Comparing Flying Safaris and Road Trips to Bwindi for Gorilla Trekking

Comparing Flying Safaris and Road Trips to Bwindi for Gorilla Trekking

Are you planning a gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park? Deciding the best way to get there can be tricky, so we’re here to help you compare the flying safari and road trip options to make your journey as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

Getting to Bwindi by Air: The Faster, More Comfortable Option

Flying to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a quicker and less tiring journey. AeroLink offers domestic flights to Kihihi Airstrip, which is the closest airstrip to the Buhoma and Ruhija regions in the northern part of the park, or to Kisoro, which serves the Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors in the southern part of the park.

While there are no direct flights into Bwindi itself, you’ll land in Kihihi or Kisoro, where our professional guides will be ready to pick you up and take you to your lodge. The drive from Kihihi to your lodge is only about 1 hour.

Flight options include:

• Scheduled Flights: Great for travelers on a set timetable.
• Charter Flights: Perfect for those with specific timing requirements or travel preferences.
• Baggage Allowance: AeroLink allows 15 kg of luggage per person, with additional charges of $3 per kg for excess baggage.
• Child Policy: Infants under 2 years travel for free, while children over 12 years pay 70% of the adult fare.

Flying to Bwindi saves you hours on the road and allows you to get to your destination comfortably and in no time, giving you more time to enjoy your gorilla trek.

Getting to Bwindi by Road: The Scenic Journey

If you prefer to drive, Bwindi is accessible by road from both Kampala/Entebbe and Kigali, Rwanda. The drive from Kampala/Entebbe takes approximately 8-9 hours, while the route from Kigali takes around 4-5 hours. Along the way, you’ll pass through scenic villages and towns, offering a real sense of Uganda’s countryside.

Driving offers more flexibility in terms of stops and exploring along the way, but it is more time-consuming than flying. If you’re traveling on a budget or prefer a more adventurous experience, the road trip may be ideal.

About Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi is one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, brimming with biodiversity. In addition to mountain gorillas, the park is home to over 350 species of birds, 310 species of butterflies, and various mammals, reptiles, and primates, including chimpanzees and L’Hoest’s monkeys.

Mountain gorillas are the park’s most famous residents, and Bwindi is home to about half of the world’s population of these endangered creatures, with over 15 habituated gorilla families available for trekking. Each family has a limited number of permits available per day, with 8 permits allocated to each group, ensuring a more exclusive and intimate experience.

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi takes place in four distinct sectors:

• Buhoma (in the northern part of the park)
• Ruhija (northeastern part)
• Rushaga (southern part)
• Nkuringo (southern part)

Each sector offers different habituated gorilla families, with the Rushaga sector being particularly popular due to the larger number of gorilla families available for trekking. Depending on the sector you choose, you may also have the opportunity to combine your gorilla trek with visits to nearby attractions, such as Queen Elizabeth National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Cost of Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

The cost of a gorilla permit for tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is:

• USD 800 per person for Foreign Non-Residents
• USD 700 for East African Residents
• UGX 300,000 for East African Citizens

This permit allows you to spend one hour with the mountain gorillas during your trek. For those interested in a complete package, a 3-day gorilla trekking tour from Rwanda costs around USD 1,290 per person.

Popular Fly-In Gorilla Trekking Safari Packages

If you’re opting for a flying safari, we offer a range of Fly-in Gorilla Trekking packages that let you combine gorilla trekking with other safari experiences. Some popular options include:

• 3-Day Fly-in Gorilla Trekking Safari
• 4-Day Fly-in Safari (Gorilla Trekking + Masai Mara)
• 7-Day Fly-in Safari (Masai Mara & Gorilla Trekking)
• 9-Day Fly-in Safari (Samburu, Masai Mara & Gorilla Trekking)
• 12-Day Fly-in Safari (Serengeti, Masai Mara, Chimpanzees & Gorillas)

How to Book Gorilla Trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Planning a gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park? One of the most important things to do is secure your gorilla permit in advance to ensure your spot for an unforgettable trekking experience. Here’s how you can book your gorilla trekking permit and get ready for an exciting journey in Uganda.

