Tour over view

This 3 Days Fly-in Mgahinga Trek takes you deep into the stunning Virunga Mountains for an unforgettable encounter with the endangered mountain gorillas of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Perfect for travelers who want to maximize their adventure while minimizing long road transfers, the safari combines the convenience of a scheduled domestic flight with the thrill of trekking through lush Afro-montane forests in search of gorilla families.

Your journey begins with a scenic morning flight from Entebbe to Kisoro airstrip, where you’ll be welcomed by your driver-guide and transferred to your luxury lodge nestled in the foothills of the Virungas. The highlight of the trip is a guided gorilla trekking experience, where you’ll follow expert rangers through bamboo forests, volcanic slopes, and rich vegetation until you come face-to-face with a gorilla family — a magical and humbling wildlife encounter.

Beyond gorillas, Mgahinga offers breathtaking scenery, cultural richness, and opportunities to engage with the Batwa community — the ancient forest dwellers. Each evening, you’ll relax in the comfort of your lodge, soaking in panoramic views of the mountains and the tranquility of Uganda’s smallest but most dramatic national park.

 

Detailed itinerary For 3 Days Fly-in Mgahinga Trek

Day 1: Fly to Kisoro airstrip from Entebbe

The driver guide will pick you up from any agreed point and then transfer to Entebbe airport where your scheduled flight will take you to Kisoro airstrip in Kisoro town.

Upon landing, drive to your lodge which is close to Mgahinga National Park. 

Day 2: Gorilla trekking and optional Batwa cultural tour

Wake up and head to the park offices for briefing after breakfast. Meet and greet the park guides who will take you through a briefing, cross-checking the gorilla permits, and travel documents. The rules include not feeding the gorillas, always keeping a distance from the gorilla family, if you have infectious diseases like flu or cough then, you are not allowed to trek and more.

Begin the search and this will include spotting other attractions like varvet monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, olive baboons, and many beautiful birds as most of them will be singing/making calls and more. Upon meeting a gorilla family, spend an hour in their presence watching as you learn their behaviours and recording memories. After, head back to the starting point to enjoy packed lunch.

Have an optional experience of the Batwa cultural tour where the Twa/Mutwa guide will take you to the village to learn about how the Batwa people used to live and depend on the forest. Visit the caves, learn about different herbal medicines, foods (roots, leaves and fruits) and more. Return to the lodge for dinner.

Day3. Drive to Kisoro airstrip and fly to Entebbe airport. End of safari.

Wake up at leisure for breakfast at your lodge and then transfer to Kisoro airstrip where you board a scheduled flight to Entebbe. The flight can take about 2 hours or less depending on routing. Our driver guide will be ready at the airport to take you to the agreed drop-off point. This will mark the end of this 3 days Mgahinga Flying Gorilla safari. 

Preparations for3 Days Fly-in Mgahinga Trek

  • Uganda visa or East Africa Tourist Visa

  • Gorilla trekking permit (secured in advance)

  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate (mandatory)

  • Travel insurance covering trekking, medical needs, and evacuation

  • Domestic flight from Entebbe or Kajjansi to Kisoro Airstrip

  • Luggage limit of 15–20 kg in soft bags

  • Keep permits, documents, and medications in hand luggage

  • Mandatory vaccination: yellow fever

  • Recommended vaccinations: typhoid, hepatitis A & B, tetanus

  • Malaria prophylaxis

  • Carry personal medication and a small first-aid kit

  • Hydrate well and prepare for altitude (2,200–3,000m)

  • Long-sleeved shirts and trousers for protection from insects and vegetation

  • Waterproof jacket or poncho for sudden showers

  • Garden gloves for gripping branches

  • Warm fleece or sweater for chilly evenings

  • Sturdy waterproof hiking boots with good grip

  • Neutral-colored clothing (avoid bright colors)

  • Daypack to carry water and snacks

  • Reusable water bottle (at least 2 liters)

  • Walking stick (provided at the park if needed)

  • Binoculars and camera with spare batteries

  • Sunglasses, sun hat, insect repellent, and sunscreen

Tour Highlights For 3 Days Fly-in Mgahinga Trek

  • Fly directly into Mgahinga National Park for a quick and convenient gorilla trekking experience.

  • Spend one hour observing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

  • Explore the lush forests and scenic landscapes of Mgahinga.

  • Capture unforgettable photographs of gorillas, birds, and the surrounding wilderness.

  • Learn about local culture and communities near the park.

  • Enjoy a short, immersive safari adventure tailored for travelers with limited time.

Tour Inclusions

  • Accommodation in lodges or camps as per the itinerary.

  • All meals during the safari, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

  • All park entrance fees and gorilla trekking permits in Mgahinga.

  • Domestic flight to and from Mgahinga National Park.

  • Ground transportation in a comfortable 4×4 vehicle with an experienced driver-guide.

  • Guided gorilla trekking experience in Mgahinga National Park.

  • Bottled drinking water during the safari.

  • Airport transfers at the start and end of the tour.

  • All government taxes and service charges.

Tour Exclusions

  • International flights and visa fees for Uganda.

  • Travel and medical insurance.

  • Personal expenses such as telephone calls, laundry, and souvenirs.

  • Tips and gratuities to guides, drivers, and lodge staff.

  • Alcoholic and soft drinks not included in the meal plan.

  • Optional activities or excursions not mentioned in the itinerary.

  • Any costs arising from changes in the itinerary due to weather, political, or other unforeseen circumstances.