Eliminate long Drive-Times-take a Fly-In Safari
Why choose a Fly-In Safari in Uganda? What are the Benefits?
Why should you consider taking one of our Fly-In Safaris in Uganda? Flying is much easier than taking a long, exhausting drive of ten hours. Take a short flight to the remote Kidepo Valley Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and Mgahinga Gorilla Park. All that without being on the road for a full day and reaching your destination exhausted.
Though Uganda’s main Roads have been improved, the side roads can be a frustrating, uncomfortable, and dusty experience for many. One of the reasons many choose a fly-in or fly and drive Safari with us.
Flying to Uganda’s Park takes a fraction of the time it would take driving there, and there is no wear and tear on an all-day drive on bumpy roads. It is no wonder that we have seen a dramatic increase in clients choosing Fly-In Safaris over Drive-In Safaris.
On one of our Fly-In Safaris, you still have your Driver-Guide and quality safari vehicle. When you arrive at your park destination, our guide will meet you, taking you to the Lodge where you will be staying. We also combine the best flying safaris with drive safaris by offering fly-drive safaris. You fly from Entebbe International Airport to the first park, drive to other nearby parks and fly back to Entebbe at the end of the Safari.
We partner with Aerolinks Safari Airline for our Fly-In Safaris, which began operations in 2012 with their reliable Grand Caravan Fleet of planes. Read more about Aerolink here.
Reasons why Travelers choose one of our Fly-In Safaris in Uganda
- Quick: Save Time – You reach your destination in a fraction of the time it takes by road.
- It is the scenic way: See the Pearl of Africa from above. Be sure to have your camera near you to capture some of Uganda’s scenic wonders on film.
- Access Remote Parks: You can, for example, fly to Uganda’s most remote and incredible Kidepo Valley Park in just two hours. It is one of the most minor visited parks in the country due to the distance and drives time of twelve hours. You land Uganda’s lost Eden, Kidepo Valley Park, in just two hours.
- Combine Uganda’s Primates with Kenya’s Masai Mara: You can enjoy breakfast in Masai Mara, lunch in Entebbe, and dinner in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Daily flights to and from the Masai Mara to Entebbe with connections to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and other parks using AeroLink and its parent airline, Air Kenya.
- You have a Private Vehicle and a Personal Driver Guide: The driver will meet you on your flight on arrival.
- Stay at Luxury or Exclusive Lodges: Stay at welcoming, select luxury lodges inside or adjacent to the parks that cater to your every need.
- Safe Flying: We use AeroLink Safari Airlines, the domestic safari airline with scheduled flights to most of Uganda’s National Parks. They use Grand Caravan Planes with certified pilots meeting international standards, and AeroLink has an impeccable on-time and safety record.
- Maximize your Time on Safari: Don’t spend time sitting in a vehicle all day.
- Midrange Fly-In Safaris: We can adjust our Safaris to include quality midrange lodges.
Luxury Fly-In Safaris in Uganda – Convenient-Time Saving-no long drives: Quicker than it would take a sloth to cross a road in Uganda, we bring you to the best Safari destinations in the Pearl of Africa. The convenience of flying far outweighs the extra cost and the fifteen-kilo luggage restriction. It is no wonder that more and more of our clients choose a Fly-In Safari.
Our Top Fly-In Safari Destinations in Uganda
Fly-In Safaris to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest:
Fly to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a 45-minute flight to the Kihihi Airstrip from where you access Buhoma and Ruhija, the forest’s Northern Area. The other flight is to the town of Kisoro, from where it is a short drive to the Southern Areas of Nkuringo and Rushaga.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest was named the most beautiful place globally by CNN Travel. The ancient Afro-montane Rainforest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A forest that is filled with natural wonders. It has more mountain gorillas than any other gorilla park.
There are four Trailheads where your gorilla trekking journey begins. Stay in one of the superb luxury lodges inside or outside the park. Private Gorilla Treks can be arranged with just you, the rangers, and the gorillas.
Choose the exclusive Gorilla Habituation Experience only offered in the Rushaga area of the park. Only four participants are allowed, and you spend more time with a Gorilla Family.
After Gorilla trekking, add Queen Elizabeth Park with its tree-climbing Lions and more. Relax and Chill-Out on Lake Mutanda or Lake Bunyonyi. Please look at our Luxury Gorilla Fly-In Safaris to both Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla Park.
