Is 3-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking Possible from a Kenya Safari?

Many travelers planning a wildlife safari in Kenya often ask, “Is 3-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking possible from a Kenya safari?” The answer is a confident yes. You can easily combine a classic Big Five safari in Kenya’s famous Masai Mara or Amboseli with a short yet rewarding gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This combination allows you to experience the best of East Africa—iconic savannah landscapes teeming with wildlife and the misty mountain jungles were endangered mountain gorillas roam freely.

A 3-day gorilla trekking tour from Kenya is ideal for travelers with limited time who still want to witness one of the world’s most remarkable wildlife encounters. Thanks to regional flight connections and expert logistics planning by Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd, this cross-border adventure is not only doable but also highly enjoyable. With just three days, you can fly from Nairobi to Entebbe, transfer to Bwindi, trek the mountain gorillas, and return to Kenya or proceed with your onward journey.

Exceptional East Africa Gorilla Safaris and Tour Packages

Habituated Gorilla Families in Bwindi

Flight Options from Kenya to Uganda for Gorilla Trekking

Convenient Regional Flight Connections
To answer the question “Is 3-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking possible from a Kenya safari?” we must consider flight accessibility. Luckily, several reliable regional airlines offer daily flights from Kenya to Uganda. The main gateway is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi, which provides direct connections to Entebbe International Airport (EBB) in Uganda.

Airlines operating between Kenya and Uganda include:

Uganda Airlines – Direct flights between Nairobi and Entebbe (approx. 1 hour 15 minutes)
Kenya Airways – Daily direct flights with flexible departure times
RwandAir – Connecting flights via Kigali for regional travelers
AirKenya and Aerolink Uganda – Offer charter and scheduled flights connecting Nairobi, Entebbe, and Bwindi

Upon arrival in Entebbe, travelers can board a domestic flight to either Kihihi Airstrip or Kisoro Airstrip, depending on the gorilla trekking sector in Bwindi. Aerolink Uganda operates daily flights from Entebbe to these airstrips, with flight durations of around 1 hour 30 minutes. Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd organizes seamless ground transfers from the airstrip to your lodge, ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey.

What to Expect on a 3-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour from Kenya

Day-by-Day Adventure Plan

Still wondering, “Is 3-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking possible from a Kenya safari?” Let’s break down what the three days look like to help you visualize this thrilling journey:

Day 1: Fly from Nairobi to Bwindi via Entebbe

Your adventure begins with a morning flight from Nairobi to Entebbe, Uganda. Upon arrival, you connect to a domestic flight to Kihihi or Kisoro Airstrip, depending on which sector of Bwindi you’re trekking in. After landing, a scenic drive of 1–2 hours bring you to your safari lodge. The rest of the day is for relaxation, cultural exploration, and preparing for your gorilla trek the next day.

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

This is the highlight of your trip. You’ll rise early for a briefing at the Uganda Wildlife Authority headquarters. Then, you’ll head into the dense, misty forest with an experienced guide and armed ranger. The trek can take 2 to 6 hours depending on the location of the gorilla family. Once you find them, you get to spend one unforgettable hour in their presence, observing their behavior and capturing once-in-a-lifetime photos.

Day 3: Return to Kenya

After breakfast, you are transferred back to the airstrip for a return flight to Entebbe, and then onward to Nairobi. You may choose to return to your Kenya safari circuit or catch an international flight home. With this structured itinerary, a gorilla trekking experience fits neatly into your broader East African adventure.

How Much is a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Uganda?

Current Permit Prices and Booking Information

A common question travelers ask when planning this experience is: “How much is a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda?” As of 2024, a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs US$800 per person for foreign non-residents. This permit allows you one full hour of interaction with a habituated gorilla family in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

For those looking for a more immersive experience, Uganda also offers the Gorilla Habituation Experience at a cost of US$1,500 per person. This special permit lets you spend up to four hours with a gorilla family that is still being habituated to human presence. It’s perfect for travelers seeking deeper understanding and extended observation.

Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd handles all permit arrangements, ensuring your permits are secured in advance. Due to the high demand and limited availability—only 8 visitors are allowed per gorilla group per day—it is recommended to book at least 6 months ahead to avoid disappointment.

Can I Combine Gorilla Trekking in Uganda with the Great Wildlife Migration in Kenya or Tanzania?

Experience the Best of East Africa

Another popular query we receive is: “Can I combine gorilla trekking in Uganda with the Great Wildlife Migration in Kenya or Tanzania?” Absolutely! This is one of the most breathtaking combinations possible in African travel. Witnessing the Great Migration in the Masai Mara or Serengeti, followed by intimate encounters with mountain gorillas in Bwindi, offers the ultimate safari experience.

Most travelers begin their adventure in Kenya or Tanzania between July and October, when the Great Migration is in full swing. After experiencing river crossings and predator-prey interactions, they fly to Uganda for a 3- or 4-day gorilla trekking extension. The regional proximity and availability of daily flights make this combination very feasible.

Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd expertly curates such multi-country itineraries, ensuring efficient transitions, quality accommodations, and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or in a group, we make it easy to combine these iconic wildlife experiences into one smooth, life-changing journey.

Why Choose Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd for Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure?

Trusted Experts in Uganda Safari Planning

When asking “Is 3-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking possible from a Kenya safari?” it’s important to partner with a trusted operator who can handle cross-border logistics and park requirements. Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd is a reputable and registered Uganda tour operator with years of experience in organizing both gorilla trekking and multi-country safaris.

Our team ensures everything from gorilla permits, internal flights, accommodation, and transfers is professionally managed. We work closely with top-rated lodges and expert local guides to give you the most memorable and personalized experience. With us, you can rest assured that your 3-day gorilla trekking extension from Kenya will be smooth, safe, and stress-free.

From budget to luxury travel styles, we cater to all needs and deliver top-notch safari experiences. Plus, our in-depth knowledge of regional air schedules and park regulations makes your journey seamless and efficient.

Conclusion: Is 3-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking Possible from a Kenya Safari?

The Answer is a Resounding Yes!

So, is 3-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking possible from a Kenya safari? Yes—it’s not only possible, but it’s one of the most incredible ways to enrich your East African safari. In just three well-planned days, you can travel from the plains of Kenya to the misty mountains of Uganda, standing face to face with the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas.

By choosing Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd, you’re assured of expert planning, seamless logistics, and unforgettable memories. Whether you want a short extension or a fully customized East African safari, we’re here to make it happen.

Contact us today to start planning your Kenya-Uganda safari combination, and let us take you to the heart of Africa’s most inspiring wildlife encounters.

Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd

Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd is a Uganda-based safaris tour operator. We operate with a high passion for taking you through the beautiful nation of Uganda – the Pearl of Africa. A destination that offers you the best jungle adventures in Africa. We will help you experience East Africa at large with insight from a local tour guide.