Gorilla Express
3 NIGHT GORILLA FLY IN SAFARI, Uganda
In the Realm of Primates & Peaks
This compact Uganda adventure begins with your arrival in Entebbe, where you’ll be met and transferred to a comfortable hotel for a night of rest before the journey into the wild begins. The next morning, board a scenic flight west to Kihihi, watching the landscape shift from lowland plains to rugged mountains and tangled rainforest. On arrival, a four-wheel drive transfer winds through remote villages and hills to the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to nearly half the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.
Your base for exploration is Buhoma Lodge, an intimate property tucked into the trees near the park gate. From here, you’ll embark on a guided trek deep into the jungle to find a habituated gorilla family. The walk itself is an adventure, with steep slopes, thick undergrowth and the ever-present thrill of tracking something truly wild. When you find them, you’ll spend one precious hour with the gorillas in moments of awe, connection, and humility that defies description.
After your trek, enjoy a complimentary massage or take a gentle walk through the surrounding community to meet local craftspeople and conservationists. Those with a second permit can opt for a second day of gorilla trekking, or simply soak up the atmosphere of the forest. Optional activities include visits to schools, local health initiatives, or the inspiring Ride 4 a Woman project. Your journey ends with a flight back to Entebbe, but the memory of the gorillas will stay with you forever.
You will love
- Face-to-face gorilla encounters
- Immersive rainforest trekking
- Warm hospitality at Buhoma Lodge
- Optional second gorilla trek
- Community projects & village visits
Let us design your perfect itinerary.
5 LIFE-CHANGING DAYS
DAY 1 | ENTEBBE | 1 NIGHT
Arrive in Entebbe, where you will be met at the airport and driven to your hotel. Settle in and enjoy an evening at leisure, ready to head into the jungle tomorrow.
DAY 2 | BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST | 3 NIGHTS
Today your ‘Gorilla Express’ safari begins. You will be transferred from your Entebbe hotel to the airport for your flight to Kihihi (about 90 mins), where you will met on arrival at Kihihi airstrip by a representative. Continue to Bwindi (around 90 mins), travelling through local villages and along mountain roads.
Check in to Buhoma Lodge, tucked at the edge of the forest, to enjoy a restful afternoon, before a crackling fireplace for a cosy evening.
DAY 3 | BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST
Wake to birdsong and monkey chatter, then with expert trackers and guides leading the way, you’ll set off early to trek through thick rainforest, tackling steep terrain as you search for your assigned gorilla family.
The trek can be physically demanding, taking anywhere from 45 minutes to 8 hours, often in hot and high-altitude conditions, but when you do find the gorillas, you’ll have a magical hour to observe these incredible creatures at close range. Coming face to face with a mountain gorilla is a once-in-a-lifetime experience — an encounter so powerful, it’s hard to put into words.
After the trek, return to Buhoma Lodge for a well-deserved complimentary massage, or take time to explore the vibrant Bwindi community nearby.
DAY 4 | BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST
Those who have pre-purchased an additional permit will head out for a second gorilla trek. If not, enjoy a relaxed day exploring the Bwindi area at your own pace. Optional activities include guided forest walks, visits to a local school, orphanage, hospital or Batwa community, time at the Ride 4 a Woman project, or browsing local craft shops.
DAY 5 | DEPARTURE
Transfer to the airstrip for your return flight from Kihihi to Entebbe International airport, where the ‘Gorilla Express Uganda’ section of your itinerary will come to a close.
Note
This itinerary is a suggestion only and can be amended in terms of length, destination and properties to be included.
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Please enquire for pricing
Inclusions
- Transfer from Entebbe Hotel to Entebbe airport
- Flight Entebbe – Kihihi with shared transfer Kihihi airstrip to Buhoma Lodge
- 3 nights at Buhoma Lodge including all meals (full board) & local drinks
- Shared transfer Buhoma Lodge to Kihihi airstrip for flight Kihihi – Entebbe
- Comprehensive passenger & public liability insurance
- Community service fee & contribution to The Future Generations Trust
*Please note: Total weight limit for domestic transfer flight from Entebbe is 15kg in soft bags. XL seats available for those with additional luggage / needing more space.
Exclusions
- Gorilla trekking permits
- lnternational flights & airport taxes
- Visa, travel insurance, health requirements (including Yellow Fever inoculation)
- Services, activities, drinks & meals not included above
- Gratuities & personal expenses
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