How to Secure Your Gorilla Permit

Gorilla trekking permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and are required for all visitors to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. These permits can be purchased directly at UWA’s headquarters in Kampala (for those arriving via Entebbe) or at the Kisoro office (for visitors coming from Kigali, Rwanda). Kisoro is just 1-2 hours from Bwindi, making it convenient for travelers arriving via Kigali.

If you’d rather avoid the hassle, Trek Africa Expeditions can handle everything for you. Our team will secure your gorilla permits on your behalf, even on short notice. Simply confirm your travel dates with us via email or WhatsApp, and we will:

1. Tentatively reserve your permits online.
2. Send you an invoice for payment.
3. Once the payment is confirmed, we’ll finalize your permit purchase and send you scanned copies for your records.

With Trek Africa Expeditions, you can relax knowing your permits are handled with care and efficiency, leaving you free to focus on the excitement ahead.

When is the Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

The ideal time to trek gorillas in Uganda is during the drier months, typically January, February, and June to early September. These months make it easier to travel to Bwindi, and the vegetation is less dense, offering better visibility for spotting the gorillas.

What to Wear for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Wondering what to wear for your gorilla trek? Here’s a helpful list of items to bring along for comfort, safety, and enjoyment during your trek:

• Long-sleeved sweater: The park can get chilly, especially in the mornings.
• Two pairs of long trousers: Essential for protection from branches, insects, and rough terrain.
• Waterproof hiking boots: You’ll be trekking through muddy and uneven terrain, so sturdy boots are a must.
• Hat and sunglasses: Optional but useful for sun protection depending on the season.
• Camera and extra batteries: Capture the unforgettable moments with the gorillas (just be sure to turn off your flash).
• Binoculars: Helpful for spotting birds and other wildlife in the forest.
• Gardening gloves: Useful for gripping branches during your trek.
• Raincoat: Bwindi is a rainforest, and the weather can change quickly. Be prepared for rain at any time.
• Mosquito repellent: Keep those pesky bugs at bay.
• Sunscreen: Protect yourself from the sun, especially during the drier months.

Important Tips:

• Avoid wearing bright colors or black and blue, as these can disturb the gorillas or attract insects like tsetse flies. Stick to neutral tones like khaki, brown, or green.

Where to Stay During Your Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Bwindi is divided into four sectors, each offering a range of accommodations near the starting points of your trek. Here’s a list of places to stay in each sector:

• Rushaga Sector (Southern Bwindi):
  • Rushaga Gorilla Camp
  • Four Gorillas Lodge
  • Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge
  • Gorilla Safari Lodge
  • Icumbi Gorilla Safari Lodge
• Nkuringo Sector (Southern Bwindi):
  • Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
  • Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
  • Lake Mutanda Resort
• Buhoma Sector (Northern Bwindi):
  • Buhoma Lodge
  • Bwindi Lodge
  • Buhoma Community Rest Camp
• Ruhija Sector (Eastern Bwindi):
  • Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge
  • Gift of Nature Lodge
  • Trekkers Tavern Cottages

All of these lodges are strategically located close to the starting points for gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation experiences, ensuring that you can easily reach the park for your trek.

Why Book Your Gorilla Trekking Tour with Trek Africa Expeditions?

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we pride ourselves in creating tailor-made safari experiences with a focus on gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda. Here’s why you should choose us for your Bwindi gorilla trekking experience:

• Professional and Reliable Team: Our tour consultants respond to your inquiries within 20 minutes to assist you with your booking.
• Personalized Service: We help plan your trip based on your interests, budget, and timeline.
• Experienced Safari Guides: Our knowledgeable guides are fluent in multiple languages, ensuring you get the best experience.
• Expert Coordination: We ensure all your services (permits, accommodation, transport) are booked in advance, so you have a smooth, hassle-free experience.

For more details on booking your gorilla trekking permit or to learn more about how to get to Bwindi, feel free to contact us today. We’ll be happy to help you plan the trip of a lifetime!