Experience the unforgettable beauty of Uganda’s mountain gorillas on this 6 Days Flying Gorilla Trekking Safari in Bwindi, organised by Silverback Tour. This carefully planned safari combines convenient domestic flights, mountain gorilla trekking, scenic forest landscapes and cultural encounters in southwestern Uganda. You will fly from Entebbe to an airstrip serving Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, reducing the long road journey and allowing you more time to enjoy the region’s remarkable natural environment. Bwindi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important habitats for endangered mountain gorillas, offering you an extraordinary opportunity to observe these great apes in their natural rainforest home. Beyond gorilla trekking, you can discover local traditions, meet community members and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the forested highlands. With comfortable accommodation, a professional local guide and carefully arranged transfers, this flying safari offers an excellent combination of convenience, wildlife adventure and relaxation.
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe and Flight to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, or after breakfast if you are already staying in Entebbe, your Silverback Tour representative will welcome you and brief you about the safari arrangements. You will transfer to the domestic departure terminal for your scheduled or chartered flight to an airstrip serving the Bwindi region, such as Kihihi or Kisoro, depending on your lodge location and flight availability. During the flight, you may enjoy aerial views of Uganda’s green countryside, rolling hills, forests and agricultural landscapes. On arrival, your local driver-guide will meet you and transfer you to your lodge through the scenic highlands of southwestern Uganda. You will check in, enjoy lunch and have time to relax after your journey. Depending on your arrival time, you may take a gentle walk around the lodge or admire the surrounding forest and mountain scenery. In the evening, your guide will introduce you to the following days’ activities, after which you will enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation options: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge.
Meals: (Lunch, Dinner)
Day 2: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After an early breakfast, you will travel to the park headquarters in your designated trekking sector for a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. You will learn about mountain gorilla behaviour, conservation measures and the guidelines for observing these endangered primates responsibly. Accompanied by experienced rangers and trackers, you will enter the dense rainforest and follow trails through thick vegetation, steep slopes and beautiful forest scenery in search of a habituated gorilla family. The duration of the trek depends on the gorillas’ movements, the terrain and weather conditions, so you should be prepared for several hours of walking. Once the gorillas are located, you will spend the permitted one hour observing their behaviour, including feeding, grooming, resting and interactions between family members. After this extraordinary encounter, you will return to the park headquarters and transfer to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. The afternoon will be free to enjoy the forest views, take photographs around the lodge or discuss your experience with your guide before dinner.
Accommodation options: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 3: Batwa Cultural Experience and Community Exploration
You will begin the day with breakfast at your lodge before setting out to discover the cultural heritage of communities living around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Depending on your preferred activity and the location of your lodge, you may participate in a guided Batwa cultural experience led by community members. The Batwa are Indigenous people with a long historical connection to the forest, and the experience can introduce you to their traditional forest knowledge, storytelling, music and dance. You will learn how forest resources were traditionally used for food, shelter and medicinal purposes, while gaining an understanding of the changes communities have experienced through forest conservation and resettlement. You may also visit a nearby community project to learn about local livelihoods, small-scale farming, handicrafts and initiatives that support education and conservation. After lunch, you will have time to relax at your lodge or enjoy a guided walk in the surrounding area, subject to availability. In the evening, you will return to your accommodation for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation options: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4: Guided Forest Walk, Birdwatching and Leisure in Bwindi
After breakfast, you will have the opportunity to explore more of Bwindi’s remarkable biodiversity on a guided forest walk or birdwatching excursion, depending on your interests and the activities available in your trekking sector. Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, you will follow designated trails through the rainforest while learning about indigenous trees, medicinal plants, forest ecology and the importance of protecting this unique habitat. Bwindi is particularly renowned for its birdlife, including numerous Albertine Rift endemic species, making it an excellent destination for birdwatching enthusiasts. You may also encounter monkeys, butterflies and other forest wildlife during the walk, although sightings depend on natural conditions. After the morning activity, you will return to your lodge for lunch and some time to relax. The afternoon may be spent enjoying the lodge facilities, photographing the surrounding hills or taking part in an optional community visit. If you prefer a more adventurous experience and permits are available, you can ask Silverback Tour about arranging a gorilla habituation experience, which is a separate activity requiring its own permit and a longer time in the forest. You will finish the day with dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation options: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 5: Scenic Flight from Bwindi to Entebbe
You will enjoy breakfast at your lodge before checking out and transferring to the appropriate airstrip for your return flight to Entebbe. The airstrip will depend on your lodge and trekking sector, with Kihihi generally serving the northern Buhoma area and Kisoro serving the southern Rushaga and Nkuringo areas. Your guide will coordinate the transfer and help ensure you arrive in time for the scheduled flight. The flight offers a convenient alternative to the long road journey and may provide impressive aerial views of southwestern Uganda’s forested hills, valleys, farmland and lakes. On arrival in Entebbe, you will meet your transfer representative and travel to your hotel. After checking in, you can relax, enjoy the hotel facilities or take a short excursion around Entebbe if time permits. You may visit the shores of Lake Victoria or browse local craft shops for souvenirs, depending on your arrival time and interests. In the evening, you will enjoy dinner and an overnight stay, preparing for your international departure the following day.
Accommodation options: Hotel No.5, Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe, Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6: Departure from Entebbe
You will have breakfast at your hotel and some free time depending on your international flight schedule. If your departure is later in the day, you may relax at the hotel or enjoy a short walk around Entebbe before checking out. Your Silverback Tour representative will arrange your transfer to Entebbe International Airport, allowing sufficient time for check-in and departure procedures. During the journey, you can reflect on your time in Uganda, from flying over the countryside to trekking through the rainforest in search of mountain gorillas. You will also have experienced the cultural heritage of communities around Bwindi and learned more about the conservation work that helps protect one of the world’s most important mountain gorilla habitats. On arrival at the airport, your driver will assist with the drop-off before you proceed to your departure terminal. This marks the end of your 6 Days Flying Gorilla Trekking Safari in Bwindi with Silverback Tour.
Meals: (Breakfast)
Items Included
- 5 nights’ accommodation
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
- Return domestic flights between Entebbe and the Bwindi region
- Airport and airstrip transfers
- Private ground transfers in Bwindi
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Batwa cultural experience, if confirmed
- Guided forest walk or birdwatching activity, if confirmed
- Bottled drinking water during included activities
Items Excluded
- International flights
- Uganda visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic and premium drinks
- Laundry services
- Gorilla trekking porter fees
- Optional second gorilla trek or habituation experience
- Activities not specified as included
- Additional accommodation
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
- Excess baggage charges
- Unspecified services