4-Day Gorilla and Chimpanzee Flying Safari in Uganda

Begin your adventure with a domestic flight from Entebbe to an appropriate airstrip serving the Queen Elizabeth National Park area, subject to the flight schedule. On arrival, meet your driver-guide and transfer by pop-up roof 4x4 vehicle towards Kyambura Gorge. The journey introduces you to western Uganda’s contrasting scenery, from open savannah to the lush vegetation surrounding the gorge.

After the necessary briefing, join experienced trackers for a chimpanzee-tracking excursion in Kyambura Gorge. Follow forest trails while listening for calls and watching for movement through the canopy. Although sightings cannot be guaranteed, finding a chimpanzee group can provide a memorable opportunity to observe their social behaviour in the wild. After the activity, transfer to your accommodation in the Queen Elizabeth region for dinner and an overnight stay.

Meals: Lunch and dinner, depending on flight timing and the selected accommodation plan.

Transport: Domestic flight from Entebbe to the Queen Elizabeth region, followed by a pop-up roof 4x4 transfer. Flight duration and road distance depend on the selected airstrip and lodge.

Enjoy breakfast before transferring to the appropriate airstrip for your scheduled domestic flight to the Bwindi region. Depending on your assigned gorilla trekking sector, the flight may arrive at Kihihi or Kisoro airstrip. Your driver-guide will meet you and transfer you through the beautiful highlands to your lodge near the relevant trekking headquarters.

Spend the remainder of the day settling into the forest surroundings and preparing for your gorilla trek. Your lodge team can brief you on the next day's arrangements, including the expected start time, what to carry, and the physical demands of trekking in steep, humid terrain. If time allows, enjoy a relaxed nature walk or a cultural experience arranged locally. An early night is recommended before the main wildlife encounter.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Transport: Pop-up roof 4x4 transfer to the departure airstrip, domestic flight to Kihihi or Kisoro, and 4x4 transfer to your lodge. Flight and driving times depend on the selected route and gorilla trekking sector.

After an early breakfast, travel to your designated gorilla trekking headquarters for registration and a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority staff. You will be assigned a gorilla family and join trained guides and trackers for a trek through Bwindi’s dense rainforest. The duration and difficulty vary according to the gorillas’ location, terrain, weather, and trail conditions, so a reasonable level of fitness is important.

Once your group locates the gorillas, you will be allowed the official viewing period—normally one hour—to observe them at a respectful distance. Watch the family feed, groom, rest, and interact in its natural habitat while following your guides’ instructions. After the trek, return to the lodge to relax and reflect on the experience. Depending on timing and energy levels, you may arrange an optional community or cultural visit.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Transport: Pop-up roof 4x4 transfers between the lodge and the assigned trekking headquarters. Driving distance depends on the lodge location and trekking sector; the forest trek is on foot.

Enjoy breakfast at your lodge before transferring to the airstrip assigned for your return flight. Depending on your location and flight schedule, you will depart from Kihihi or Kisoro and fly back to Entebbe. The flight offers a convenient alternative to the long road journey from southwestern Uganda and allows you to complete your safari with less time spent travelling overland.

On arrival in Entebbe, meet your transfer driver for drop-off at Entebbe International Airport, your hotel, or another agreed location. If you are connecting to an international flight on the same day, the domestic flight and road-transfer arrangements should be planned with an appropriate buffer. Where schedules are tight, an additional night in Entebbe is the safer option.

Meals: Breakfast; lunch depending on flight timing and package arrangements.

Transport: Pop-up roof 4x4 transfer to the airstrip, domestic flight to Entebbe, and onward road transfer to the agreed drop-off point. Flight duration and transfer distances depend on the selected airstrip and schedule.