5-Day Uganda Gorilla Fly-In Safari (Double Gorilla Trekking Fly-in Safari) – Gino Valente and His Father, Our Guide Dalson Made Wonders

From the moment we touched down at Entebbe Airport, we knew that this was going to be an extraordinary 5-Day Uganda Gorilla Fly-In Safari journey a blend of adventure, luxury, and intimate wildlife encounters. Uganda, often called the “Pearl of Africa,” offers a rare opportunity to experience pristine forests, rare primates, and vibrant local cultures, all within a condensed yet highly immersive itinerary.

This 5-Day Uganda Gorilla Fly-In Safari was meticulously crafted to allow us to focus entirely on one of the most exhilarating wildlife experiences on the planet: mountain gorilla trekking. Traveling with Deks Safaris and our expert guide, Dalson, we enjoyed seamless logistics, luxury accommodations, and unparalleled insight into Uganda’s forests and communities.

5 Days Uganda Double Gorilla Trekking Fly-in Safari Highlights

Day

Activities

Accommodation

Day 1

 

 Arrival at Entebbe Airport and Check-in for Relaxation at Entebbe Botanical Gardens Lake Victoria Hotel

Meal Plan: Dinner & Drinking Water

Day 2

 

 Morning Air Transfer to Kisoro and Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Rushaga Sector) Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, & Breakfast

Day 3

 

 Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Batwa Cultural Experience Ichumbi Hotel Kisoro

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, & Breakfast

Day 4

 

 Second Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga National Park

Optional: Go Golden Monkey Tracking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

 Mutanda Lake Resort

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, & Breakfast

Day 5

 

 Morning Road Transfer to Kisoro Airstrip and Flight Back to Entebbe None

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, & Breakfast

 

Tour Quotation Based on Two Travelers for a Fly-in Safari

  • Rate Per Person: US$4,398
  • Total Rate for Two People: US$8,796

5-Day Uganda Double Gorilla Trekking Fly-in Safari – Gino Valente & Father

Our 5-Day Uganda Gorilla Fly-In Safari adventure began with gentle immersion at Entebbe Botanical Gardens, offering a peaceful prelude to the thrill ahead. The next morning, we took a private flight to Kisoro, followed by a scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its dense vegetation and mountain gorilla families. Each step within this mystical forest was accompanied by the orchestral calls of birds, the rustle of leaves, and the occasional glimpse of shy monkeys darting through the foliage.

Days 3 and 4 promised the pinnacle of our safari: close encounters with gorillas in Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks, alongside optional Golden Monkey tracking. These moments were transformative watching silverbacks assert authority over their family groups, observing infants play and interact, and feeling the forest’s pulse firsthand was humbling and exhilarating simultaneously.

The 5-Day Uganda Gorilla Fly-In Safari itinerary’s design maximized wildlife encounters, cultural insights, and luxury comfort. From forest treks to cultural visits with the Batwa pygmy communities, every moment was crafted to deliver the perfect blend of adventure, education, and relaxation. This was not merely a 5-Day Uganda Gorilla Fly-In Safari it was an immersive experience that left us changed, inspired, and deeply connected to Uganda’s extraordinary landscapes and wildlife.

 

Detailed 5-Day Uganda Gorilla Fly-In Safari

Day 1 – Arrival at Entebbe Airport & Relaxation at Botanical Gardens

  • Accommodation: Lake Victoria Hotel
  • Meal Plan: Dinner & Drinking Water

Landing in Uganda, the warm, humid air was the first embrace of this incredible 5-Day Uganda Gorilla Fly-In Safari journey. Entebbe greeted us with vibrant greenery, the soft hum of Lake Victoria in the distance, and a gentle bustle of activity around the airport. We were whisked to the Lake Victoria Hotel, a luxurious retreat that combined comfort with immediate immersion into the region’s natural beauty.

The afternoon was dedicated to relaxation and acclimatization, strolling through the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, which felt like a living museum of tropical flora. Towering trees shaded us as we explored winding trails, discovering endemic plants, colorful flowers, and bird species. The serenity of the gardens was punctuated by occasional sightings of African grey parrots and kingfishers, their calls echoing through the verdant canopy.

Dinner at the hotel was an introduction to Ugandan culinary delicacies, with fresh, locally sourced ingredients prepared with finesse. Over the course of the evening, our guide Dalson briefed us on the days ahead, detailing the logistics of gorilla trekking, safety protocols, and what to expect from our fly-in safari. The day concluded with the quiet reflection that this was only the beginning of an unparalleled adventure.

