Overview
Bwindi fly-in tours are some of the most enjoyable flying safaris in Africa. This 3 Day fly-in safari offers the beautiful views of lakes and the scenically cultivated southwestern Uganda hills. Compared to Bwindi road trips, the fly-in safari allows you to enjoy shorter transfers to your destinations. This 3 Day Bwindi safari is a luxury tour allowing you to stay in a high-end safari lodge and track gorillas in the pristine Bwindi forest. Transfers to and from the airstrips will be by our company safari driver in a safari land cruiser.
Highlights
- Day 1: Flight from Entebbe or Kajjansi to Bwindi
- Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi forest
- Day 3: Fly back to Entebbe
Itinerary
As you enjoy your morning breakfast, the company safari driver will be waiting to meet with you and once you get done, he will come in to greet and brief you about the trip and transfer to the airstrip for your domestic flight. Depending on your trekking sector, you will fly to either Kihihi or Kisoro airstrip and then our other company safari guide will pick you and transfer to your lodge at Bwindi. Lunch, dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 02 :
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi
You will wake up to an early morning breakfast at the lodge, meet your safari guide and drive to the park offices. Pack your parked lunch so that in case your trip takes long, you can have a picnic lunch in the forest. You’ll be briefed at the park offices and then enter the forest to start tracking the assigned gorilla family. Once the gorilla family is found, you will be allowed to stay with them for one hour and later on head back to the park offices for your trekking certificates and drive to the lodge. Relax at the lodge this evening and enjoy the tranquility of the surrounding.
Dinner and overnight at the lodge
Right after breakfast at your lodge, the safari driver will transfer you to the airstrip so you can catch your flight back to Entebbe. Our company safari driver in Kampala will receive you and transfer you to Entebbe airport or to your lodge.
End of safari
Includes/Excludes
Includes
- Return Flights:
- Scheduled flights from Entebbe or Kampala to Kisoro Airstrip (or another nearby airstrip depending on the lodge).
- Gorilla Trekking Permit:
- A permit for one gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
- Accommodation:
- 2 nights in luxury lodges or camps near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (e.g., Cloud 9 Lodge, Buhoma Lodge), with en-suite bathrooms and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
- Meals:
- Full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) throughout your stay at the luxury lodge/camp.
- Transport:
- Airstrip transfers from Kisoro or another airstrip to the lodge.
- All ground transport during the safari in a comfortable vehicle.
- Gorilla Trekking Experience:
- Guided gorilla trekking with a ranger in Bwindi, offering the chance to see the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
- Services of a Professional Guide:
- A knowledgeable and experienced safari guide throughout the trip, assisting during your stay and the trek.
- Park Fees:
- Entry fees to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
- Game Drives or Nature Walks:
- Optional nature walks or game drives (where applicable) around the park or surrounding areas.
- Drinks:
- Limited beverages (usually non-alcoholic drinks or some alcoholic drinks, depending on the lodge or tour package).
- Emergency Medical Evacuation:
- Travel insurance for emergency evacuation during the safari (if required).
Excludes
- International Flights:
- Flights to and from Entebbe International Airport or Kampala are not included in the package.
- Visa Fees:
- Visa costs for entering Uganda (if applicable).
- Additional Gorilla Trekking Permits:
- Extra permits for a second trek or additional gorilla experiences.
- Personal Expenses:
- Expenses such as souvenirs, personal shopping, laundry, phone calls, and additional meals not covered by the package.
- Alcohol and Extra Drinks:
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks that are beyond what is included in the lodge package.
- Travel Insurance:
- Personal travel insurance is not included (though it’s highly recommended to have it).
- Optional Activities:
- Any extra activities such as cultural visits, spa treatments, additional boat rides, or nature walks not pre-arranged.
- Tips and Gratuities:
- Tips for your guides, porters, and lodge staff are not included.
- Medical Costs:
- Any medical costs incurred during the safari (e.g., treatment for illnesses or injuries).