Fly-In Safaris to Mgahinga Gorilla Park:
It takes nine hours to reach Mgahinga Gorilla Park by road from Entebbe. Our Fly-Safari takes you there in an hour, and you get to the park in time to enjoy lunch at the exclusive Mount Gahinga Lodge. During the afternoon, visit the Batwa people or hike around a nearby volcanic crater.
Mgahinga Gorilla Park is a small park with many things to do and see. Gorilla and Golden Monkey Tracking, Hiking, day Volcano climbs, cultural encounters, and bird watching. The park is off-the-beaten-tourist paths, and you are away from the crowds.
The Gorilla tracking experience is done on the sides of the Virunga Volcanoes. A different experience than in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
After the Mgahinga Gorilla Park action adventures, relax and chill out on Lake Mutanda, staying at the Chameleon Hill Lodge with its million-dollar views.
Fly-In Safaris to Queen Elizabeth National Park:
The park can be a stand-alone fly-in safari destination or combined with gorilla trekking in nearby Bwindi Impenetrable Park and chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest.
Depending on your chosen activity, fly into the south or north of the park. There are many things to do and see in the parks ranging from game drives to chimpanzee tracking in the famed Kyambura Gorge. The park is a favorite among tourists for its various activities and scenic wonders.
You can enjoy a private Boat-Safari on the Kazinga Channel, where you will find an abundance of wildlife, including many hippos and birds.
Learn about carnivores on the Lion-Tracking Research Experience and the playful Mongoose on a research project. See scenic wonders on the Explosion Crater Drive and visit the Tree-Climbing Lions in Ishasha.
Queen Elizabeth Park a must-visit destination in Uganda that you quickly fly to from Entebbe International Airport with AeroLink Safari Airline.
You can fly into Queen Elizabeth Park and combine it with visits to Kibale Forest, the Semliki Valley, the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon, and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Fly-In Safaris to Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale National Park is located in the western part of the country and is East Africa’s primate capital. There are 13 species found here, and it is the one chimpanzee park in East Africa with sure-sighting Chimpanzee Trekking or the more extended Chimpanzee Habituation Experience.
Fly to the Kasese Airstrip from either Entebbe International Airport. From Kasese, it is a short drive to Kibale Forest and the Lodge where you will be staying.
There are a variety of Luxury and Exclusive Lodges near the park. Lodges include Crater Lake Safari Lodge, Ndali Lodge, Kyaninga Lodge, and Papaya Lake Lodge.
Take a hike in the Bigodi Wetlands, which is a jungle swamp. A most fascinating must place to visit during your time at Kibale Forest. Be sure to include the Nocturnal Forest Walk in your Safari there.
Hiking and Biking Safaris can be arranged. There is also the Top of the world or hikes around crater lakes. A day outing can be included, such as the Cycad Trail.
Kibale Forest is another visit park destination in the pearl of Africa that is not to be missed. Kibale Forest and Bwindi Forest are a Primate Lover’s version of paradise.
Fly-In Safaris to Semliki National Park and Wildlife Reserve:
An area that is off-the-beaten-tourist paths is the perfect Safari Destination in Uganda, where you get away from it all. Stay at the exclusive and welcoming Semliki Safari lodge and enjoy the utmost seclusion and privacy.
The park is adjacent to the Democratic Republic of Congo. The vast Ituri Forest Jungle spills over into Uganda, and it is the perfect destination for birding and primate enthusiasts.
Hike to the famous Hot Springs, take a boat ride on Lake Albert, and see the shoebill stork. Go chimpanzee tracking, take hikes through the jungle and traverse the savannah on a day or nighttime game drive.
The perfect park for a three-day fly-in safari or as an add-on to Bwindi Forest gorilla tracking, Kibale Forest Chimpanzee trekking, or Queen Elizabeth Park.
The Toro – Semiliki Wildlife Reserve and Park are beaten tourist paths. You have that feeling of being all alone with only the African wilderness around you.
Fly-In Safaris to Lake Mburo National Park:
Lake Mburo National Park is for those who have the shortest time but want to taste the African Wild in Uganda. Take a half-hour flight from Entebbe International airport to Lake Mburo, where you will stay at the exclusive Mihingo Safari Lodge.
Take a wildlife boat ride on the lake and view hippos, crocodiles, the game coming to water, and the otters found there. The lake is host to many species of birds that you will enjoy.
Hike to the salt-lick and spend time in a hide watching the game below you. Instead of a game drive, you can go on a horseback riding safari or see the park from the back of a mountain bike.
Do not skip the nocturnal game drive to spot night predators like leopards. Get a taste of the African Wilderness on a Fly-In Safari.
