There’s a particular thrill to reaching Bwindi by air rather than by road, low, scenic flying over some of Uganda’s most striking landscapes, arriving in a fraction of the time an overland journey would take. This four-day safari uses exactly that approach, an Aerolink flight from Entebbe to Kihihi, followed by a short transfer to Buhoma Lodge for two nights on a full-board basis.
The gorilla trek itself is the heart of the journey, tracking one of nine habituated family groups deep into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, the only forest in Africa home to both mountain gorilla and chimpanzee, alongside five further primate species and over 360 recorded bird species. Once located, a full hour spent in the gorillas’ company is, by nearly universal account, a genuinely humbling experience. Free time on arrival day allows for optional forest walks, birdwatching or a village walk, before the return flight to Entebbe, with the option to continue straight on to Kenya’s Maasai Mara for the next chapter of an East African adventure.
A focused, privately guided, fly-in gorilla trekking safari for travellers who want to maximise time with the gorillas and minimise time on the road.
This itinerary suits travellers who want the Bwindi gorilla trekking experience without committing a full day each way to overland travel, ideal for shorter trips or for those connecting straight on to another East African destination such as Kenya's Maasai Mara. It's a strong fit for travellers who value time and comfort, the scenic flight itself is a genuine highlight, not just a means of transport, and for anyone wanting a slightly more premium pace to their gorilla trekking safari.
As with SWB's other Bwindi gorilla trekking itineraries, the best value falls in April, May and November, when the gorilla permit drops from $800 to $600 per person. Since this itinerary flies rather than drives to Bwindi, road conditions matter less here than on the overland version, making it a slightly more weather-flexible option overall.
You’ll arrive in Entebbe today from your international flight, and after clearing customs and immigration, your driver will be waiting at international arrivals with a welcome sign bearing your name. From there, you’re driven to your luxury hotel in Entebbe for a one-night stay on a bed-and-breakfast basis.
This morning, you’re driven back to the airport to catch the first Aerolink flight down to Kihihi, a genuinely incredible flight taking you low over Uganda and offering stunning views of the landscape below. You’ll arrive in Kihihi before midday, met by your driver for the roughly two-hour drive through to Buhoma Lodge. Your stay for the next two nights is on a full-board basis. The afternoon is free to spend at leisure, relax, or take part in optional activities at additional cost, including forest walks, birdwatching or a village walk.
Today is the big day itself. Prepare yourself for an encounter with one of Bwindi’s gentle giants, the endangered mountain gorilla. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is the only forest in Africa home to both mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, alongside five further primate species, 113 mammal species, over 200 butterfly species, and 360 recorded bird species. The gorillas you track belong to one of nine habituated family groups able to tolerate a brief human presence each day. Tracking time can run anywhere from two to seven hours, and once located, your group is permitted a maximum of one hour in their company, a genuinely humbling and emotional experience, a rare privilege to get this close to Uganda’s own “gorillas in the mist.” You’ll return to the lodge in the afternoon to relax amid the surrounding scenery.
After breakfast today, you’ll be driven the roughly two hours back to Kihihi Airstrip to catch your return flight to Entebbe, connecting on to your onward travel arrangements. For those not quite ready to end the adventure, connecting straight on to Kenya’s Maasai Mara is an easy and genuinely rewarding way to continue the journey.
Pricing
Rates vary by season, with low season (April, May, November, when the gorilla permit is discounted to $600) from $1,850 per person, and peak season (all other months, standard $800 gorilla permit) from approximately $2,400 to $2,600 per person.
Why travel with us
We keep group sizes intentionally small so every guest gets the attention, flexibility, and authenticity a safari deserves.
Our guides are born from the landscapes they lead. Decades of knowledge, sharp eyes, and a genuine passion for East African wildlife.
From comprehensive pre-trip briefings to 24-hour in-country support, your safety and comfort are always our first consideration.
Every safari we operate contributes to wildlife conservation and local community projects across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
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