FAQs for 3 Day Bwindi Luxury Fly-In Safari
FAQs for 3 Day Bwindi Luxury Fly-In Safari
What is included in the 3 Day Bwindi Luxury Fly-In Safari?
- The safari includes return flights from Entebbe or Kampala to Kisoro Airstrip, 2 nights of luxury accommodation near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a gorilla trekking permit, meals (full board), airport transfers, park entry fees, and the services of an experienced guide. Additional activities may include nature walks or optional game drives.
2. Is gorilla trekking guaranteed during the safari?
- Yes, the safari includes one gorilla trekking permit, which guarantees that you will be able to trek and interact with mountain gorillas in Bwindi. However, the trek itself is subject to weather and the gorillas’ location, so there can be some variability in the duration and intensity of the trek.
3. How strenuous is the gorilla trekking experience?
- Gorilla trekking can be physically demanding. You will hike through dense forest and uneven terrain, which may be steep in places. The duration of the trek can vary between 1 to 8 hours. A moderate level of fitness is recommended, though the trek is suitable for most individuals in good health.
4. What should I pack for the gorilla trek?
- For the trek, it’s important to bring sturdy, comfortable hiking boots, long-sleeve shirts and pants (to protect against the underbrush), a waterproof jacket (in case of rain), gloves, a hat, and insect repellent. A camera (without a flash) is highly recommended to capture the experience. You should also bring sunscreen, water, and personal medication if necessary.
5. What are the flight arrangements for the safari?
- The safari includes scheduled flights from Entebbe or Kampala to Kisoro Airstrip or a nearby airstrip, which saves travel time and makes the journey more comfortable. You will be transferred by road from the airstrip to your luxury lodge.
6. Can I extend my safari to visit other destinations in Uganda?
- Yes, you can extend your safari. Uganda offers a variety of other wildlife experiences and natural attractions, such as Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls, and Kibale Forest. You can work with the tour operator to customize your itinerary to suit your preferences.
7. What is the best time to go on this safari?
- The best time to visit is during Uganda’s dry seasons, from June to September and December to February, when trekking conditions are more favorable. However, gorilla trekking is available year-round, and each season offers unique experiences.
8. Is there a minimum age for gorilla trekking?
- Yes, the minimum age for participating in gorilla trekking is 15 years. This is to ensure the safety and well-being of both the visitors and the gorillas, and to protect them from potential diseases.
9. What happens if I don’t see any gorillas?
- While gorilla sightings are very likely, sometimes the trek can take longer, and gorillas may be difficult to locate. If you don’t encounter gorillas during your trek, you may have the opportunity to try again on another day, depending on availability and the tour operator’s policies.
10. Are meals provided during the safari?
- Yes, the safari includes full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during your stay at the luxury lodge. The meals are typically high-quality, offering a mix of local and international cuisines.
11. Do I need travel insurance for the safari?
- Yes, it’s strongly recommended that you have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and unexpected events. Some insurance policies also cover emergency evacuation, which is especially important in remote areas like Bwindi.
12. How do I get to the starting point of the safari?
- The safari starts with a pick-up from Entebbe International Airport or Kampala (if you’re already in Uganda). You’ll then fly to Kisoro Airstrip and be transferred to your luxury lodge by road.
13. What types of accommodations are included in the safari?
- The safari includes stays in luxury lodges or high-end camps near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, offering comfortable rooms with private bathrooms, excellent views, and premium services. Accommodations are designed for relaxation and comfort after a day of trekking.
14. Are there any age or health restrictions for the safari?
- Gorilla trekking requires a certain level of fitness, as it involves walking and sometimes hiking through challenging terrain. Individuals should be in good health and able to walk for extended periods. It is important to consult with your doctor if you have any health concerns. The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years.
15. Are tips included in the safari price?
- Tips for guides, porters, and lodge staff are generally not included in the safari package. It is customary to tip for exceptional service, and the amount varies depending on personal satisfaction and group size.