3 Days
Daily Tour
100 people
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For those seeking a premium and efficient encounter with Uganda’s mountain gorillas, and perhaps the most coveted safari experience in Africa – this short yet opulent itinerary combines air transfers, luxury lodges, and personalized guiding for maximum exclusivity and minimum travel time.
Fly from Entebbe to Kisoro/Kihihi airstrip (Aerolink), then private road transfer to Bwindi. Helicopter transfer available by arrangement for ultra-luxury.
Early morning flight from Entebbe to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrip, depending on your lodge location. Meet your local guide and transfer through lush highland terrain to your forest lodge near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Check-in and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch with views of the misty canopy. Afternoon guided nature walk: Choose between the Waterfall Trail, winding through dense forest to a hidden cascade, or A birding walk, ideal for spotting Albertine Rift endemics like the African green broadbill or Rwenzori turaco. Evening at leisure, relax by the fire, enjoy local storytelling, or sip Ugandan coffee under the stars. Overnight: Mahogany Springs lodge near Bwindi or any other best choice Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Early breakfast and transfer to the park headquarters for a ranger-led briefing. Begin your gorilla trekking expedition, a deeply moving journey through tangled vines and ancient trees. Trek duration varies (2–6 hours); once you locate the gorilla family, spend up to one hour observing their behavior, interactions, and quiet majesty. Return to the lodge for lunch and rest. Afternoon optional activities: Batwa community visit: Learn from the forest’s original inhabitants through dance, storytelling, and guided walks. Relaxation: Enjoy a massage, journal your experience, or simply take in the forest’s serenity. Overnight: Mahogany Springs lodge near Bwindi or any other best choice Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, transfer to the airstrip for your return flight to Entebbe. If time permits, stop at local craft markets or artisan shops en route, perfect for picking up handmade souvenirs, woven baskets, or Ugandan art. Optional lunch in Entebbe before your onward journey or international flight. Meals: Breakfast
Gorilla trekking is Uganda’s most sought-after primate adventure, and a permit is mandatory to visit the endangered mountain gorillas of Bwindi or Mgahinga. How to Secure a Gorilla Permit: Booking Source: All official gorilla permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), you can book directly via UWA’s headquarters in Kampala, but most international travelers book through a UWA-registered, local tour operator (Nile Abenteuer Safaris), for convenience. International operators partner with local agencies for seamless logistics. Advance Booking: High demand during the dry (peak) seasons - June to September, December to February, means permits often sell out 6–12 months in advance. Even in the low season, booking 3–6 months ahead is wise. Permit Prices (2025): USD 800 per trek for foreign non-residents (Per person) USD 700 for foreign residents (Per person) UGX 300,000 for East African citizens (Per person) The permit includes one hour with a designated gorilla family, park entry, and a ranger guide. Booking Process: Confirm your travel dates with your tour operator who will check permit availability in real time via UWA’s online system. Full payment (often by bank transfer) secures your spot; you’ll get a confirmation/receipt, and the actual permit is collected closer to your trek date. Permit Validity: Only valid for a specified date and park sector (Buhoma, Nkuringo, Rushaga, Ruhija for Bwindi or Nyakagezi for Mgahinga). Permits are non-refundable except for illness or exceptional situations. On the Day: Arrive by 7:30–8:00 a.m. at park headquarters for briefing and group assignment. Groups are limited to 8 trekkers per gorilla family per day. Pro Tips: Shoulder (wet) seasons (March–May, October–November) offer better permit availability and sometimes lower prices or shoulder-season discounts for other services. Booking an all-inclusive tour through a trusted operator can ensure permits, accommodation, and local transport are secured at once. Summary Table: Uganda Gorilla Permit Facts Item Details Price (2025) $800 non-resident; $700 resident; UGX 300,000 EAC Where to buy Uganda Wildlife Authority or registered operators Required for Bwindi, Mgahinga National Parks Advance booking 3–12 months (peak times sell out fast) Seasonality Peak: June–August, Dec–Feb; Wet: March–May, Oct–Nov Validity For one trek, pre-assigned family/sector/date Inclusions 1 hour with gorillas + ranger + park entry Secure your permit well in advance, especially if you’re on a fixed schedule, to guarantee this bucket-list adventure.
Most travelers to Uganda need a visa, with a few exceptions for some African and Caribbean nations. How to Apply: All eligible travelers MUST apply for a tourist visa online before arrival via the official Uganda Immigration portal: https://visas.immigration.go.ug Visa on arrival is no longer available. Submit your application, upload required documents, and pay the fee online. Visa Types & Fees (2025): Type Validity Fee (USD) Details Single-Entry Tourist Visa Up to 90 days $50 For leisure, family visit Multiple-Entry Visa 6/12/24 months $100–200 For repeated entries East Africa Tourist Visa 90 days $100 Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda (multiple entry) Transit Visa 7 days $50 For stopovers/transit Required Documents: Minimum 6 months passport validity Recent passport-size photo (digital upload) Travel itinerary and proof of accommodation Return/onward ticket (often requested) Proof of yellow fever vaccination Visa approval letter (print and present on arrival) Visa approval is usually processed within 2–5 working days, though applying at least 10–14 days in advance is advised. The approval letter must be shown to airline/immigration officers upon entry. East Africa Tourist Visa, ideal for multi-country travel (Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda), must be obtained from the country of first entry. Extensions: Possible via immigration office in Kampala for valid reasons; not automatic.
Packing smart for the Uganda safari environment means preparing for humid days, chilly mountain mornings, unpredictable rain, and insect exposure. Essential Items: Clothing: Lightweight, breathable, neutral-colored clothing (avoid white, black, neon). Quick-dry fabrics recommended. Long sleeves and pants for bush walks and evenings. Footwear: Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots for trekking; comfortable walking shoes/sandals for evenings. Rain Gear: Waterproof jacket or poncho, a year-round must due to unpredictable showers. Accessories: Wide-brimmed sun hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen, reusable water bottle. Medical: First aid kit (incl. plasters, antiseptic, rehydration salts), personal medications, malaria prophylaxis, insect repellent (DEET-based), hand sanitizer, and oral rehydration powder. Tech/Optics: Camera with zoom lens, spare batteries, power bank, binoculars. Documents: Passport, printed e-visa/approval, yellow fever certificate, travel insurance, vaccination records (copies, keep separate from originals). Daypack: For water, camera, rain gear, snacks, and documents on activities like trekking. Toiletries: Biodegradable soap/shampoo, toothbrush/paste, wipes, tissue, feminine hygiene products. Others: Headlamp/torch (power outages possible), spare SIM card, plug adapter (UK-style G). For Gorilla Trekking: Gloves (garden gloves protect hands from stinging nettles) Gaiters/long socks (to tuck in trousers; protection against ants and bugs) Warm layers (temperature drops at altitude) Small, waterproof backpack Walking stick (often provided/available at park HQ) Snacks and minimum 2L water Tip: Laundry is possible in most lodges, so pack light and plan to re-wear outfits. Avoid camouflage or military clothing, it is illegal in Uganda. Pack light, prioritize the essentials, and be prepared for a range of conditions to ensure comfort and safety throughout your Uganda trip.
Member Since 2025
Member Since 2025
