10-Day Uganda Fly-in Safari
Welcome to the Uganda Fly-in Safari: Gorilla Trekking & Chimpanzee Safari – a 10-day adventure through the heart of Uganda’s wilderness. This safari is designed for those who seek both adventure and luxury, offering fly-in transfers for a smoother and more efficient journey. Experience the magic of Uganda’s renowned wildlife sanctuaries, including the iconic Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kibale National Park, and Queen Elizabeth National Park, all while enjoying luxurious accommodations and expert-guided experiences.
Throughout this 10-Day Uganda Fly-in Safari journey, you’ll have the chance to track the majestic mountain gorillas in Bwindi, spend an unforgettable day with the chimpanzees of Kibale, witness the famed tree-climbing lions in Ishasha, and much more. Each day is packed with exciting safari activities, from game drives and primate tracking to cultural experiences with the Batwa Pygmies.
This 10-Day Uganda Fly-in Safari itinerary is ideal for those looking for an exceptional wildlife adventure with a touch of luxury. The fly-in transfers significantly reduce travel time between destinations, allowing you to maximize your safari experience while enjoying the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife of Uganda. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor to Africa, this safari will undoubtedly be a highlight of your travel experiences.
Detailed 10-Day Uganda Fly-in Safari
Arrival and Fly-in Safari to Kasese
Your 10-Day Uganda Fly-in Safari journey begins with a warm welcome at Entebbe International Airport where you will be met by your Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd representative. From there, you’ll board a chartered flight to Kasese Airstrip, the gateway to Uganda’s Kibale National Park. This 1.5-hour flight offers breathtaking aerial views of Uganda’s diverse landscapes, including expansive forests, lakes, and rolling hills. Upon arrival at Kasese Airstrip, your guide will be waiting to transfer you to your lodge near Kibale.
Afternoon: Leisure Time and Relaxation
Upon reaching Kibale, you’ll check in to your luxurious lodge, where you can relax and take in the panoramic views of the surrounding forest and countryside. Enjoy a delicious welcome lunch and rest for the remainder of the afternoon. The natural beauty surrounding the lodge will help you unwind and prepare for your upcoming primate adventure.
Overnight in Kibale National Park
Your first night will be spent in one of Kibale’s luxury lodges. Relax and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of this forested region. Dinner will be served, offering a selection of local and international dishes to suit all tastes.
- Accommodation: Crater Safari Lodge
- Meal Plan: Full Board Basis
Morning: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale National Park
After breakfast, embark on an exciting chimpanzee trekking experience in Kibale National Park, one of the best locations in the world for chimpanzee tracking. Kibale is home to over 1,400 chimpanzees, and you’ll join an expert 10-Day Uganda Fly-in Safari guide who will lead you through the dense forest, helping you locate a family of these fascinating primates. The trek can last from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the location of the chimpanzees.
During the trek, you’ll not only encounter the chimpanzees, but also a variety of other primates, such as red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, and olive baboons. Your 10-Day Uganda Fly-in Safari guide will provide fascinating insights into the behavior and ecology of the chimps, making this an educational as well as exciting adventure. Once you find the chimpanzees, you’ll have an unforgettable hour to observe them in their natural habitat as they interact with each other, forage for food, and display their social behaviors.
Afternoon: Primates Walk in Bigodi Wetland
In the afternoon, visit the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, located just outside Kibale National Park. This bird-watching paradise is home to a variety of primates and offers a gentle nature walk through its swampy trails. As you explore the wetland, you might encounter red colobus monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and even baboons. The sanctuary is also famous for its wide range of bird species, including the Great Blue Turaco and African Pygmy Kingfisher.
Overnight in Kibale National Park
Return to your lodge in the late afternoon to unwind after an exciting day of tracking and walking. Enjoy dinner and relax in the tranquil surroundings, preparing for the next day’s adventure.
- Accommodation: Crater Safari Lodge
- Meal Plan: Full Board Basis
Morning: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, depart Kibale and travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park. This 2-hour drive will take you through beautiful countryside, past villages, forests, and savannah landscapes. The park is famous for its diversity of wildlife, including the Big Five—lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos.
Afternoon: Afternoon Game Drive
Upon arrival at your lodge, check in and enjoy a hearty lunch. Later in the afternoon, embark on an exhilarating game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park. Your 10-Day Uganda Fly-in Safari guide will take you through key areas of the park, offering excellent opportunities to spot lions, buffaloes, elephants, giraffes, warthogs, and more. The park is also home to several bird species, including the African Fish Eagle and Pink-backed Pelican. The diversity of landscapes, from savannah to wetlands, means that every drive offers a new experience.
Overnight in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Spend the night at one of the park’s luxury lodges, offering stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. Relax and enjoy dinner while listening to the sounds of the African bush.
- Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge
- Meal Plan: Full Board Basis
Morning: Game Drive and Lion Search
Start your day with an early breakfast, then head out for a morning game drive in search of the park’s predators. Queen Elizabeth is one of the best places in Uganda to see lions, and the chances of encountering these magnificent creatures are high. The park is also home to other exciting wildlife, including leopards, buffaloes, and elephants.
