culture and are very welcoming to strangers. Cultural institutions stand out as the major representation of the Ugandan culture including kingdoms such as Buganda kingdom, Busoga kingdom and others.
• Mountaineering in Uganda can be arranged for a day and more as the country is dotted with several mountains and other highlands. Hiking Mountain Rwenzori is the highlight of all mountaineering activities in the country with minimum 7 days hike to get to Magheritah glacier topped peak.
• Birding in Uganda never disappoints as the country celebrates over 1000 bird species living within its boundaries in various locations including Bwindi forest, Mgahinga forest, Mabamba swamp and more.

Cost Of Fly-in Gorilla Trekking safari in Uganda

The cost of a fly-in gorilla trekking safari in Uganda on average may range from $750 and over. Do not forget to include cost of transfer vehicle from the airstrip at Kihihi or Kisoro to the Park as these are located in far ranging spots.

The cost of the gorilla trekking permit has to be considered which is currently $800 but can change too.

Accommodation cost for all the time while in Uganda must be considered because where you spend the night and the comfort you experience contributes a big roll to overall feeling you get while on safari.  

The fly-in gorilla trekking safari packages are categorized into Premium, midrange and basic therefore choose what your budget can cover up to enjoy the entire experience.

Do plan for the fly-in gorilla trekking safari in Uganda in advance so that the best options for your category can be booked and avoid getting disappointed at the last minute.

When Is The Best Time For Planning Flying Gorilla Trekking Safari In Uganda

At least 6 months to a year in advance serve as the best time for planning Fly-in gorilla trekking safari in Uganda. This is ample time to even do adjustments where need be on your gorilla trekking safari itinerary especially when hoping to travel in the peak season which is June to September and December to January.

Mountain gorillas and other forest inhabitants are more active in the dry season and spend most of the day closer to the ground because up in the canopies there is scarcity of food.

More sunlight sips through the dense jungle in the dry season creating a perfect natural environment to take photos and film the forest inhabitants.

Flights to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park take off at the scheduled time in the dry season since there less obstacles to delay them while flights in the wet season may be rescheduled sometimes if the weather is unfavorable.

In the wet season, gorilla trekking and flights in Uganda are open too that is March, April, May and November however expect some delays in case air conditions are not comfortable to fly.

Is Gorilla Trekking In Uganda Tiresome

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is tiresome especially if you have to hike to the location of the mountain gorillas. The terrain of Bwindi forest is rugged with several highlands and at times the mountain gorillas spend time on the slopes or deep in the valleys so you have to catch up with them.

Along the way to find the mountain gorillas, vines, thick undergrowth, huge tree trunks and more that makes up the forest obstruct the trails sometimes the ranger guide has to trim it first.

The trails are wet or slippery almost the entire way because Bwindi and Mgahinga are rain forests that receive untimely rains, have a dense canopies yet less sunlight sips through to the lower part of the forest. Mgahinga and Bwindi forest are the watch catchment spots of the surrounding areas too with rivers, streams, water falls and others water sources that flood the forest sometimes.

It is best wear gorilla trekking gears that are protective to your body like long sleeved shirt, trousers, convertible trousers, safari boots and others. Keep closer to other trekkers during gorilla trekking so that you are not forgotten in the forest or get lost in the dense forest.