Fly from Masai Mara to Bwindi for Gorilla Trekking in One Day

Fly from Masai Mara to Bwindi for Gorilla Trekking in One Day

Planning a safari in Masai Mara, Kenya, but also want to see mountain gorillas in Uganda—and you’re short on time? A direct fly-in safari from Masai Mara to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is the fastest and most convenient way to combine these two iconic African wildlife experiences into one unforgettable journey.

In just one day, you can explore Kenya’s savannahs and then fly straight to Uganda’s misty rainforest to trek endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi. This seamless connection is ideal for travelers looking to make the most of a tight schedule without compromising on bucket-list experiences.

Can You Fly from Masai Mara to Bwindi in One Day?

Yes, it’s entirely possible to fly directly from the Masai Mara in Kenya to Bwindi in southwestern Uganda in just one day. This direct route typically includes two brief stopovers—in Kisumu and Entebbe—for immigration clearance before continuing to Kisoro or Kihihi airstrip, which are the closest airfields to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

This travel option eliminates the need for long road transfers or overnight layovers, allowing you to maximize your time on safari and in the forest.

Safari Cost: Masai Mara to Bwindi Fly-In Combo

The total cost of a direct fly-in safari from Masai Mara to Bwindi ranges from $5,000 to $10,000 per person, depending on:

• The number of days spent in each destination

• Your choice of lodges or camps

• Travel season and availability

• Number of travelers in your group

This price usually includes domestic flights, accommodation, meals, park entry fees, and gorilla permits. Trek Africa Expeditions can help tailor this trip to match your travel style and budget.

Combining Gorilla Trekking in Uganda with a Kenya Safari

Combining these two wildlife adventures is simpler than you think. You can either:

• Start with a Kenya safari in Masai Mara and then fly to Uganda for gorilla trekking, or

• Begin with gorilla trekking in Bwindi and then fly to Kenya for your safari.

Flights between Uganda and Kenya are available with reputable airlines like Kenya Airways, RwandAir, and Airlink, offering flexible scheduling for seamless connections.

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi: What to Expect

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of only two parks in Uganda where mountain gorilla trekking is offered—the other being Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Bwindi is divided into four trekking sectors:

• Buhoma (north)

• Ruhija (northeast)

• Rushaga (south)

• Nkuringo (southwest)

Each sector has several habituated gorilla families and varying terrain. Rushaga and Nkuringo offer the most gorilla families and are closest to Mgahinga, where you can also track golden monkeys. Buhoma and Ruhija are ideal for those combining gorilla trekking with a visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Gorilla Trekking Permit Prices (Uganda)

To trek mountain gorillas in Uganda, you must purchase a gorilla permit:

• $800 USD per person for foreign non-residents

• $700 USD for foreign residents

• $80 USD for East African citizens

Each permit allows you to spend one hour observing a gorilla family in their natural habitat after your trek group has located them.

How to Book a Direct Fly-in Safari from Masai Mara to Bwindi

To secure your trip, the first step is to book your gorilla trekking permit in advance. These permits are limited and sell out fast, especially during peak seasons.

Trek Africa Expeditions can help you:

1. Check permit availability based on your preferred dates.

2. Reserve your permits online with the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

3. Invoice and confirm your payment.

4. Send scanned copies of your confirmed permits for your records.

Once your gorilla permits are confirmed, we’ll coordinate the rest of your itinerary, including domestic flights, airport transfers, and accommodation in both Kenya and Uganda.

Best Time to Visit Masai Mara and Bwindi for Safari and Gorilla Trekking

If you’re planning to combine a Kenya safari in Masai Mara with gorilla trekking in Uganda, the best time to go is during the dry seasons—typically January to February and June to early September.

These months offer:

• Easier travel conditions with less rainfall and smoother roads

• Better wildlife visibility in both Masai Mara and Bwindi, thanks to thinner vegetation

• Excellent photography conditions and clearer views of the animals, especially gorillas

While both Masai Mara and Bwindi are year-round destinations, dry season travel ensures a more comfortable and rewarding safari experience.

What to Wear for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is an adventurous activity that takes you through thick vegetation and rugged terrain. Dressing appropriately can make a big difference in your comfort and safety.

Here’s what to wear and pack for your trek:

• Long-sleeved shirt or sweater – Mornings can be chilly, especially in higher altitudes.

• Long trousers (2 pairs) – Protect your legs from insects and thorny plants.

• Waterproof hiking boots – Essential for navigating muddy trails.

• Rain jacket or poncho – Rain can fall at any time in Bwindi’s rainforest climate.

• Gardening gloves – Helpful when grabbing branches or moving through thick underbrush.

• Neutral-colored clothing – Avoid bright colors that might startle gorillas. Steer clear of black and blue, as they attract tsetse flies.

• Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses – Optional, depending on the weather.

• Insect repellent – Keeps mosquitoes and other insects at bay.

• Sunscreen – Helpful during sunny days to prevent sunburn.

• Binoculars – Great for spotting birds and distant wildlife.

• Camera with extra batteries – Photography is allowed, but flash must be turned off.

Being well-prepared allows you to focus on the experience without discomfort.

Where to Stay for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Accommodation options in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park are located in four main sectors where gorilla trekking begins: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo.

Southern Sector (Rushaga and Nkuringo)

These sectors are known for having the highest number of habituated gorilla families.

Rushaga Lodges:

• Rushaga Gorilla Camp

• Four Gorillas Lodge

• Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge

• Nsongi Camp

• Icumbi Gorilla Safari Lodge

• Gorilla Safari Lodge

• Gorilla Valley Lodge

• Karungi Camp

Nkuringo Lodges:

• Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge

• Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge

• Lake Mutanda Resort

Northern Sector (Buhoma and Ruhija)

Great for combining gorilla trekking with game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Buhoma Lodges:

• Buhoma Lodge

• Bwindi Lodge

• Buhoma Community Rest Camp

• Ride 4 a Woman Guesthouse

Ruhija Lodges:

• Trekkers Tavern Cottages

• Agandi Eco Lodge

• Gift of Nature Lodge

• Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge

• Broadbill Tented Camp

Whether you prefer luxury or budget accommodation, each sector offers lodges within easy reach of the starting point for your trek.

Why Book Your Direct Fly-in Safari from Masai Mara to Bwindi with Trek Africa Expeditions?

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we create seamless, customized safari experiences across East Africa. We offer professionally arranged direct fly-in safaris from Masai Mara to Bwindi, allowing you to combine two of Africa’s most iconic wildlife encounters—the Big Five and mountain gorillas—in just one trip.

Here’s why travelers trust us:

• Fast and responsive service – We respond to all inquiries within 20 minutes.

• Tailor-made itineraries – Customized to match your schedule, preferences, and budget.

• Experienced local guides – Fluent in multiple languages and experts in wildlife tracking.

• Gorilla permit booking – We secure your gorilla trekking permit in advance, even on short notice.

• Reliable logistics – We handle flights, transfers, accommodation, and park entry fees, so you can relax and enjoy your trip.

With our expert team based in Uganda, we’re on the ground to support your journey every step of the way.

Ready to Start Planning Your Safari?

Whether you’re looking to see the Great Migration in Masai Mara or trek endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi, Trek Africa Expeditions can help you plan a stress-free, unforgettable adventure.

Contact us today to book your direct fly-in safari from Masai Mara to Bwindi and enjoy the best of East Africa in one incredible journey.