3 Days fly in safari to Bwindi Safari
On this 3 Days fly in safari to Bwindi Safari in Uganda, you will fly from Entebbe International Airport to southwestern Uganda near a gorilla park, either Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and then transfer to the park via a shorter drive.
The road trip from Kampala/Entebbe to the gorilla parks takes about 8 – 9 hours, which some travellers find exhausting given that they will be embarking on the exhausting gorilla trekking adventure the next day. On this fly in trip, you will take a one and a half hour flight from Entebbe International Airport to one of the airstrips near a gorilla park (either Kihihi airstrip or Kisoro airstrip) and then drive for about 1 – 3 hours.
The flight to Bwindi or Mgahinga National Parks will provide you with breath-taking aerial views of the stunning landscape of southwestern Uganda. Furthermore, the flying trip allows you to arrive at the park earlier, giving you more time to enjoy the natural beauty. You can also do an extra activity such as a community tour or a boat ride on the beautiful Lake Mutanda if staying in that area.
3 Days fly in safari to Bwindi Safari itinerary
Day 1 – Fly to Bwindi National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
On this 3 Days fly in safari to Bwindi Safari, you will fly from Entebbe International Airport to either Kisoro or Kihihi airstrips in the early morning. You fly into Kisoro if you intend to track in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park or the Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors of Bwindi, which are closer to Kisoro, or if you intend to stay at Lake Mutanda in Kisoro, which is located midway between Bwindi and Mgahinga and allows you to track in either park. Alternatively, you could fly to Kihihi airstrip, which is near the Buhoma and Ruhija sectors of Bwindi National Park.
It should be noted that Bwindi has four sectors where gorilla trekking adventures can be undertaken (Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo), and the sector chosen depends on the availability of gorilla tracking permits in that sector or the preferred accommodation. Also, the availability of seats on any of the flights can influence where you go for the gorilla trek in Bwindi.
When you arrive at the airstrip, your tour driver will meet you and transport you to your lodge. You will have the rest of the day free. Alternatively, you can take a tour of the nearby community to learn about their cultures and traditions, or you can take a boat ride on the beautiful Lake Mutanda (if staying at Lake Mutanda/Kisoro) to explore the breath-taking scenery and striking views of the magnificent Virunga mountains in the background of Lake Mutanda.
Day 2 – Gorilla tracking in Bwindi National Park
After breakfast, you can pack a small lunchbox and the guide will make sure to take you to the park headquarters by 7 a.m. You will be briefed on the gorilla tracking experience and park rules before being assigned to a gorilla family. A single gorilla family is assigned no more than people. Then you’ll head into Bwindi National Park for the gorilla tracking adventure.
Depending on the apes’ movements, the trek to see the mountain gorillas can take anywhere from 2 to 8 hours. The densely forested landscape is extremely dense, but it is crisscrossed by numerous animal trails that provide access to tourists.
You will have one magical hour up close to the apes to view and interact with these stunning apes, as well as take photographs. Return to the starting point after an hour and proceed to your lodge for a late lunch and relaxation. After the gorilla encounter, you will spend the rest of the day relaxing at the lodge.
Day 3: Flight from Bwindi to Entebbe
This is the last day of your 3 Days fly in safari to Bwindi Safari. After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to the airstrip for your return flight to Entebbe. This will mark the end of your 3 Days fly in safari to Bwindi Safari.