5-Day Gorilla Flying Safari

A 5-Day Gorilla Flying Safari experience is an extraordinary adventure that provides an opportunity. Here you’ll observe and interact with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Here’s a step-by-step description of what a typical gorilla trekking experience might entail:

Day One: Pre-Trek Briefing

Early Morning: You wake up early and gather at the park headquarters. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. While in Rwanda, it’s often in Volcanoes National Park.
Registration and Briefing: You register and receive a briefing on gorilla trekking rules and safety guidelines.
Group Allocation: You join a gorilla group with a maximum of 8 visitors. Each group is led by an experienced guide and accompanied by trackers who locate the gorillas ahead of time.
Hiking Preparation: You can hire a porter to assist you with carrying your backpack and navigating the sometimes challenging terrain. Use sturdy hiking boots, long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and a rain jacket.

Two: The Trek

Setting Off: The trek begins, and you follow your guide and trackers into the forest. Trek from a few hours to a full day, depending on the location of the gorilla family you’re visiting.
Forest Exploration: As you hike through the dense forest, your guide will provide information about the flora and fauna in the area.
Locating the Gorillas: Once the gorillas are located, leave your bags and any unnecessary gear behind and proceed quietly.
Gorilla Encounter: When you come upon the gorilla family, you’ll spend up to one hour observing them. You’ll need to maintain a minimum distance and follow your guide’s instructions to ensure your safety.
Observation: You’ll enjoy interactions and behaviours of the gorillas as you watch them eat, play, and groom each other.
Photography: You can take photos with no flash, as it can disturb the gorillas. Be sure to have your camera ready to capture this incredible moment.

Three: Returning to Camp

Departure: After spending your allotted time with the gorillas, you’ll say goodbye and head back to the lodge.
Lunch and Debriefing: Once back at camp, you’ll have lunch and discuss your gorilla trekking experience.

Note: While the above is a general outline, keep in mind that gorilla trekking experiences can vary. All are based on the specific gorilla family, weather conditions, and the terrain of the park.

It’s essential to follow the park guidelines and maintain a respectful distance from the gorillas. This ensures their safety and the continuation of this incredible conservation effort.

Gorilla trekking is a unique and life-changing experience, it’s crucial to prioritize their conservation.

A 5-day gorilla flying safari focused solely on Uganda, here’s a more detailed itinerary for that specific destination:

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe

Arrive at Entebbe International Airport, the main international gateway to Uganda.
Transfer to your accommodation in Entebbe or Kampala, Uganda’s capital city.
Depending on your arrival time, you may have the option to explore Entebbe or relax at your lodge.

Spend the night in the Marriot Hotel (Protea)

Day 2: Flight to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After breakfast, catch a domestic flight from Entebbe to Kihihi Airstrip or Ishasha Airstrip, the nearest airstrip to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Upon arrival, transfer to your chosen lodge in the Bwindi region.
Spend the afternoon at leisure, acclimatizing to the area.

Overnight Kiho Lodge / Mahogany Springs on Fullboard

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Early morning breakfast.
Head to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking rules and safety procedures.
Begin your gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi, guided by park rangers and trackers.
Spend an hour with a gorilla family and observe them in their natural habitat.
Return to your lodge in the late afternoon and relax.

Overnight Kiho Lodge / Mahogany Springs on Fullboard

Day 4: Second Gorilla Trek or Optional Activities

You have the option to embark on a second gorilla trek to visit a different gorilla family in Bwindi.
Alternatively, you can choose from various optional activities such as nature walks, bird watching, or visiting the local community.
Spend another night at your lodge in the Bwindi region.

Overnight Kiho Lodge / Mahogany Springs on Fullboard

Day 5: Departure

After breakfast, transfer to the local airstrip (Kihihi or Ishasha) for your flight back to Entebbe International Airport.
Depending on your departure time, you may have free time for last-minute souvenir shopping or additional activities.
Fly back to Entebbe for your onward journey or return home.

This itinerary allows you to focus exclusively on the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. Where you can have two gorilla trekking experiences.

It’s essential to secure your gorilla trekking permits well in advance, as they are in high demand.

Additionally, make sure to be physically prepared for the trekking experience. It can be physically demanding due to the rugged terrain of Bwindi’s rainforest.

A detailed gorilla trekking experience is an extraordinary adventure that provides an opportunity to observe and interact with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Here’s a step-by-step description of what a typical gorilla trekking experience might entail:

Pre-Trek Briefing

Early Morning: You wake up early and gather at the park headquarters. In Uganda, this might be in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, while in Rwanda, it’s often in Volcanoes National Park.
Registration and Briefing: You register, and a park ranger provides a briefing on gorilla trekking rules, safety guidelines, and the importance of conservation efforts.
Group Allocation: You are assigned to a gorilla trekking group, usually consisting of a maximum of 8 visitors. Each group is led by an experienced guide and accompanied by trackers who locate the gorillas ahead of time.
Hiking Preparation: You are given a packed lunch, and you can hire a porter to assist you with carrying your backpack and navigating the sometimes challenging terrain. Make sure you’re appropriately dressed with sturdy hiking boots, long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and a rain jacket.

The Trek

Setting Off: The trek begins, and you follow your guide and trackers into the forest. The trekking can vary in duration, from a few hours to a full day. All this depends on the location of the gorilla family you’re visiting.
Forest Exploration: As you hike through the dense forest, your guide will provide information about the flora and fauna.
Locating the Gorillas: Once the gorillas are located, leave your bags and any unnecessary gear behind and proceed quietly.
Gorilla Encounter: When you find the gorilla family, you’ll spend up to one hour observing and photographing them. You’ll need to maintain a minimum distance and follow your guide’s instructions to ensure your safety.
Observation: Captivated by the interactions and behaviours of the gorillas as you watch them eat, play, and groom each other. And perhaps even see the dominant silverback in action.
Photography: Photography is allowed but with no flash, as it can disturb the gorillas. Be sure to have your camera ready to capture this incredible moment.

Returning to Camp

Departure: After spending your allotted time with the gorillas. You’ll say goodbye and head back to the starting point of your trek.
Lunch and Debriefing: You’ll have lunch and discuss your gorilla trekking experience with fellow trekkers and guides.

Note: While the above is a general outline, keep in mind that gorilla trekking experiences can vary.

It’s essential to follow the park guidelines and maintain a respectful distance. The gorillas to ensure their safety and the continuation of this incredible conservation effort.

Gorilla trekking is a unique and life-changing experience. It’s crucial to prioritize the conservation of these endangered animals and their habitat.