Things to consider when booking a chartered flight to Bwindi

If you’re planning to visit Bwindi, you have a few options for flights. You can book a chartered flight with local airlines from either Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airport. There are three airlines you can choose from: Aero Link Uganda, Fly Uganda, and the newest one, BAR Aviation. These airlines offer both scheduled and chartered flights to Bwindi.

The cost of your flight depends on whether it’s a one-way trip or a return journey. Aero Link Uganda, for example, charges $283 for a one-way trip and $543 for a return journey. Aero Link operates daily, but flights are subject to weather conditions. Here’s a summary of their flights:

• From Entebbe to Kihihi: Departs at 7:00 am, arrives at 8:45 am.
• From Kihihi to Entebbe: Departs at 8:45 am, arrives at 11:25 am.
• From Entebbe to Kisoro: Departs at 7:00 am, arrives at 8:15 am.
• From Kisoro to Entebbe: Departs at 8:45 am, arrives at 11:25 am.

BAR Aviation also offers flights at varying prices depending on the route. For example, a one-way trip from Entebbe to Kihihi costs $250 for adults and $175 for children, while a return journey costs $430 for adults and $301 for children.

If you prefer a more private and efficient option, Journeys Uganda can organize a chartered flight for you. This means you’ll have the plane to yourself or your group. A chartered flight to Bwindi takes about an hour and a half. Once you land at the domestic airstrip, a professional driver will be waiting to transfer you to your accommodation. The type of vehicle used for the transfer depends on your preference and budget. It could be a luxury 4×4 Land Cruiser, a mid-range 4×4 Super Custom, or a budget 4×4 tourist van.

After landing in Bwindi, you’ll need to travel by road to reach your final destination. If you’re heading to the southern part of Bwindi, like the Rushaga sector or Nkuringo, you’ll land at Kisoro airstrip. From there, it’s about a 1 and a half hour drive to reach your destination. If you’re going to the Buhoma or Ruhija sectors, you’ll land at Kihihi or Kayonza airstrips. From there, it’s about a 1 and a half to 2-hour drive to reach Buhoma or Ruhija.

Things to consider when booking a chartered flight to Bwindi.

Booking a Gorilla Trekking Permit

One of the most important things to do when planning a trip to Bwindi is to get a gorilla trekking permit. This permit is like a ticket that allows you to go trekking to see gorillas. You can get it from the UWA offices. The cost depends on where you’re from. For people from other countries, it’s $800. If you’re from East Africa, it’s 300,000 shillings. For people who live in foreign countries but are residents in East Africa, it’s $700. Without this permit, you can’t go trekking with the gorillas.

Booking Accommodation

Finding a place to stay is also really important. Since Bwindi has four areas where you can go trekking, it’s good to book a place to stay nearby. This makes it easier to get to the park headquarters for the early morning briefing before your trek. You should check early to see if there are rooms available. There are different types of places to stay, so you can choose one that fits your budget. Each area where you can trek gorillas has places to stay, so it’s best to book in the area where you’ll be trekking.

Arranging Transportation

You’ll need to think about how you’ll get from the airport to Bwindi. The drive from the airport to Bwindi takes about 1½ hours, and it’s about 2 hours to Ruhija. So, you’ll need a comfortable vehicle to take you to your accommodation. There are different options depending on your budget. You can use a 4×4 Land Cruiser, a Super Custom for a mid-range option, or a tourist van for a budget option. All of these vehicles are comfortable, and they come with a professional guide to take you safely to your destination.

Choosing the Right Time to Travel

It’s a good idea to plan your trip during the dry season. This is because the weather will be better for both flying and trekking. In the dry season, the roads will be passable and dry, which makes it easier to get around. During the wet season, there’s a lot of rainfall, which can make flying difficult because of foggy weather. But with chartered flights, you can travel to Bwindi any time.

Activities to Enjoy on a Chartered Flight to Bwindi

When you’re on a chartered flight to Bwindi, there are plenty of exciting activities to keep you engaged and entertained throughout your journey. Here are some of the top activities you can look forward to:

Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking is undoubtedly one of the main attractions in Bwindi. With four trekking sectors to choose from, each offering different gorilla families to observe, you’re in for an unforgettable experience. Whether you opt for Rushaga, Ruhija, Buhoma, or Nkuringo sector, you’ll encounter unique gorilla families in their natural habitat. Bwindi boasts a total of 20 fully habituated gorilla families, each with its own fascinating dynamics. However, keep in mind that gorilla trekking requires a permit, with prices varying for different categories of visitors. The trek typically starts early in the morning with a briefing at the park headquarters, followed by an hour-long interaction with the gorillas.

Gorilla Habituation

For a more immersive experience with gorillas, consider participating in gorilla habituation. This activity allows you to spend an extended period with gorilla families that are still undergoing habituation. Currently, there are two gorilla families under habituation, located in the Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors. To partake in this experience, you’ll need to obtain a habituation experience permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). Similar to gorilla trekking, permits are limited, and advance booking is recommended. Participants are typically granted four hours to observe and learn about the gorillas’ behavior in their natural environment.

Birding

Bwindi is a haven for bird enthusiasts, boasting over 300 bird species, including 23 of the 24 Albertine Rift Endemics. Birding activities are concentrated around areas such as Mubwindi swamps in the Ruhija sector, bamboo areas, and waterfalls. Birding trails offer opportunities to spot a diverse range of avian species, including the Cinnamon Chested bee eater, Dwarf honeyguide, and Common buzzard. Guided birding tours along designated trails allow visitors to appreciate the rich birdlife that inhabits the park’s diverse ecosystems.

Primate and Wildlife Viewing

With its lush forests and diverse habitats, Bwindi is home to an array of wildlife, including 11 primate species and over 120 mammal species. Embark on a game drive to catch glimpses of animals such as giant forest hogs, civets, forest elephants, and various primate species like chimpanzees, baboons, and colobus monkeys. Guided tours provide insight into the behavior and ecology of these fascinating creatures, allowing for memorable wildlife viewing experiences.

Nature Walks

Explore the natural beauty of Bwindi through guided nature walks, which offer two distinct experiences: forest walks and village walks. Forest walks take you deep into the heart of the national park, where you can immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the forest. Discover diverse flora and fauna, including waterfalls, hills, and unique vegetation, while learning about the park’s conservation efforts. Village walks offer a glimpse into local culture and traditions, allowing you to interact with community members and gain insights into their way of life.

Other Activities

In addition to the main attractions, Bwindi offers a range of other activities to enhance your experience. These include hiking, camping, boat canoeing on Lake Mutanda, community tours, and cultural tours. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, Bwindi has something for everyone.

Accommodation Facilities

To ensure a comfortable stay, Bwindi offers a variety of accommodation options catering to different preferences and budgets. From luxury lodges to cozy cottages and campsites, there’s accommodation available in each sector of the park. Some notable options include Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany Springs, Chameleon Hill Lodge, and Bwindi Backpackers Lodge, among others. Whether you prefer a rustic retreat or a luxurious getaway, you’ll find the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploration in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.