  • Animals & Birds Sighted: African grey parrots, kingfishers, monitor lizards
  • Cultural Impressions: Interaction with local gardeners, traditional plant usage, Entebbe community life

Day 2 – Morning Air Transfer to Kisoro & Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Rushaga Sector)

  • Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, & Breakfast

The day began with an early private air transfer from Entebbe to Kisoro, a scenic flight offering panoramic views of Uganda’s rolling hills and distant mountain ranges. The aerial perspective highlighted the region’s lushness and the dramatic terrain leading to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Upon landing, a short drive through Kisoro’s picturesque countryside brought us to Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, perched on a hillside overlooking the dense forest canopy.

The lodge offered a perfect balance of luxury and immersion. Each room opened to the lush greenery below, and the terraces provided a front-row seat to the forest’s daily rhythms. After a light lunch, we took a gentle orientation walk around the lodge, spotting small primates and listening to the early forest calls. The anticipation of the gorilla trek the following morning was palpable; every rustle of leaves or distant call heightened our excitement.

Arrival at Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge

Evening was spent dining at the lodge, sampling gourmet dishes while recounting our flight’s vistas and absorbing the forest’s ambiance. The lodge staff shared stories of conservation efforts, local Batwa communities, and the complex ecosystems of Bwindi. Retiring for the night, we felt a deep connection to the forest, knowing that tomorrow would bring one of the most extraordinary wildlife encounters of our lives.

  • Animals & Birds Sighted: Black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, turacos, hornbills
  • Cultural Impressions: Kisoro village life, traditional agricultural practices, introduction to Batwa heritage

 

Day 3 – Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi & Batwa Cultural Experience

  • Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, & Breakfast

Dawn broke with the soft chirping of forest birds and mist rolling over the hills. We set off early for our mountain gorilla trek, guided by trackers intimately familiar with the gorilla families of Bwindi. As we entered the forest, the air was thick with humidity and the scent of damp earth. Every step required careful navigation through dense undergrowth, yet the forest’s energy was palpable primates chattered above, leaves rustled, and distant calls of hornbills punctuated the atmosphere.

Within an hour, we encountered our first gorilla family. The silverback emerged majestically, asserting gentle dominance while the younger gorillas played, napped, and occasionally approached us with curious glances. Observing their complex social interactions, from grooming rituals to playful tussles, was both humbling and awe-inspiring. The intimacy of the encounter being just meters from these gentle giants created an experience that words can scarcely capture.

A Visit to Batwa Community

After trekking back to the lodge, we visited a nearby Batwa community, immersing ourselves in their rich cultural heritage. The Batwa shared stories of forest life, traditional hunting techniques, and unique music and dances. It was enlightening to witness the intersection of culture and conservation firsthand how these communities have adapted while preserving their traditions amidst environmental changes.

Dinner at Ichumbi Lodge was accompanied by reflection, photos, and discussion of the day’s once-in-a-lifetime encounters. Sleep came easily, filled with anticipation for the next day’s second gorilla trek in Mgahinga.

  • Animals & Birds Sighted: Mountain gorillas, black-and-white colobus, red-tailed monkeys, turacos, sunbirds
  • Cultural Impressions: Batwa cultural storytelling, traditional music and dances, conservation education

Day 4 – Second Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga National Park & Optional Golden Monkey Tracking

  • Accommodation: Mutanda Lake Resort
  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, & Breakfast

The dawn of Day 4 of 5-Day Uganda Gorilla Fly-In Safari was electric with anticipation. Having already trekked the mountain gorillas in Bwindi, we knew the experience would be different but equally mesmerizing in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, a sanctuary nestled at the borders of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

We set off early, guided by our 5-Day Uganda Gorilla Fly-In Safari expert trackers, through the mist-laden bamboo forests. The Mgahinga terrain is unique steep hills, dense vegetation, and winding trails that test both endurance and resolve. Within a short time, we encountered another gorilla family. The silverback immediately commanded attention, exuding a quiet authority while juveniles playfully tumbled through the undergrowth. Each interaction revealed a tapestry of social dynamics grooming rituals, infant curiosity, and the protective vigilance of the adults. Being mere meters from these magnificent creatures was profoundly humbling, evoking a sense of reverence and gratitude.

