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A close-up of the face of a mountain gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda. A silverback mountain gorilla walking through grass at a forest edge in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda. A wooden footbridge crossing a stream in the forest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda. Forested hills and mountains in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda. A mountain gorilla eating beside a tree trunk in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda.
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Uganda · Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

3 Days Fly-In Gorilla Trekking Safari

Excellent on Tripadvisor
  • Duration3 days, 2 nights
  • Start & endEntebbe
  • Travel styleFly-in safari
  • Activity levelModerate to challenging
  • Altitude1,160 to 2,607 m
  • Minimum age15 years

Overview

Fly In and Meet the Mountain Gorillas

Discover southwestern Uganda on a three-day fly-in safari to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. A scenic domestic flight from Entebbe to the airstrip serving your trekking sector saves valuable travel time and gives you aerial views of Uganda’s countryside.

The safari combines a mountain gorilla encounter with comfortable accommodation, personalised guiding and chances to connect with the communities around the forest, all coordinated by Bespoke Safaris.

Highlights

  • Mountain gorilla trekking: Encounter a habituated mountain gorilla family in its rainforest habitat.
  • Scenic domestic flights: Enjoy aerial views of Uganda's landscapes between Entebbe and the southwest.
  • Bwindi Impenetrable Forest: Explore one of Africa's most remarkable biodiversity hotspots.
  • Gorilla photography: Capture memorable moments while following responsible wildlife-viewing guidelines.
  • Community encounters: Discover the cultures, traditions and everyday lives of the communities around Bwindi.
  • Cultural experiences: Add traditional music, dance, storytelling and local crafts, where arranged.
  • Conservation and livelihoods: Learn how responsible tourism supports wildlife conservation and local communities.
  • Private service: Enjoy a carefully coordinated safari tailored to your travel preferences.

Itinerary

Day by Day

3 days · 2 nights
Open a day to see it on the map
  • Tour durationDomestic flight, then a road transfer
  • AccommodationLodge or camp near your Bwindi trekking sector
  • MealsLunch & dinner, subject to flight schedule

Your adventure begins with a transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your scheduled domestic flight to the airstrip serving your selected gorilla trekking sector in Bwindi. On the flight you see Uganda’s rolling hills, green countryside, forests and rural settlements as you head to the southwest.

On arrival you meet your local driver-guide and transfer to your lodge or camp. Depending on the airstrip and lodge location, the transfer can take some time, with views of the landscapes around Bwindi on the way.

You check in, have lunch where the flight schedule allows, and spend the afternoon relaxing in the forest. Depending on your arrival time, an optional community or cultural experience can introduce you to local traditions and the link between tourism and conservation. You then have dinner at the lodge and prepare for the next day’s trek.

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  • Tour durationTrek of several hours
  • AccommodationLodge or camp near your Bwindi trekking sector
  • MealsBreakfast, lunch & dinner

Today is the highlight of your safari. After an early breakfast you transfer to the Uganda Wildlife Authority park headquarters for a briefing by experienced rangers on gorilla behaviour, forest safety, conservation and the guidelines for responsible wildlife viewing.

With trained ranger guides you set off into the dense rainforest to find your assigned habituated gorilla family. The trek may take several hours, depending on where the gorillas are and the terrain, and along the way you take in the sights, sounds, birds and other wildlife of this ecosystem. When the gorillas are found, you spend the permitted viewing time watching them feed, groom, interact and move through the forest. Photography is welcome within park regulations.

After the encounter you trek back to the starting point, where you may receive a gorilla trekking certificate, subject to the park’s arrangements. You then return to your lodge for lunch and a rest. In the afternoon you can add an optional visit to a nearby community to learn about local traditions, enjoy music and dance, hear stories or see locally made crafts, supporting community-based tourism. Dinner and an overnight stay follow.

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  • Tour durationTransfer, then a domestic flight
  • MealsBreakfast; lunch depending on flight schedule

Enjoy breakfast at your lodge and take in the peaceful atmosphere and views of the Bwindi highlands. Depending on your flight schedule, you can add a short nature walk or a final community visit, subject to availability and timing.

After check-out you transfer to the airstrip for your scheduled domestic flight back to Entebbe, with final aerial views of Uganda’s countryside before you land at Entebbe International Airport, where your safari ends. You can connect to your international flight if the timing of your domestic flight leaves enough connection time.

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This itinerary is a guide. Flight times depend on airline schedules and weather, and your trekking sector is confirmed when the gorilla permit is secured.