Stay at the exclusive Hihingo Lodge, a lodge that set the standards for luxury-tented clubs years ago.
Fly-In Safaris to Murchison Falls National Park:
Murchison Falls Park is one of Uganda’s most popular parks, the only park where the River Nile runs through it. Home to the most powerful waterfall in the world. A garden with history with notables such as Samuel and Florence Baker, Winston Churchill, Katharine Hepburn, and Humphrey Bogart shots scenes for the movie the “African Queen.” Ernest Hemingway was a drop-in visitor, crashing twice here, and was stranded with only a partial bottle of Scotch, a few Tuborg Beers, and some biscuits.
The most significant number of Nubian (Rothschild) Giraffes in Africa are found in the park. You will also see many crocodiles on your boat safari up to the falls. It is no wonder that Murchison Falls is now the most visited park in the country, with all the things to do and see there.
Stay at the exclusive Baker’s Safari Lode, the newly renovated Nile Safari Lodge, Paraa, and Chobe Safari Lodge. You will need at least three days at the park for your fly-in Safari.
Fly-In Safaris to the remote Kidepo Valley Park:
Kidepo Valley Park has been called “a lost Eden.” CNN-Travel named it the third-best park in all of Africa. It is Africa from another age, as it used to be fifty-some years ago. The park is remote and unvisited because of the time and distance to get there by vehicle.
A fly-in safari makes the park accessible two hours from Entebbe International Airport. Stay at the exclusive Apoka Safari Lodge in the park’s center and enjoy hospitality beyond compare.
It has been called the home of the real Lion King, who can often be seen on a Rock Kopje near Apoka Lodge. The Lodge you would stay at on a Safari to the park.
Besides the fabulous wildlife experiences you have here, there are the cultural encounters with the Karamojong Nomad Warriors and the Ik people high up on Mount Morungole. They trade beehives for a bride’s price.
Everyone talks about the wonders of Kidepo Valley National Park but few venture here. A flying safari makes it all possible.
We can design a one-of-a-kind Fly-In Safari that includes Kidepo valley Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth Park, Kibale Forest, and Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Contact us to ask about it.
A
eroLink is our Flying Safaris Air Transport Provider:
AeroLink Uganda Limited is a domestic airline offering daily flights to various parks in Uganda. Flights originate and end at Entebbe International Airport.
AeroLink uses reliable Cessna Grand Caravans using two experienced pilots on board. The company has impeccable safety and an on-time record, and our clients have enjoyed consistent, smooth, and safe flights. All aircraft passengers and third parties are insured in the London underwriting market through our brokers Marsh Limited‚ London.
The Planes are regularly serviced and maintained in both Entebbe and Nairobi. We have not had any complaints from our clients regarding the level of service Aerolik provides to its passengers.
Metrolink began operating in 2012 in Uganda and has provided the most reliable and safe service for visitors to Uganda.
Flying Safaris Luggage Requirements:
We suggest that you keep it light and practical. The maximum luggage weight is 15 kg/33lbs using soft-sided bags. Duffel bags are the Luggage of choice for a Flying Safari in Uganda. If you are going to trek gorillas, we suggest that you wear your trekking outfit, including boots, on the flight day.
Carry-on bags include handbags, tiny umbrellas, walking sticks, coats, and small loads that can be stored under the seat in front of you or the overhead bin. These items must not exceed 5 kg/ 11lbs and are part of the baggage allowance of 15kgs/ 33lbs.
Assistive items: Wheelchairs, Canes, Walkers, Crutches, and other assistive devices will be carried free of charge for qualified passengers with disabilities and are not included in the baggage allowance described. These items need to be collapsible. Baby car seats and foldable strollers will also be accepted.
Excess Luggage is allowed if space is available and costs six dollars per kilo. (the fee can change without notice).
Fly-In Safaris in Uganda – Convenient-Time Saving-no long drives:
More and more clients are asking us to design their Fly-In Safari in Uganda. Many want to maximize their time on Safari, and the best solution is one of our individually designed Fly-InSafaris.
We love to partner with you in creating the perfect fly-in safari for you. Contact us, and we will get started. We include Pickup at your hotel in Entebbe on the day of your flight. Of course, we will also meet you at the end of your Fly-In Safari.
Our Fly-In Safaris are the way to get you into the park and off the road. Our Fly-In Safaris can include multiple flights to maximize what you can see and do in Uganda.
For over a decade, we have created Luxury Fly-In Safaris in Uganda. We chose AeroLink because of its planes, reliable on-time service, and high-quality Standards.