Optional Golden Monkey Tracking Excursion

After completing our trek, we indulged in an optional golden monkey tracking excursion. Unlike gorillas, these monkeys are acrobatic, darting effortlessly between bamboo and eucalyptus. Observing their playful movements and vibrant coloration added a sense of delight and wonder to the day. The soundscape of chattering monkeys, bird calls, and rustling leaves created an immersive symphony of the forest.

By afternoon, we transferred to Mutanda Lake Resort, a luxurious lakeside haven with panoramic views of Mgahinga’s volcanic peaks reflected in tranquil waters. The lodge offered a perfect blend of comfort and immersion, with private terraces overlooking the lake, serene gardens, and a calm ambiance. Sunset brought breathtaking colors across the water, providing the perfect closure to a day steeped in 5-Day Uganda Gorilla Fly-In Safari adventure, wildlife, and wonder.

  • Animals & Birds Sighted: Mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, bamboo lemurs, turacos, hornbills, sunbirds
  • Cultural Impressions: Local Batwa storytelling, traditional forest conservation techniques, interaction with nearby villages

 

Day 5 – Morning Transfer to Kisoro Airstrip & Flight Back to Entebbe

  • Accommodation: None
  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, & Breakfast

The final day of our safari began with a serene morning at Mutanda Lake Resort. We enjoyed a leisurely breakfast, soaking in the views of volcanic peaks mirrored on the lake, reflecting on the extraordinary 5-Day Uganda Gorilla Fly-In Safari journey we had undertaken. Every sighting, every encounter, every moment felt like a rare gift, carefully curated by Deks Safaris and our exceptional guide, Dalson.

After packing, we transferred to Kisoro Airstrip for our flight back to Entebbe. The aerial perspective allowed us one last panoramic view of Uganda’s rich landscapes the dense forests of Bwindi and Mgahinga, the patchwork of villages, and the dramatic contours of rolling hills. Flying above these wildernesses, it became clear why Uganda is called the “Pearl of Africa”: its wildlife, landscapes, and cultures are jewels carefully preserved, waiting to be discovered.

Upon Arrival in Entebbe Board a Flight Back Home

Upon arrival in Entebbe, we reflected on the transformative nature of this journey. From intimate gorilla encounters to cultural exchanges with the Batwa, from breath-taking aerial views to the serenity of lakeside lodges, the 5-Day Uganda Gorilla Fly-In Safari experience exceeded every expectation. It was a perfect blend of adventure, luxury, and education, leaving us with memories that will last a lifetime.

  • Animals & Birds Sighted: Lake birds near Kisoro, forest birds during descent, occasional primates along the forest edge
  • Cultural Impressions: Farewell greetings from local communities, Batwa villages, Kisoro town life

 

5-Day Uganda Gorilla Fly-In Safari

Uganda Safari Adventure from Kigali

5-Day Uganda Gorilla Fly-In Safari Inclusions and Exclusions

Safari Inclusions

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off in Entebbe
  • Domestic flights: Entebbe → Kisoro → Entebbe
  • Accommodation in luxury lodges and resorts as per itinerary
  • Meals as specified: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • All safari activities and experiences including:
  • Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
  • Batwa cultural experience
  • Second gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park
  • Optional golden monkey tracking in Mgahinga
  • Professional English-speaking safari guide throughout
  • All park fees, gorilla permits, and conservation contributions
  • Transport in comfortable 4×4 safari vehicles during ground transfers
  • Bottled water throughout the safari
  • Expert logistical support for fly-in transfers

 

Safari Exclusions

  • International flights to/from Uganda
  • Travel visas and personal travel insurance
  • Gratuities for guides, lodge staff, and drivers
  • Personal expenses, souvenirs, and additional beverages
  • Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
  • Meals or drinks not specified in the plan

 

Gino & Father’s Final Reflection on 5-Day Uganda Gorilla Fly-In Safari

Looking back on these five days in Uganda, it’s difficult to put into words the profound impact of the experiences. Trekking mountain gorillas twice, witnessing playful golden monkeys, exploring misty bamboo forests, and engaging with the Batwa community created moments that were simultaneously exhilarating, humbling, and transformative.

With Deks Safaris and Tours Africa, every detail from seamless fly-in logistics to luxury lodges and intimate wildlife encounters was thoughtfully curated, ensuring maximum comfort and immersion. The combination of wildlife adventure, cultural insight, and scenic beauty made this 5-Day Uganda Gorilla Fly-In Safari journey a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Uganda is a land where adventure meets elegance, and this fly-in safari delivered an extraordinary encounter with some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife in the most intimate and luxurious way possible. It is an experience that will forever remain etched in our hearts.

 

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