A perfect ‘bolt-on’ to other holidays or business trips in Uganda
Uganda is one of only three destinations in the world where you can track mountain gorillas. This short break to Bwindi Impenetrable national park is the perfect ‘bolt-on’ to other holidays or business trips in Uganda or East Africa and there are good regional flight options available from Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania.
While there is a 4-night driving version that includes a visit to Lake Mburo National Park, this itinerary uses a domestic flight from Entebbe to whizz you down to Buhoma, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It is therefore suitable for people with less time or who prefer flying over driving. We also offer the chance to participate in a tree-planting experience which helps to off-set the carbon emissions of your flight.
Tour Highlights
Spend an hour with a gorilla family
Your ranger will lead you through the tropical rainforest in search of your gorilla family. Join the gorilla for a magical hour, observing their behaviour in their natural habitat.
Interact with local people on a village walk
Take a guided community walk to learn more about the community that lives alongside the gorillas. learn how they brew alcohol from banana leaves, and interact with them.
Tree planting experience
You will have an opportunity to plant a tree in the hotel grounds contributing to off-setting carbon emissions and afforestation efforts and providing fruits for local birds.
Enjoy a sunset cruise on Lake Victoria
You will also have time to relax and soak in the beauty of the sunset on a boat cruise on Lake Victoria while enjoying drinks and snacks as your looking at the sunset.
2 domestic flights over Uganda’s countryside
Enjoy the spectacular scenery of western Uganda as you fly from Entebbe international airport to Kihihi Airstrip and back to Entebbe international airport.Itinerary at a glance
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport
Day 2: Domestic flight from Entebbe to Kihihi Airstrip. Community walk
Day 3: Gorilla tracking. Optional activities
Day 4: Domestic flight to Entebbe. Sunset cruise. Flight back home
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive at Entebbe International Airport
On arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be met by our guide who will transfer you to your hotel, 10 minutes away.
Accommodation: The Boma, Entebbe.
Meal plan: if arriving early, meals can be purchased at the hotel
Day 2 - Flight from Entebbe to Kihihi Airstrip. Optional community walk
The hotel shuttle will transfer you to Entebbe International l Airport in time for your 10:15 flight to Kihihi Airstrip. On arrival, you will be met by the lodge staff who will transfer you to your lodge in Bwindi. After lunch, you will have an opportunity to plant a tree in the hotel grounds contributing to off-setting carbon emissions and afforestation efforts and providing fruits for guests and local birds.
Afterwards, take a 2-hour guided community walk to learn more about the community that lives alongside the gorillas. Meet a local healer, learn how they brew alcohol from banana leaves, and interact with the locals. In the late evening, relax at your lodge where there is a bar/lounge and a lovely log fire on cool evenings.
Accommodation: Mahogany Springs Lodge – Bwindi national park.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 - Gorilla tracking
07:30 after a short briefing at the park headquarters, with your small group, your ranger will lead you through the tropical rainforest in search of your gorilla family. Once you find them, you will join them for a magical hour, observing their behaviour in their natural habitat.
On your return, you may choose to relax at your lodge or, depending on what time you finish your trek, there are some options for further activities on a pay-as-you-go basis. These include:
- spa treatments and massage
- a visit to Conservation Through Public Health (CTPH) to find out more about their work – the organisation promotes Gorilla conservation by supporting the local community
- Bird watching in Bwindi impenetrable forest which is one of the top birding locations in Uganda.
Alternatively, you can simply relax at this beautiful lodge which has mature gardens including a kitchen garden, a comfortable lounge and a gift shop.
Accommodation: Mahogany Springs Lodge – Bwindi national park.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 - Fly to Entebbe. Sunset cruise. Connect to your international flight.
Making an early start, the lodge staff will transfer you to Kihihi airstrip in time for your 12:15 flight. Enjoy the spectacular scenery of western Uganda as you fly back to Entebbe (arriving 14:00). After lunch, visit a craft market for souvenir shopping. You will also have time to relax and soak in the beauty of the sunset on a boat cruise on Lake Victoria while enjoying drinks and snacks – weather permitting (17:00 – 18:30). A day room will be available up to 21:00 to freshen up before transferring to the airport in time for your flight back home.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Extend or customise this itinerary
If you have specific interests or target species we will be happy to suggest alternative and additional activities that fit this itinerary. Simply get in touch.
Relax in comfort
This itinerary features a selection of mid-range properties. We are looking for a good location; somewhere clean, safe and comfortable. We want good service, good food and, where possible, strong responsible travel practices. We are happy to suggest alternative properties and properties in different price brackets.
Responsible travel highlights
We offer fabulous holidays that have a positive impact. We consider people and planet as much as profit and try to ensure, that overall, your visit to Uganda is a force for good. We don’t claim to be perfect but we actively try.
Gorilla conservation
Gorilla numbers are slowly increasing, supported by sustainable tourism. Tracking permit revenue provides income for the Uganda Wildlife Authority – whose mandate is conservation – and a share also goes to communities.Responsible tourism
This itinerary presents an opportunity for tree planting therefore contributing to off-setting carbon emissions, repairing environmental degradation after deforestation, and contributing to local incomes.Our guests regularly spot…
Gorilla
Olive Baboons
Duiker
Vervet Monkey
L'hoest Monkey
Numerous birds
Insects and butterflies
Reptiles
Mongoose
Where the tour goes
Tour Gallery
Tour information
Duration: 4 days
Tour Type: Private
Price: Please contact our travel consultants who will be happy to provide detailed price information and options
Included in this price
1 gorilla tracking permit each
A double room in mid-range, non-air-conditioned accommodation
Full board meal plan
Private 4x4 safari-modified Land Cruiser with English-speaking driver/guide and fuel for this itinerary
All entrance and other fees for the activities included in the itinerary
Mineral water in transit
All government taxes
Not included in this price
International flights
Visas
Travel insurance
Personal expenses: alcohol, laundry services and souvenirs
Drinks during meals
Tips (normally 5–10% and around $10 per person, per day for your guide).
Read our Important Booking Information page for booking terms and conditions, payment information and insurance advice.
What Ronnie says about this safari…
This safari is an ideal addition to other holidays or business trips, perfect for those with limited time or who prefer flying over long road journeys. It offers a convenient and exciting way to experience Uganda’s scenery and gorillas.
Ronnie, Venture Uganda Senior Guide
Extend & Customise
If you have specific interests or target species we will be happy to suggest alternative and additional activities that fit this itinerary.
Enquire now
Got any questions?
If there’s anything you’re not sure about or you would just like to chat about this itinerary, email: philo@ventureuganda.org. Tell me when you’re free, leave a contact email/whatsapp No. and I’ll be in touch.
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Ready to book?
Please complete our Enquiry form and we’ll be in touch. Remember to mention the optional activities you would like to book and what kind of room you’d like. You may also find it really useful to look over our important information page where you can find out our terms and insurance policies.
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