Begin Planning your Fly-In Safari with us
Contact us
Contact us and tell us what you would like to include in you Gorilla-Chimpanzee-Wildlife Safari. Let us know whether you would like a midrange or luxury Safari
Planning your Safari
With your input we create the private, luxury or midrange Safari Itinerary that fits you. Permits are bought, Lodges are booked.
Your Safari
On the date of your choice - your African Dream Safari in Uganda begins
Contact us
Contact us and tell us what you would like to include in you Gorilla-Chimpanzee-Wildlife Safari. Let us know whether you would like a midrange or luxury Safari
Planning your Safari
With your input we create the private, luxury or midrange Safari Itinerary that fits you. Permits are bought, Lodges are booked.
Your Safari
On the date of your choice - your African Dream Safari in Uganda begins
Inflation Busting Discounts on our Midrange Value+ and Luxury Fly-In Safaris:
Private Midrange Value+ Safari Discounts:
- 5% discount on a Safari of four to nine days in length: This includes quality midrange, quality, above average lodges who have agreed to work with us to be able this one-of-kind unprecedented discount to you. Arrival and departure days are included.
- 10% on 10-days or longer Safaris: Save an incredible 10% on your Safari in Uganda. 10% has never been offered by tour operators in Uganda, aside from times when gorilla permits were on special and time-limited discount by Uganda Wildlife Authority. Our discount is not limited to a short time; our offer is for all 2022 and 2023. However, the Safari must be booked by December 31. 220
Read more about Midrange Safaris here. When contacting us, include in your text “Inflation Discount.”
Private Luxury Safari Discounts:
10% discount on a Safari of four days or longer: This includes our Fly-In Safaris with Aerolink Safari Airline. We use the best Luxury Lodges available with whom we have working relationships. Most luxury lodges we use have seasonal discounts during the off-and-shoulder seasons of the Year. The dates of such seasonal discounts vary from lodge to club. We will automatically include such discounts and inform you of them.
Our Luxury Safaris Our Luxury Fly-In Safaris
Please Note: Gorilla Trekking, Gorilla Habituation Experience, Chimpanzee Trekking, and Chimpanzee Trekking, Golden Monkey Trekking, or Golden Monkey Permits are not discounted since they are set at a fixed price unless Uganda Wildlife Authority offers a temporary discount, then that discount will be reflected in the cost of the Safari. It should also be mentioned that our discounted Safaris are not a stripped-down version of what we usually offer. This offer is not retroactive, covering previously booked safaris.
What your Inflation Discounted Fly-In Safaris include:
- Full-Board stays at safe, secure quality Lodges: We choose welcoming, friendly, and hospitable quality lodges for your Safari, including the
incoming hotel in Entebbe or Kigali, Rwanda. You have your private en-suite with a bathroom. Many Lodges in Savannah Parks have swimming pools, including midrange lodges.
- Vegetarian and Vegan Meals: We can accommodate vegetarians and vegans on a safari. Additionally, there are kid-friendly meals for families with children. Kosher Friendly meals can also be provided, while strict kosher requirements cannot be met unless you visit the Abayudaya Community in Eastern Uganda. Halal Meals are not a problem at most lodges. Other dietary needs, such as gluten- and sugar-free, can be met if we are notified.
- Gorilla – Chimpanzee – Golden Monkey Permits: Permits are included in the Safari.
- Porter Services for Gorilla Treks: Porter Services are automatically included in your Safari. You are walking sticks; we supply bottled water for your treks, volcano climbs, and hikes.
- Private 4×4 Safari Vehicle equipped with Pop-Up Roof: You have an experienced driver-guide that will guide you on a Safari through the Pearl of Africa. The vehicle has a refrigerated unit, and bottled water and fruit snacks are available on longer drives. WiFi is available. We can make arrangements for a MiFi Router for you, which would give you access to the internet even in your cottage since, at most lodges, WiFi is available only in the leading club. You would incur a small charge for the use and data of a MiFi Router.
- AeroLink Safari Airline Flights: We book and arrange your flights within Uganda. Take short flights to most of the parks and safari destinations.
- AMREF-Flying Doctors Medivac Insurance: Your Well-being is foremost on our mind, and we automatically include emergency air-evacac insurance yo your Safari. Only once since 2008 have, I used it, but when it was needed, it was a good and the right thing. We furthermore ask you to take out a Travel Insurance that covers you on your Safari. We do not sell such policies, but we have recommendations.
It is time to act – Plan your Fly-In Safari now – don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.