Afternoon: Wildlife Spotting in the Park
In the afternoon, continue your 10-Day Uganda Fly-in Safari exploration with another game drive, focusing on the park’s diverse landscapes. As you drive through the Ishasha Sector, you’ll have the opportunity to spot the park’s famous tree-climbing lions. These lions are a unique phenomenon, often seen lounging in the branches of fig trees, providing an unforgettable wildlife sighting.
Overnight in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Return to your lodge for a relaxing evening. Enjoy another delicious meal and unwind in the serene surroundings of the park.
- Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge
- Meal Plan: Full Board Basis
Morning: Visit to Ishasha Sector for Tree-Climbing Lions
Today, you’ll travel to the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, a region renowned for its tree-climbing lions. Early morning game drives in Ishasha offer you the chance to see these incredible predators perched in the branches of large fig trees, which is an awe-inspiring sight. As you explore, you may also encounter other wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, and warhogs.
Afternoon: Afternoon Safari in Ishasha
Spend the afternoon exploring the area further, spotting wildlife and marveling at the diverse ecosystems. Ishasha is also home to several species of birds, making it an ideal destination for bird enthusiasts.
Overnight in Queen Elizabeth National Park
After a thrilling day, return to your lodge for dinner and a restful night.
- Accommodation: Enjojo Lodge
- Meal Plan: Full Board Basis
Morning: Fly to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Today, you’ll catch a morning flight from Kihihi Airstrip near Queen Elizabeth to Kisoro Airstrip. The flight will last approximately 1 hour, offering scenic views of Uganda’s virunga mountains and forest landscapes. Upon arrival at Kisoro, you’ll be transferred to your lodge near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Afternoon: Batwa Pygmies Cultural Experience
In the afternoon, enjoy a cultural experience with the Batwa Pygmies. This community, known as the “people of the forest,” has lived in Bwindi for centuries. During the visit, you’ll learn about the Batwa’s traditional ways of life, including their hunting techniques, forest knowledge, and cultural practices. The experience includes a walk through the forest and the chance to interact with the Batwa people, who will share their unique history and cultural heritage.
Overnight in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After an enriching cultural experience, return to your lodge for a relaxing evening. Enjoy a delicious dinner while reflecting on the day’s adventures.
- Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge
- Meal Plan: Full Board Basis
Morning: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Today is the highlight of your 10-Day Uganda Fly-in Safari – gorilla trekking in the renowned Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Early in the morning, you’ll depart for the park’s headquarters, where you’ll be briefed on the rules and guidelines for gorilla trekking. Bwindi is home to several habituated gorilla families, and your expert guides will lead you through the dense forest to locate one of these magnificent groups.
The trek can take 2-8 hours depending on the location of the gorillas, and the terrain can be challenging, but the reward is worth it. Once you encounter the gorillas, you’ll have the privilege of spending one hour observing these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.
Overnight in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Return to your lodge after the trek, where you can unwind and enjoy a well-deserved meal. Reflect on the life-changing experience of meeting these gentle giants.
- Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge
- Meal Plan: Full Board Basis
Morning: Golden Monkey Tracking
After breakfast, embark on a golden monkey tracking adventure in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located just a short drive from Bwindi. Golden monkeys are a rare species, and this trek offers a unique opportunity to see these vibrant primates in their natural habitat. The trek can last between 2-4 hours, and you’ll be guided by park rangers who will share insights into the ecology and behavior of these fascinating monkeys.
Afternoon: Explore Mgahinga
In the afternoon, you can explore Mgahinga’s lush landscapes, spot other wildlife, and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Overnight in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Return to your lodge in Bwindi for a relaxing evening, followed by dinner and an overnight stay.
- Accommodation: Mutanda Lake Resort
- Meal Plan: Full Board Basis
Morning: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
After breakfast, depart for Lake Bunyonyi, a serene lake surrounded by hills and villages. This peaceful spot is perfect for relaxation after a few days of intense wildlife tracking. Enjoy a boat ride on the lake, visit local villages, and take in the stunning views.
Overnight at Lake Bunyonyi
Spend the night at a lakeside lodge, where you can unwind and enjoy the tranquility of the area.
- Accommodation: Lake Bunyonyi Overland Resort
- Meal Plan: Full Board Basis
Morning: Transfer to Kisoro Airstrip
In the morning, transfer to Kisoro Airstrip for your flight back to Entebbe International Airport, where you will catch your onward flight or return home.
- Accommodation: none
- Meal Plan: Half Board Basis
10-Day Uganda Fly-in Safari Inclusions and Exclusions
Safari Inclusions
- Fly-in transfers to Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, and Bwindi
- Luxury accommodations throughout the safari
- All park fees and permits
- Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Golden Monkey tracking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- Cultural experience with the Batwa Pygmies
- Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Experienced safari guide
- Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during your stay
- Airport transfers in Entebbe and Kasese
Safari Exclusions
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
- Optional activities and upgrades
- Alcoholic beverages and personal expenses
- Tips for guides and drivers