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

Is 3-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking Possible from a Zanzibar Safari? Absolutely, a 3-day Uganda gorilla trekking safari from a Zanzibar beach vacation is not only possible but also a thrilling addition to your East African adventure. Many travelers visiting Zanzibar Island for its pristine beaches and Swahili culture often wish to combine it with a bucket-list experience like gorilla trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. With well-coordinated logistics and expert planning from a trusted tour operator like Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd, this journey can be smoothly executed in just three days. The trip typically begins with a flight from Zanzibar (ZNZ) to Entebbe International Airport (EBB), followed by a domestic flight to Kihihi or Kisoro, both near Bwindi National Park.

Zanzibar’s Abeid Amani Karume International Airport offers daily connections to Entebbe via airlines such as Uganda Airlines, Kenya Airways, and Precision Air—most with a brief layover in Nairobi or Kilimanjaro. Once in Entebbe, a short flight with Aerolink Uganda or Bar Aviation takes you to Bwindi’s airstrips. From there, a Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd driver-guide will transfer you through Uganda’s lush highlands to your forest lodge. Within hours, you’ll be soaking in the sounds of nature in one of Africa’s richest biodiversity hotspots, getting ready for a life-changing gorilla trekking experience.

Exceptional East Africa Gorilla Safaris and Tour Packages

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

3-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking Itinerary from Zanzibar Safari

Day 1: Fly from Zanzibar to Bwindi Forest via Entebbe

Your 3-day journey starts early with a flight from Zanzibar to Entebbe. Depending on flight availability, you may opt for a direct route with a short connection in Nairobi or Kilimanjaro. Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will board a scheduled domestic flight to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrip, the two closest entry points to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The flight takes approximately 1 hour and offers spectacular views of Uganda’s lush landscapes.

Upon landing, a representative from Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd will welcome you and transfer you to your pre-booked lodge located near your assigned trekking sector—Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, or Nkuringo. Enjoy a delicious dinner and settle in as you prepare for your exciting gorilla trek the next day. Lodges vary in luxury level from budget to high-end options like Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, or Rushaga Gorilla Lodge.

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Early Morning Adventure
After an early breakfast, your driver-guide will take you to the park headquarters for a briefing session. Here, experienced rangers will explain gorilla trekking guidelines and assign you to a specific gorilla family based on your fitness level and interests.

The Gorilla Trekking Experience
The trek can last anywhere from 2 to 6 hours depending on the gorilla family’s location. Once you find them, you are allowed one magical hour to observe these endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Watch them feed, groom, and interact—an awe-inspiring, emotional experience you will never forget.

What to Bring
Good hiking boots, a rain jacket, gloves, a walking stick, and a packed lunch are recommended. The trek through the dense, misty forest is challenging but deeply rewarding.

Return and Relaxation
After your trek, return to the lodge for lunch and a well-deserved rest. Optional activities in the afternoon include community visits, nature walks, or simply unwinding with panoramic views over the Bwindi Forest canopy.

Day 3: Fly Back to Zanzibar or Continue to Other East African Safaris

Departure from Bwindi to Entebbe
After breakfast, you will be transferred back to the airstrip for your domestic flight to Entebbe. Depending on your schedule, you can catch your return flight to Zanzibar the same day or spend an extra night in Entebbe, exploring the botanical gardens or visiting Lake Victoria.

Extend Your Safari
If you wish to extend your East African adventure, this is the perfect time to combine your Uganda gorilla trekking safari with the Great Wildlife Migration in Kenya’s Masai Mara or Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd offers custom packages that connect gorilla trekking with the iconic Big Five game drives and river crossings, making your African dream safari a reality.

How Much is a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Uganda?

One of the most frequently asked questions is: How much is a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda? As of 2024, the Uganda Wildlife Authority has set the gorilla trekking permit fee at USD 800 per person. This fee includes park entry, a trained guide, and a one-hour experience with a habituated gorilla family.

Alternatively, adventurous travelers may opt for the Gorilla Habituation Experience, which allows you up to four hours with a gorilla group still getting used to human presence. This immersive experience costs USD 1,500 per person and is only available in the southern Bwindi sectors—Rushaga and Nkuringo.

Permits are limited and high in demand, especially during peak seasons (June–September and December–February), so it is advisable to book at least 6 months in advance. Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd can assist in securing your permits and ensuring all logistics are handled professionally.

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

Yes, you absolutely can! Another common inquiry we receive is: Can I combine gorilla trekking in Uganda with the Great Wildlife Migration in Kenya or Tanzania? The answer is a resounding yes. In fact, this combination is among the most iconic and unforgettable African safari experiences.

After completing your 3-day Uganda gorilla trekking safari, you can easily catch a connecting flight from Entebbe to Nairobi (Kenya) or Arusha (Tanzania) to witness the spectacular Great Migration. This natural wonder involves over two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles moving in a circular route through the Serengeti and Masai Mara ecosystems. Depending on the season, you could witness calving, dramatic river crossings, or predator-prey interactions.

Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd offers customized combo itineraries that seamlessly merge gorilla encounters in Uganda with game drives in the Masai Mara or Serengeti. We manage all logistics, from inter-country flights and border transfers to luxury lodge bookings, ensuring your East Africa safari flows with comfort and adventure.

Why Choose Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

Reputable, Registered, and Trusted
Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd is a fully registered Ugandan tour operator with a proven track record in organizing seamless gorilla trekking safaris, multi-country adventures, and tailor-made experiences across East Africa. Our team of expert guides, professional safari planners, and local partnerships guarantees a safe and rewarding experience.

Personalized Service
We pride ourselves on offering personalized itineraries based on your interests, travel dates, and budget. Whether you’re seeking a luxury fly-in safari, a mid-range eco-lodge adventure, or a budget gorilla trekking tour, we have flexible options to suit every traveler.

Expert Knowledge and 24/7 Support
Our knowledgeable team provides insider tips, real-time flight updates, and around-the-clock assistance from arrival to departure. We ensure your 3-day Uganda gorilla trekking safari from Zanzibar is stress-free, well-timed, and unforgettable.

Final Thoughts: Is 3-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking Possible from a Zanzibar Safari?

Yes—it’s not only possible, it’s an extraordinary adventure! By coordinating your Zanzibar beach holiday with a short gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, you can enjoy two of East Africa’s most iconic experiences in a single trip. From the tranquil shores of Zanzibar to the misty jungles of Uganda, this unique combination offers unmatched diversity, excitement, and memories that will last a lifetime.

Let Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd handle all the arrangements—from flights and permits to accommodation and transfers—so you can focus on enjoying your once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking journey. Get in touch today to start planning your 3-day Uganda gorilla trekking safari from Zanzibar and experience the wild heart of Africa with a trusted local expert.

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.