Flying Safari to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Flying Safari to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Planning to visit Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park for gorilla trekking but want to avoid the long, bumpy 8-9 hour drive from Entebbe? Booking a flying safari to Bwindi is the perfect solution to reach the park quickly and comfortably, allowing you to focus on the experience of a lifetime—gorilla trekking.

Your Options for Reaching Bwindi by Air

There are several convenient options for flying into Bwindi, including:

Fly to Kisoro for Rushaga or Nkuringo Trekking

If you’re interested in trekking in the Rushaga or Nkuringo regions, you can fly directly to Kisoro. Located in the southern part of Bwindi, Rushaga is home to 8 gorilla families, the largest concentration in the park. The terrain here makes trekking easier, and it’s also the only sector offering the Gorilla Habituation Experience, where you spend more time with the gorillas. Rushaga is easily accessed from Kisoro, and if you’re coming from Kigali, it’s just a 4-5 hour drive. The gorilla families in this region include Rwigi, Muchunguzi, Busingye, Bweza, Nshongi, Mishaya, and Kahungye.

Fly to Kihihi Airstrip for Buhoma or Ruhija Trekking

Another option is to fly into Kihihi Airstrip, which is closer to the northern sectors of Bwindi, including Buhoma and Ruhija. Buhoma is the first sector in Bwindi to be habituated, with the oldest gorilla family, Mubare, as well as Habinyanja, Rushegura, and Katwe families. These regions are the most visited parts of the park and offer incredible trekking opportunities.

Important Tips for Planning Your Flying Safari to Bwindi

Book Your Gorilla Permit in Advance

Gorilla permits are essential for trekking in Bwindi. Ensure you book your permits well in advance to secure your spot. Permits are available at the following rates:

• Foreign non-residents: USD 800
• Foreign residents: USD 700
• East African citizens: 300,000 Ugandan Shillings

Each permit allows you to spend one hour with the gorillas. We recommend booking your permits 3-4 months in advance, especially during the high season, as they sell out quickly. Contact us to assist you with the booking process.

Reserve Your Accommodation Early

Accommodation options in Bwindi vary from luxury lodges to more budget-friendly choices. For a comfortable and memorable stay, we recommend luxury lodges like Four Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Safari Lodge, or Gorilla Valley Lodge. If you’re looking for budget options, consider places like Nshongi Camp, Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge, or Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge. Staying in these lodges ensures a great experience, with proximity to the trekking starting points.

Travel Comfortably from Kisoro or Kihihi

Once you arrive at either Kisoro Airstrip or Kihihi Airstrip, it’s a short road transfer to your lodge. A 4×4 Land Cruiser is ideal for comfortable travel through the park’s rugged terrain. From Kisoro Airstrip to Rushaga, the drive takes about 2 hours, cutting down the typical 8-9 hour road trip from Entebbe/Kampala.

Book Your Flights in Advance

Book your flights to Kisoro or Kihihi in advance with AeroLink, a local domestic airline offering scheduled and chartered flights. While there are no direct flights to the Rushaga region, you can be dropped off at Kisoro Airstrip, where a guide will meet you and transfer you to your lodge.

What to Wear When Trekking Gorillas in Bwindi

It’s important to wear the right gear for your gorilla trek. Here’s a list of what to pack:

• Long-sleeve shirt and trousers (since the forest can be cold and the terrain can be tricky)
• Waterproof hiking boots (essential for the muddy trails)
• Hat and sunglasses (optional depending on the weather)
• Camera with extra batteries (no flash allowed when taking photos of gorillas)
• Binoculars (perfect for birdwatching and spotting other wildlife)
• Gardening gloves (to protect your hands while holding onto branches)
• Raincoat (the rainforest is unpredictable, so it’s best to be prepared for rain)
• Mosquito repellent (keep bugs at bay)
• Sunscreen (to protect your skin in case of sun exposure)
• Neutral-colored clothing (avoid bright colors, which may scare the gorillas, and black/blue which attract tsetse flies)

Why Choose Trek Africa Expeditions for Your Gorilla Trekking Safari?

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we pride ourselves in unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences in both Uganda and Rwanda. With years of experience and a top rating on TripAdvisor, we’re here to make your African adventure eco-friendly, comfortable, and conservation-conscious. We offer a range of safaris that combine gorilla trekking with other exciting activities like chimpanzee tracking, Big 5 safaris, mountain hiking, boat cruises, and cultural experiences.

Whether you’re traveling to Uganda or Rwanda, we’ll help you plan a sustainable and memorable safari that supports local communities and wildlife conservation.

Ready to book your flying safari to Bwindi? Contact us today for more information or to start planning your dream gorilla trekking experience.