Day 1 · Arrival
Arrive Entebbe International Airport. Meet your Mwanzo guide, safari briefing, overnight near Lake Victoria or Kampala.
Uganda safari · 3 days
3-Day Fly-in Tour: Gorilla Flying Safaris in Uganda
Indicative from $2,250 per person · Solo, couples & groups · Serah Foundation on every booking
One of our gorilla flying safaris in Uganda: a domestic flight to the gorilla highlands instead of the long drive from Entebbe, so more of a short trip goes to the forest and the trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. It suits first-time gorilla trekkers, couples and small private groups with a short leave window.
Book this 3-day fly-in gorilla tour with Mwanzo Tours, a UTB-licensed Kampala tour operator. It is one of our Uganda safari packages for 2027, and you can compare other routes in our Uganda tours and safaris or the full package list. Compare flying and driving to the gorillas. Check availability or read the safari planning guide.
Why this safari?
Domestic flight to the gorilla highlands maximises forest time and minimises the long drive from Entebbe, the smartest option for short leave windows and post-conference add-ons.
Who is this safari for?
First-time gorilla trekkers, couples, and small private groups, minimum age 15 for UWA permits; honest fitness briefing before sector booking.
Physical difficulty
Moderate to strenuous. Forest trek 1 to 6 hours at altitude; porter recommended in all sectors.
Best time to go
Year-round trekking; June to September and December to February are driest. April, May, November offer $600 UWA promotional permits. Book peak dates 3 to 5 months ahead.
Your safari vehicle
Private pop-up roof 4×4 (Land Cruiser or equivalent) with UTB-licensed guide (English, German, Dutch, French, Italian or Spanish), water and charging.
Your lead planner
Itinerary reviewed by Anthony Kiweewa, gorilla permits secured weekly from Kampala. Field guides include Daniel (25 years Queen Elizabeth & Bwindi) and Maria (women's journeys).
Gorilla permits: $800 peak / $600 promotional months, full permit cost guide · UWA official tariffs.
Wildlife & experiences you can expect
- Mountain gorillas (habituated families)
Serah Foundation, where your booking goes
Every Mwanzo safari contributes to Serah Foundation, a registered community organisation supporting education, health outreach, and livelihood programmes in communities bordering Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth. We publish what your booking supports; this is not a vague "community fee."
On this safari
Scenes from Mwanzo departures, your route uses the same guides, vehicles, and lodge standards.
Traveller reviews
Independent ratings from guests who booked gorilla and wildlife safaris with Mwanzo Tours.
Related planning guides
Day-by-day itinerary
Sample route, customised to your dates, lodges, and fitness.
Day 2 · Bwindi
Pre-trek briefing. Full-day mountain gorilla trek, 1 to 6 hour forest hike, one hour with a habituated family. Certificate on completion.
Day 3 · Departure
Transfer to Entebbe (or Kigali if routed). Day room if evening flight. Farewell from your Mwanzo team.
Highlights
- Mountain gorilla trekking with habituated families
- Domestic flights to maximise time in the forest
- Time in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle with guide (English, German, Dutch, French, Italian or Spanish)
- Serah Foundation contribution on every booking
Parks & regions
- Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Typically included
- Gorilla permit included when stated in quote ($800 UWA fee)
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle & UTB-licensed guide (English, German, Dutch, French, Italian or Spanish)
- Park entrance & conservation fees
- Accommodation as quoted (mid-range or premium)
- Meals as per itinerary (B/L/D)
- Drinking water in vehicle
- Airport transfers on arrival & departure days
- Serah Foundation contribution on every booking
Not included
- International flights & Uganda visa
- Travel insurance is not included; guests arrange their own.
- Gorilla/chimp permits unless stated in quote
- Tips, personal expenses & alcoholic drinks
- Optional activities not in itinerary
Example lodges (named in your quote)
Exact property confirmed in writing before you travel, representative mid-range and premium options:
Mid-range
| Bwindi | Buhoma Haven Lodge or Rushaga Gorilla Camp |
| Queen Elizabeth | Elephant Plains Lodge or Bush Lodge |
| Kibale | Kibale Forest Camp or Turaco Treetops |
| Murchison | Pakuba Safari Lodge or Fort Murchison |
Premium
| Bwindi | Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp or Mahogany Springs |
| Queen Elizabeth | Mweya Safari Lodge or Kyambura Gorge Lodge |
| Kibale | Primate Lodge Kibale or Kyaninga Lodge |
| Murchison | Paraa Safari Lodge or Baker's Lodge |
Booking & payment
Deposit
Typically 30% on booking to secure gorilla/chimp permits and lodges. Permits are non-refundable under UWA rules, we explain this before you pay.
Balance
Due 60 days before departure unless agreed otherwise. Bank transfer or card. EUR/USD quotes available for European travellers.
Cancellation
Tiered policy in our booking terms. Travel insurance with cancellation cover strongly recommended.
Your money
Full breakdown in our payment reassurance guide, what is held and when permits are purchased.
Common questions
How much does a 3-day Uganda safari cost?
Indicative from $2250 per person. Final quote depends on lodges, group size, and permit inclusion.
Can I book gorilla trekking Uganda as a solo traveller?
Yes. Mwanzo Tours runs private departures for solo travellers, couples, and groups, no forced large bus groups.
Does Mwanzo secure gorilla permits?
Yes. We purchase Uganda Wildlife Authority permits on your behalf once a deposit is received. Peak season requires 3 to 6 months lead time.
Is this Uganda safari package customisable?
Every itinerary is tailored to your dates, fitness, and lodge preference. The day-by-day route shown is a proven template.
What is included in Uganda gorilla trekking packages?
Typically: permit (when quoted), 4×4 transport, UTB-licensed guide, lodges and park fees.
What are Uganda flying safaris?
A flying safari uses a domestic flight instead of a long road transfer. On this 3-day trip the flight takes you to the gorilla highlands near Bwindi, so you spend more time in the forest. Flight details are confirmed in your written quote, and our 3-day gorilla trekking tour in Bwindi is the by-road alternative if you prefer a 3 day gorilla safari Uganda trip without flights.
Enquire about this safari
We reply within 1 business day. No obligation, your written quote confirms lodges, permits, and final price.
Prefer WhatsApp? +256 789 487 378 · See deposit & cancellation policy
Itinerary reviewed by Anthony Kiweewa · Meet your planner · Booking terms