Flying is considerably more convenient than driving for ten hours and lucky visitors to Uganda can fly to the isolated Kidepo Valley, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla Park.
All of this can be done in a short plane ride, without being on the highway for the entire day and arriving fatigued. Visitors can expect to see the most incredible gorillas, chimps and landscape from a very unique perspective as well as tree climbing lions in Ishasha.
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The best Uganda fly in safari tours
Price of a Uganda fly in safari?
Fly-in excursions cost about $4,500 per person. For camping, visitors can expect to pay US$1,000 a person for a 7-day communal tour, and up to US$3,000 per individual for a mid-range personal tour.
The pricing of a safari in Uganda is determined by a variety of variables. Joining a group camping excursion is the most cost-effective alternative. These can be a great deal of fun, but there is wonderful lodging available, and staying at safari lodges is also part of the experience.
There are resorts in various pricing ranges that provide various degrees of luxury and convenience. The most common type of accommodation is mid-range lodging at reasonable pricing.
Tour breakdown for a typical Uganda fly in safari
Safari tour highlights
- Gorillas and chimps in large number as well as tree climbing lions
- Bwindi National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site inhabited by 459 mountain gorillas which, almost half of all the mountain gorillas in the world
- Queen Elizabeth National Park with four of the Big 5 across grassland savannah, forests, wetlands and lakes
- Kidepo Valley National Park next to a number of stunning mountain ranges
- Soaring across settlements allows you to go great distances in a short amount of time
- A fantastic blend of attractions for both first-time and repeat travelers to Uganda
- Luxury safari camps are located on vast private concessions
Tour inclusions
The following details typical tour inclusions and exclusions on the best Uganda fly in safari packages:
| Tour inclusions | Tour exclusions |
|---|---|
| Flights on a plane | Visa fees |
| Experienced english-speaking guide | International/domestic flights |
| Luxury lodgings with all meals | Hot air balloon activities |
| Each lodge offers two escorted game activities each day | Tips to the driver guides, waiters and porters |
| Game lodge food inclusions | |
| Bottled water | |
| Government taxes |
Uganda fly-in safari essentials and information
Must do on a Uganda fly in safari
Seeing Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is an absolute must on any Uganda fly in safari with the park protecting 40% of the world’s mountain gorilla population and home to an incredible 350 species of birds.
The main attraction in Bwindi is its mountain gorillas which generate much revenue for Uganda Wildlife Authority. Twelve habituated mountain gorilla groups are open to tourism in four different sectors of Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo, a very rewarding experience on any east Africa fly in safari seeing these huge mammals in the wild.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is another park that protects the Ugandan slopes of the majestic Virungas, a range of freestanding volcanoes with a fly in safari allowing for incredible views of the three volcanic peaks. Murchison Falls National Park is another popular destination for wildlife viewing with four of the big five seen here.
Whilst Kibale National Park is the best place for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda and Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most popular savannah reserve and has the widest variety of wildlife of any Ugandan park across grassland savannah.
Animals viewed on a Uganda fly-in safari?
The terrain of Uganda is just as appealing as the species, and it’s much more stunning from above, but don’t forget your binoculars, as there’s an astounding diversity of wildlife concealed in these arid plains.
A plethora of wildlife congregates around the waterholes, and game drives give several views of lions, wildebeest, giraffe, and zebra from among numerous plains animals. Meanwhile, the game reserves are home to large numbers of elephants, leopards and rhinos.
Also keep a look outside for springbok and oryx, as well as rarer wildlife like the aardwolf. Buffalo, eland, gazelles, impala, and waterbuck were also discovered. Visitors will undoubtedly enjoy viewing these majestic animals in their natural surroundings.
Factors to consider when booking a fly-in safari?
The first things to think about are your finances and the length of time you have allocated for your vacation. Fly-in safaris are ideal for time-pressed vacationers.
It’s also worth considering whether you would like to see more of a region than simply the specific places into which you’ll be traveling. Traveling from region to region provides a more in-depth understanding of a nation, its people, and history than soaring over it.
This is especially true in Uganda, with its magnificent landscape, superb roads, and active local culture as you fly by. If you are prone to travel sickness or are a fearful flier, a fly-in safari may not be the best option for you.
Aircraft used on a Uganda fly-in safari?
The Cessna 210, a highly engineered small airplane with a single engine, is the most preferred for charter flights. It has a great reputation and is a six-seater that can accommodate up to four individuals. Perfect for beautiful flights.
The Baron is a slightly bigger and faster aircraft that is similarly flown by a single pilot but it has two engines. It can accommodate up to five persons.
A Cessna 404 can carry up to eight people. It is the Cessna 210’s elder sibling, with twin engines and two pilots. Ideal for bigger parties that want to fly in the same plane. More room and comfort.
The Cessna Caravan is a superb aircraft that accommodates up to 12 people and one pilot. The ‘4×4’ of small planes, capable of operating from rough airstrips, has a high-winged single turbine aircraft that is great for picturesque aerial photography.
Luggage restrictions on a fly-in safari?
On bush flights, luggage capacity might be quite restricted. The Cessna 206, for example, has just a tiny space under the seats, and bags are frequently squeezed in to fit within. As a general rule, soft duffle bags are preferable over hard-framed suitcases with wheels.
Some providers set quite strict weight limitations and will count your hand bags and even coats in the total. Most employers allow roughly 15kg per person as a general rule. Don’t be startled if an airline inquires about your own weight.
This is frequently done in order to securely balance the smaller aircraft. If you have too much luggage, you may be able to pay for a cargo ticket on safari routes.
FAQs
What is the average cost for a Uganda fly-in safari?
The average cost for a Ugandan fly-in safari is $2,500 – $4,000 per person for fly-in excursions whilst accommodation and activity add-ons can add to this price.
What are the advantages of a Uganda fly-in safari?
The advantage of a Uganda fly-in safari includes saving a lot of time by avoiding long, bumpy road journeys. You’ll also see another side of this incredible landscape and wildlife which you wouldn’t otherwise see from the ground and enjoy the thrills of descending over the vast savannah.
Are Uganda fly-in safaris safe?
Uganda fly-in safaris are indeed very safe with private charter aircraft well maintained and piloted by professionals with years of flying experience and safety training. Each aircraft typically carries up to 12 individuals whilst larger planes seat 35 – 50 passengers.