Fly-In Gorilla Safaris to Bwindi
Fly-In Gorilla Safaris to Bwindi provide a quick and scenic route to the home of mountain gorillas. Instead of driving for over eight hours from Entebbe, you take a short flight to an airstrip near the park. After landing, a short drive brings you to your lodge or the trekking starting point. This option allows travelers to enjoy the dense forest and diverse wildlife with less time spent on the road. Moreover, fly-in safaris let visitors focus more on gorilla tracking and other attractions around Bwindi. This travel style suits those seeking comfort, efficiency, and memorable nature experiences in Uganda.
Scheduled Flights to Bwindi from Entebbe
Aerolink operates scheduled flights between Entebbe International Airport and the airstrips near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You may land at either Kihihi or Kisoro, depending on which part of the park you plan to visit. Flights to Kihihi suit visitors going to Buhoma, the northern sector of Bwindi. Those interested in southern sectors like Rushaga and Nkuringo should consider flights to Kisoro. Kihihi Airstrip lies about one and a half hours from Buhoma. Kisoro Airstrip, on the other hand, offers easy access to lodges near Rushaga and Nkuringo.
Flights usually depart from Entebbe early in the morning. The morning flight to Kihihi leaves at 7:30 am and lands by 9:45 am. Afternoon flights typically leave at 12:30 pm and reach Kihihi by 1:30 pm. Return flights follow a similar pattern. Morning flights depart Kihihi at 9:45 am and reach Entebbe by 11:55 am. Afternoon return flights leave at 2:05 pm and arrive by 3:05 pm. For those visiting southern Bwindi, one morning flight connects Entebbe with Kisoro Airstrip. This service provides excellent access to the forest sectors rich in gorilla families.
Benefits of Flying to Bwindi
Travelers save valuable time by flying to Bwindi instead of using road transport. The long road journey from Entebbe takes at least nine hours. A flight reduces this time to about two hours including the short drive from the airstrip to your lodge. With this time-saving option, travelers enjoy more time at their lodge or engage in forest walks. The journey by air also brings comfort. You avoid the bumpy and winding roads through the hills of southwestern Uganda. Those with tight schedules or less interest in road travel will find flying ideal.
Moreover, fly-in safaris allow more flexibility for planning your trip. You may combine your gorilla trekking with other activities like nature walks or community visits. Since you arrive early, you have time to relax or explore before the trek. After trekking, you still have time to rest, visit nearby attractions, or return to Entebbe without rush. These advantages make fly-in safaris an efficient way to explore Bwindi without sacrificing comfort or adventure.
What to Know Before Your Trip
Before you travel, you must secure your gorilla trekking permit. The Uganda Wildlife Authority issues a limited number of permits daily. Therefore, it is wise to book your permit at least 3 months in advance through Iconic Africa Safaris or Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
A standard gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs US$800 for foreign non-residents and US$700 for foreign residents. East African citizens pay UGX 300,000 (approximately US$80). The permit includes park entrance fees, guide services, and ranger services.
Your permit allows you to spend one hour with a selected gorilla family. It also includes the services of guides and trackers who help you during the trek. A gorilla habituation permit costs US$1,500 for foreign non-residents and is a full-day experience allowing four hours with a gorilla family. Without a permit, no one is allowed to join the trek. Ensure your permit matches the area you will visit, either Buhoma, Rushaga, Nkuringo, or Ruhija.
You also need to prepare for the trek by staying fit. Gorilla trekking involves hiking through thick forest, steep slopes, and uneven ground. Treks last from one hour to several hours depending on the gorilla location. You must carry water, snacks, hiking shoes, and rain gear. Those with mobility issues may hire porters or use a sedan chair for assistance.
