How to Plan the Fly-in Gorilla Trekking Tour in Uganda

Securing Your Gorilla Permit

Before anything else, you need to get a gorilla permit from Uganda Wildlife Authority. This is super important. You can’t go gorilla trekking without it. To get one, you need to book it in advance. Don’t wait until the last minute, especially if you’re planning to go during busy times like June, July, August, September, December, January, or February.

Booking Your Flight

Now, let’s talk about getting there. If you’re flying in, you’ll need to book a flight to either Kihihi or Kisoro airport from Entebbe airport or Kajjansi airstrip. These are the airports closest to where the gorilla trekking happens. You can also arrange a charter flight if that’s more your style.

The flight from Entebbe or Kajjansi to Kihihi or Kisoro takes about 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours. Once you land, you’ll need a transfer vehicle to get to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park. These parks are about a 2-hour drive from the airports, so plan accordingly.

Choosing Your Gorilla Family and Date

In Uganda, gorilla trekking happens in either Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park. Each day, tourists are split into groups and assigned to different gorilla families to visit. So, when you’re booking your trip, make sure to choose a date for your gorilla trekking adventure. This helps the Uganda Wildlife Authority figure out which families you’ll be visiting.

Booking Your Gorilla Permit

Remember that gorilla permits are limited and can run out, especially during peak times. So, as soon as you know when you want to go, book your permit. This is the only way to make sure you’ll get to see the gorillas on your chosen date. And don’t forget to check which area of the park your permit is for, as this will affect where you stay.

Arranging Transport

Now, let’s talk about getting around once you’re in Uganda. If you’re flying in, you’ll need to book your domestic flights early to avoid any last-minute hassles. These flights go to Bwindi or Mgahinga in the morning and afternoon. You can also charter a flight if you prefer.

Once you land at Kihihi or Kisoro airport, you’ll need a transfer vehicle to get to the parks. Remember, it’s about a 2-hour drive, so plan for that. If flying isn’t your thing, you can always take ground transport from Entebbe or Kampala. It’s a bit longer, about 8 to 9 hours, but it’s an option.

Finding a Place to Stay

Lastly, let’s talk about where to stay. There are plenty of options near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. When choosing accommodation, try to pick somewhere close to where your gorilla permit is for. This makes it easier to get to the briefing point on time, which is super important because the trek starts early in the morning.

Some options near Bwindi include Gorilla Forest Camp, Clouds Lodge, and Buhoma Lodge. If you’re headed to Mgahinga, you might consider Gahinga Volcanoes Lodge.

So, there you have it! A simple guide to planning your fly-in gorilla trekking tour in Uganda. Remember to book everything in advance, from your flights to your gorilla permit, and you’ll be all set for an amazing adventure with these incredible creatures.