Before you go

Tour Details

  • Return scheduled domestic flights between Entebbe and the airstrip serving your Bwindi trekking sector
  • Airport transfers as specified in the itinerary
  • Private ground transfers between the airstrip, lodge and planned activities
  • Professional English-speaking driver-guide
  • Accommodation for 2 nights at a selected lodge or camp
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • One mountain gorilla trekking permit per person
  • Uganda Wildlife Authority park entry fees associated with the trekking experience
  • Services of Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger guides during the trek
  • Gorilla trekking briefing
  • Community or cultural experience where specified in the confirmed package
  • Drinking water during included ground transfers and activities
  • International flights
  • Uganda entry visa and other immigration charges
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Alcoholic and other personal beverages
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Porter services during gorilla trekking, unless included or requested
  • Optional activities not specified in the confirmed itinerary
  • Extra accommodation or transfers caused by flight delays or changes, unless agreed
Day 1Community or cultural experienceDepending on your arrival time, learn about local traditions and the link between tourism and conservation.
Day 2Community visitA nearby community visit with music, dance, stories and locally made crafts.
Day 3Nature walk or final community visitDepending on your flight schedule, subject to availability and timing.

Not included in the price unless your confirmed itinerary lists them.

Gorilla trekking runs all year. The drier months, December to February and June to September, usually make the trails easier underfoot. The rest of the year is greener and quieter, with more rain on the trails.

  • Domestic flights depend on availability, airline schedules, baggage limits and weather.
  • Bwindi has four gorilla trekking sectors, so the airstrip, lodge and trekking location must match your confirmed gorilla permit.
  • Permits should be secured in advance and are subject to availability and the booking conditions.
  • Trekkers must be 15 or older.
DifficultyModerate to challenging

Gorilla trekking involves walking on uneven, steep and sometimes muddy forest trails, and its length and difficulty vary. Porters can be hired locally to carry your bag and help on the slopes.

  • Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots
  • Long trousers and long-sleeved tops
  • A light rain jacket
  • Gardening gloves for gripping vines
  • Insect repellent and a hat
  • A small daypack and a camera without flash

Most visitors need a visa for Uganda. Check your own requirements well before you travel, and speak to your doctor about recommended vaccinations and malaria prevention.

Follow the rangers’ instructions and all wildlife-viewing regulations. Gorilla permit fees support the national park, its rangers and the communities around it.

Guest reviews

What Our Guests Say

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Adventure00681786045
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A must have experience! I recently went on a couples tour and it is a wonderful experience throughout. Our tour guide extended great hospitality and was very knowledgeable on many topics while giving the tour. He gave very interesting facts the entire tour, there was never a dull moment. I would highly recommend for anyone looking to have a similar experience.
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Sarah A
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It was such a Blast Amazing experience with Bespoke Safaris (U) Ltd. The guide was professional, friendly, and made our trip smooth from start to finish. Everything was well organized, and his knowledge and hospitality made exploring Murchison Falls even more special. I Highly recommend them for anyone looking for a memorable safari experience.
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Nomad06633789421
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Low cost, local tours by young Ugandans who are knowledgeable and committed. I was visiting Acholi in March and my Ugandan colleagues recommended Bespoke Safaris and dropped me off at the park where I had booked a low cost hotel for myself and my Bespoke guide in the hotel in the park. I only had 2 days. The guide drove up from Kampala and met me that evening. He was extremely knowledgeable about he park and animals I could see, I only had one day and had to be back in Kampala that night. We set off that evening and again at 0530, I had a safari tour car to myself and he ensured I saw everything, antelope, monkeys, lions, cheetah, giraffe, hippos, elephants and more. He was extremely knowledgeable, we seemed to be first everywhere, he knew all the other guides and they supported each other in ensuring we all had the best experience. He then drove me back to Kampala. What I really liked was that this is a young Ugandan owned and managed company and I felt I was supporting young entrepeneurs as well as having a great experience. I will use them again and see more of this beautiful country.
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Brian T
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A Trip to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kazinga Channel,Hot Springs, ETC Adventuring with Bespoke Tours and Travel-SMC LTD wasn’t just a tour but also an astounding experience,Our driver James was such an amicable man and well familiar with vast options of where and when I should tour, I visited several places including Queen Elizabeth National Park, saw , Lions,,Leopards, Elephants,,etc .The Twin lakes , The hot springs , Kazinga Channel with aquatic animals like Crocodile ,etc. He chose the best hotels for us with the best Menu and our safety was always his first priority . I highly recommend their service
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Bernard M
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We wanted to highly recommend this amazing company! Our experience working with them was outstanding. During our planning phase everything went extremely well. We worked with James Mutabazi, He was able to promptly respond to our questions and requests. Every single detail was handled extremely well. He made our dreamed itinerary a reality. James made our trip unforgettable. The hotels, transportation, driver,at the same time our guide , the food and environmental calmess and activities exceeded our expectations! We learned so much during our trip that we are still processing all the information we received and all the experiences we lived. Thank you for making our trip to the "pearl of Africa" a remarkable one Uganda being home, it still has a special place in my heart and mind. Thanks to Beskope tours and travel company
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Ramprasad N
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Fantastic service and Great memories We just wanted to take a moment to thank you for organizing such a memorable and smooth trip for us. Everything was well-planned — from the accommodations and transportation to the sightseeing spots and local experiences. We truly enjoyed every moment of our journey

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