How do the domestic flights work?

Domestic flights are operated by Aerolink Uganda or Fly Uganda. They depart from Entebbe's domestic terminal (Kajjansi airfield or Entebbe main airport) and fly to Kihihi airstrip near Bwindi. The flight takes approximately one hour and operates daily. We can book the flights for you or you can book directly. Return flights cost approximately $300–$500 per person.

What kind of lodge do you use?

We work with the finest lodges near Bwindi, including options like Mahogany Springs, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp and Bwindi Lodge. All feature en-suite rooms, fine dining, hot water, electricity, and most offer spa facilities. We match the lodge to your preferences and budget.

Can I combine this with other destinations?

Absolutely. The fly-in format makes it easy to add a gorilla trek to a larger East African itinerary. Fly in from Entebbe, trek gorillas for a day, fly back, and continue to your next destination. We can also arrange fly-in extensions to Queen Elizabeth National Park.

How much does the fly-in gorilla safari cost?

From $2,500 per person for the ground package (lodge, meals, transfers, activities). This excludes domestic flights (approximately $300–$500 return) and the gorilla trekking permit ($800). Total cost is typically $3,600–$3,800 per person all-inclusive. Contact us for a precise quote based on your preferred lodge and dates.

Is this tour suitable for older travelers or those with mobility concerns?

The fly-in format is ideal for older travelers because it eliminates the long drive. The gorilla trek itself does require moderate fitness — you will hike through hilly rainforest for 2–8 hours. However, UWA can assign you a closer gorilla family, and porters provide excellent support on the trail. The lodge comfort before and after the trek makes recovery easy.

3 days / 2 nights

Fly-In Gorilla Safari — 3 Days

Skip the drive. Fly to Bwindi for a luxury gorilla trekking experience with premium accommodation, optional spa and zero road fatigue.

Route

EntebbeFlight to KihihiBwindi / BuhomaFlight to Entebbe

Quick Facts

Duration

3 Days / 2 Nights

Gorilla Trekking

Included (permit $800 extra)

Chimpanzee Trekking

Not included

Accommodation

Premium / Luxury

Start Location

Entebbe

End Location

Entebbe

Private Safari

Yes

Best For

Time-poor travelers, luxury seekers, older travelers

Transport

Domestic flight (no long drives)

Optional

Spa treatments at lodge

Community Visit

HopeKitchen, Buhoma

Last updated: June 2025. Information reviewed every 90 days.Sources: Uganda Wildlife Authority, Uganda Tourism Board, direct operator information.

About This Tour

For travelers with limited time and a taste for comfort, the fly-in gorilla safari eliminates the long drive to Bwindi and replaces it with a scenic one-hour domestic flight from Entebbe to Kihihi airstrip.

Instead of 8–10 hours on the road, you arrive in southwest Uganda in under an hour with stunning aerial views of Uganda's lakes, forests and rolling hills. A short transfer takes you to a premium lodge near Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where you settle in and prepare for the next day's gorilla trek.

The gorilla trekking experience itself is identical to any other tour — one hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family in the ancient rainforest. The difference is everything around it: luxury lodge, fine dining, optional spa treatments, and complete relaxation.

After the trek, visit HopeKitchen in Buhoma to connect with the community. Then return to your lodge for a final night before flying back to Entebbe. Three days, no road fatigue, maximum impact.

This is the best option for travelers adding a gorilla trek to a larger East African itinerary, business travelers with tight schedules, or anyone who prefers to spend their time in the forest rather than on the road.

Included

Meet and greet at Entebbe airport or hotel
Transfer to domestic departure terminal
2 nights premium / luxury lodge near Bwindi
All meals at the lodge (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Drinking water
Gorilla trekking permit arrangement (permit fee extra)
Porter hire for gorilla trek
Airstrip transfers (Kihihi to lodge and return)
HopeKitchen community visit in Buhoma
Optional spa treatment at lodge (if available)
Park entry fees

Not Included

Domestic flights Entebbe–Kihihi–Entebbe (approximately $300–$500 return, booked separately or through us)
Gorilla trekking permit ($800 per person, paid to Uganda Wildlife Authority)
International flights
Uganda visa ($50, arranged online before travel)
Travel insurance (required — must cover gorilla trekking)
Tips for guide, porters and lodge staff
Alcoholic beverages and premium drinks
Spa treatments (unless included in lodge package)
Personal expenses

Meals served at lodges are included as specified. Meals, snacks and drinks purchased during road transfers or stopovers are not included unless specifically mentioned.

Browse lodges along this route on lodgesofuganda.com

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Fly to Bwindi — Settle Into Your Lodge

Meet our representative at Entebbe airport or your Entebbe/Kampala hotel. Transfer to the domestic terminal for your morning flight to Kihihi airstrip. Enjoy stunning aerial views of Uganda's lakes and forests during the one-hour flight. On arrival, a short drive through lush countryside to your premium lodge near Bwindi. Settle in, enjoy lunch, explore the lodge grounds or book a spa treatment. Afternoon briefing for the next day's gorilla trek. Dinner at the lodge.

1-hour flight + 1-hour transferLunch, Dinner

Day 2

Gorilla Trekking & HopeKitchen Visit

Early breakfast at the lodge. Transfer to UWA park headquarters for the ranger briefing. Set off into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest with your ranger team and porter. The trek takes 2–8 hours depending on the gorilla family's location. Spend one extraordinary hour with the gorillas. Return to Buhoma for a late lunch. Afternoon visit to HopeKitchen — meet the women behind the project and see how your visit supports the community. Return to the lodge for a spa treatment, sundowner drinks, or simply relax. Farewell dinner.

Lodge to park HQ transfer onlyBreakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

Morning at Leisure & Fly Back to Entebbe

Relaxed morning at the lodge. Depending on your flight time, enjoy a final breakfast with forest views, a short nature walk, or a morning spa session. Transfer to Kihihi airstrip for your return flight to Entebbe. Arrive in Entebbe by midday, with time for a connecting international flight or an extra night in Entebbe.

1-hour transfer + 1-hour flightBreakfast

Photos

Fly-In Gorilla Safari — 3 Days - Photo 1

Fly-In Gorilla Safari — 3 Days - Photo 2

Fly-In Gorilla Safari — 3 Days - Photo 3

Fly-In Gorilla Safari — 3 Days - Photo 4

Fly-In Gorilla Safari — 3 Days - Photo 5

Fly-In Gorilla Safari — 3 Days - Photo 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Guest Reviews

“We are in our 70s and the fly-in option was perfect. No exhausting drive, a beautiful lodge, and the gorilla trek was the highlight of our 40 years of travel. The spa after the trek was exactly what our muscles needed. Worth every penny.”

Patricia & George L.United States

“I had only three days between meetings in Nairobi. Duncan arranged the fly-in and I was face to face with gorillas within 24 hours of landing in Entebbe. The lodge was exceptional and the HopeKitchen visit added a beautiful personal touch. Incredible efficiency without any compromise.”

Sophie M.France