You’ve decided to answer the call of the wild in Uganda. Your dream itinerary features two crown jewels: the profound, misty mountains of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for a life-changing gorilla encounter, and the diverse, wildlife-rich savannas of Queen Elizabeth National Park for classic African game viewing. It’s the perfect combination. But how do you connect these two incredible destinations without losing precious days to long, bumpy drives? The answer is elegantly simple: you take to the skies.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of How to Plan a Fly-in Safari to Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth National Park. We’ll cover everything from securing the coveted permits and booking flights to choosing the right lodges and crafting a seamless itinerary. By the end, you’ll be equipped with all the knowledge you need to turn this dream into a beautifully executed reality.

Why Choose a Fly-In Safari for This Itinerary?

The drive from Bwindi to Queen Elizabeth NP (or vice versa) can take anywhere from 4 to 6 hours on rugged, mountainous roads. While scenic, this is a significant chunk of your day spent in a vehicle. A fly-in safari transforms this journey into a breathtaking 45-60 minute scenic flight.

• Maximize Your Time: Gain an entire extra day for activities like a bonus game drive, a community visit, or simply relaxing at your luxury lodge.

• Arrive Refreshed: You’ll start each activity, especially the physically demanding gorilla trek—fully energized, not weary from travel.

• Aerial Sightseeing: Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Uganda’s stunning landscape, from volcanic crater lakes to the sprawling Rwenzori Mountains.

This efficient approach is the core of knowing How to Plan a Fly-in Safari to Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Step 1: The Golden Tickets – Securing Gorilla Permits & Booking Flights

This is the most critical part of your planning and must be done well in advance.

• Gorilla Trekking Permits: These are mandatory and strictly limited. Permits for Bwindi cost $800 per person and should be booked at least 6-9 months ahead for peak seasons (June-August, December-February). Your chosen safari operator will handle this purchase for you.

• Charter Flights: Book your flights simultaneously. You’ll be flying with a domestic carrier like Aerolink Uganda. The key routes are:

  • Entebbe (EBB) → Kihihi Airstrip (for Bwindi) or Kisoro Airstrip

  • Kihihi/Kisoro → Kasese Airstrip or Mweya Airstrip (for Queen Elizabeth NP)

  • Kasese → Entebbe (EBB)
    Flights are priced per sector (per leg) and are subject to availability.

Step 2: Crafting Your Perfect Fly-In Itinerary (A Sample 5-Day Plan)

A well-structured itinerary is the backbone of a successful trip. Here’s a sample of How to Plan a Fly-in Safari to Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth National Park over five days:

• Day 1: Arrival and Flight to Bwindi

  • Arrive at Entebbe International Airport (EBB). Your guide will meet you and transfer you to Kajjansi Airfield for your charter flight to Kihihi or Kisoro Airstrip.

  • Upon landing, enjoy a short scenic drive to your lodge in Bwindi. Relax, acclimatize to the forest air, and attend a pre-trek briefing.

• Day 2: The Magic of Gorilla Trekking

  • An early breakfast precedes the highlight of your trip. Head to the park headquarters for a briefing before setting off into the forest.

  • After your unforgettable hour with the gorillas, return to the lodge to decompress and celebrate your achievement.

• Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

  • After a leisurely breakfast, transfer back to the airstrip for your short flight to Kasese or Mweya.

  • You’ll be in Queen Elizabeth NP in under an hour! Your new guide will meet you and take you on an afternoon game drive in the Kasenyi Plains or Ishasha Sector (famous for tree-climbing lions), before checking into your lodge.

• Day 4: Game Drives and the Kazinga Channel

  • Embark on an early morning game drive when animals are most active.

  • In the afternoon, enjoy a tranquil boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, a magnet for hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and countless birds.

• Day 5: Flight Back to Entebbe

  • Enjoy one last African sunrise before transferring to the airstrip for your flight back to Entebbe, often connecting seamlessly to your international departure.

Step 3: Choosing Your Lodges – From Forest Retreats to Savannah Havens

Your choice of accommodation can define your experience. The fly-in approach gives you access to some of Uganda’s most luxurious and well-located lodges.

• In Bwindi:

  • Clouds Lodge (Nkuringo): For ultimate luxury and staggering panoramic views.

  • Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp (Buhoma): For an intimate, classic safari experience right at the forest edge.

  • Bwindi Lodge (Buhoma): Known for its excellent service and beautiful surroundings.

• In Queen Elizabeth NP:

  • Kyambura Gorge Lodge: Offers bohemian chic elegance and strong community roots.

  • Mweya Safari Lodge: Features stunning views of the Kazinga Channel.

  • Ishasha Wilderness Camp: For a remote experience in the tree-climbing lion territory.

Step 4: Know Before You Go – Essential Tips

• Pack Light: Charter flights have strict weight limits (usually 15-20kg in soft-sided bags).

• Health: Ensure you have yellow fever and other recommended vaccinations.

• Packing: Waterproof hiking boots, rain jacket, layers of clothing, binoculars, and a good camera are essential.

Ready to Start Planning?

Understanding How to Plan a Fly-in Safari to Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth National Park is the first step toward an effortless and extraordinary adventure. It’s an investment in a seamless, stress-free, and deeply memorable experience.

If you’re ready to begin crafting your personalized itinerary, our travel experts are here to handle the details, from permits and flights to the perfect lodge bookings. Contact us today, and let’s start planning your unforgettable journey to the heart of Uganda.