Uganda gorilla extensions easier than ever

Adding a gorilla trek in Uganda to your client’s East African safari is easier than ever with continuing expansion of air routes between Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. A permit for gorilla trekking in Uganda is a relative bargain at $600 per trek (through 2019) compared to $1500 per trek in Rwanda. As a result, demand has been consistently growing for Uganda gorilla trekking. But until recently, the lack of regional flight connections to Uganda from the Serengeti and the Masai Mara made the logistics tricky and time consuming. But the times they are a changin’! New options for your travelers include the following:

Serengeti/Tanzania to Uganda: 

Daily flights are now available between the Serengeti and Entebbe on Auric Air (minimum 2 pax). Seronera is considered the ‘main’ airstrip in Serengeti, and passengers can connect to Grumeti, Fort Ikoma, Kogatende, Lamai, Lobo or Sasakwa, depending on their requirements. Ndutu, Serengeti South and Manyara airstrips are available on an inducement basis at an additional cost. Connections with Aerolink Uganda will be available immediately for passengers going into or arriving from Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Kihihi/northern Bwindi & Kisoro/southern Bwindi*).

• From Sergeneti: Auric Air departs Serengeti Seronera at 9:15am; arrives Enbebbe at 11:25am. Connects to Aerolink Uganda departing Entebbe 12:00pm or 12:45pm (depending on season); arrives Bwindi – Kihihi at 14:45 or 13:55 (*Bwindi – Kisoro flights not operable in the afternoon).
• From Bwindi, Uganda: Aerolink departs Bwindi – Kisoro at 9:10am and Bwindi – Kihihi at 9:45am; arrives Entebbe at 11:25am. Connects to Auric Air departing Entebbe at 11:45am; arrives Serengeti Seronera at 1:55pm.

Masai Mara/Kenya to Uganda:

Starting in June 2019, Air Kenya will introduce daily flights between the Masai Mara and Entebbe via Kisumu. The flights are competitively priced and will connect with the Aerolink Uganda network as well, making same day connections from the Mara a breeze. The Masai Mara airstrips with this service are Mara North, Ngerende, Olseki, Siana, Olikombo, Serena, Kichwa Tembo, Angama, Keterorok, Musiara and Olarkorok.

• From Masai Mara: Air Kenya departs Masai Mara (various airstrips) at approx. 8:45am; arrives Entebbe at 11:30am. Connects to Aerolink Uganda departing Entebbe 12:00pm or 12:45pm (depending on season); arrives Bwindi – Kihihi at 14:45 or 13:55 (*Bwindi – Kisoro flights not operable in the afternoon).
• From Bwindi, Uganda: Aerolink departs Bwindi – Kisoro at 9:10am and Bwindi – Kihihi at 9:45am; arrives Entebbe at 11:25am. Connects to Air Kenya departing Entebbe at 12:45pm; arrives Masai Mara at approx. 2:30pm.

Arusha (JRO), Tanzania to Uganda: 

Precision Air flies between Kilimanjaro (JRO) and Entebbe four times weekly (M, TH, SA, SU).

• Arusha, TZ to Bwindi: Precision departs JRO at 7:55am; arrives Entebbe at 9:45am. Connects to Aerolink Uganda departing Entebbe 12:00pm or 12:45pm (depending on season); arrives Bwindi – Kihihi at 14:45 or 13:55 (*Bwindi – Kisoro flights not operable in the afternoon).
• Bwindi to Arusha, TZ: A forced overnight in Entebbe is required. Precision departs Entebbe at 10:15am; arrives JRO at 12:05pm.

Visit the Kusini Travel Trade area for detailed flight schedules and additional information, and contact Classic Africa Safaris with any questions or to book. (Note that flight schedules above are subject to change. Always confirm flight schedules with Classic Uganda before booking).