Fly from Entebbe to Bwindi to Visit Gorillas

Fly from Entebbe to Bwindi to Visit Gorillas

Planning a gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi but don’t want to endure the long 8–9-hour drive from Entebbe? Flying from Entebbe to Bwindi is a convenient and time-saving option. Domestic flights operate from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Kihihi Airstrip (serving the northern sectors of Buhoma and Ruhija) and Kisoro Airstrip (serving the southern sectors of Rushaga and Nkuringo).

Both scheduled and chartered flights are available and are operated by trusted domestic airlines such as Aerolink and Bar Aviation. Upon landing, your tour operator can arrange transfers from the airstrip to your lodge, ensuring a seamless travel experience.

About Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the few places on Earth where you can see endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Bwindi is one of four national parks home to mountain gorillas, alongside Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in DR Congo.

Bwindi is also one of Africa’s oldest forests, boasting incredible biodiversity, including:

• 350 bird species
• 310 butterfly species
• 200 tree species
• 51 reptiles
• 88 moth species
• 120 mammal species, including chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and the iconic mountain gorillas

Bwindi is home to nearly half of the world’s 1,064 mountain gorillas, with over 15 habituated gorilla family groups available for trekking. Each group allows 8 permits per day, offering an intimate and exclusive experience with these majestic creatures.

How to Book a Flight to Bwindi

Just like gorilla trekking permits, it’s important to book your flight tickets in advance. Trek Africa Expeditions can help you secure your tickets with ease. Simply share your travel dates via email or WhatsApp, and we’ll tentatively reserve your flight. After confirming your payment, we’ll issue your tickets and send you the scanned copies for your records. Whether you’re booking months ahead or on short notice, our team is here to make the process smooth and stress-free.

Gorilla Trekking Sectors in Bwindi

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is conducted in four sectors:

1. Buhoma Sector (North)
2. Ruhija Sector (Northeast)
   • These two sectors are close to Queen Elizabeth National Park, making it easy to combine gorilla trekking with game drives and wildlife viewing.
3. Rushaga Sector (South)
4. Nkuringo Sector (South)
   • These sectors are near Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, where you can also enjoy golden monkey tracking.

Each sector features unique habituated gorilla families, with the Rushaga Sector hosting the highest number of gorilla groups.

Cost of Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

A gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi costs:

• $800 per person for Foreign Non-Residents
• $700 per person for Foreign Residents
• $80 per person for East African Citizens

This permit allows you to spend one magical hour with the mountain gorillas once you locate them during your trek.

How to Purchase a Gorilla Trekking Permit

Gorilla permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and can be purchased at their headquarters in Kampala or Kisoro. If you’re arriving in Uganda through Entebbe, we recommend buying your permit in Kampala. If you’re coming through Kigali, permits can be obtained in Kisoro, which is just 1–2 hours from Bwindi.

Alternatively, Trek Africa Expeditions can handle this process for you. Once you confirm your travel dates, we’ll reserve your permits, send you an invoice, and secure your permits once payment is received. Scanned copies of the permits will be sent to you for confirmation.

Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi

For a deeper, more immersive encounter, consider the Gorilla Habituation Experience. This activity takes place in Bwindi’s southern sectors of Rushaga and Nkuringo. It allows you to spend up to 4 hours with a semi-habituated gorilla family, participating in activities that help the gorillas get accustomed to human presence.

This experience is highly sought after, with only 4 permits issued per day, so booking at least 2–3 months in advance is essential.

Gorilla Habituation Permit Costs:

• $1,500 per person for Foreign Non-Residents
• $1,000 per person for Foreign Residents
• $220 per person for East African Citizens

Difference Between Gorilla Trekking and Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi

Gorilla Trekking and the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi offer unique opportunities to interact with the mountain gorillas, but they differ in the amount of time spent and group size:

• Gorilla Trekking: This involves spending one hour with fully habituated mountain gorillas once you find them. Each gorilla family is visited by a group of 8 tourists per day.
• Gorilla Habituation Experience: This allows you to spend 4 hours with a semi-habituated gorilla family, actively participating in their habituation process. A maximum of 4 tourists are allowed per gorilla family per day.

Both activities take place in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and start early in the morning. They can be physically demanding, as they involve hiking through dense forests and steep terrain. Physical fitness is highly recommended to fully enjoy either experience.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

The best time to go gorilla trekking in Bwindi is during the dry months:

• January and February
• June through early September

During these periods, the roads leading to the park are more accessible, and the forest trails are less muddy. The vegetation is also less dense, offering clearer views of the gorillas.

What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Packing the right gear ensures a comfortable and enjoyable trekking experience. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Sturdy hiking boots (comfortable and waterproof)
• Lightweight, long-sleeved shirt and long trousers (for protection against stinging nettles and biting insects)
• Rain jacket (the weather can change unexpectedly)
• Gardening gloves (to protect your hands while hiking)
• Insect repellent
• Hat and sunscreen
• Camera and lenses (to capture the memories, but no flash)
• Binoculars (for birdwatching and spotting wildlife)
• Water bottle (stay hydrated)
• Torch/flashlight and spare batteries
• Sweater or fleece (it can get chilly in the mornings)
• Wet wipes
• Sandals or slippers (for use around your lodge)

Difficulty Level of Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is physically demanding and varies greatly depending on the gorillas’ location on a given day. Trekking can range from a couple of hours to a full day (up to 8 hours or more). The trails are often steep, unmarked, and pass through dense rainforests.

Be prepared for unpredictable weather and challenging conditions, including high altitudes, muddy trails, and humid temperatures. Ensuring you’re in good physical condition will enhance your trekking experience.

Accommodation Options in Bwindi

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park offers a variety of accommodation options, conveniently located near the trekking start points in the park’s four sectors:

Southern Sectors (Rushaga and Nkuringo)

• Rushaga Lodges:
  • Rushaga Gorilla Camp
  • Four Gorillas Lodge
  • Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge
  • Nsongi Camp
  • Gorilla Valley Lodge
  • Karungi Camp
• Nkuringo Lodges:
  • Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
  • Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
  • Lake Mutanda Resort

Northern Sectors (Buhoma and Ruhija)

• Buhoma Lodges:
  • Buhoma Lodge
  • Bwindi Lodge
  • Buhoma Community Rest Camp
  • Ride 4 A Woman
• Ruhija Lodges:
  • Trekkers Tavern Cottages
  • Agandi Eco Lodge
  • Gift of Nature Lodge
  • Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge
  • Broadbill Tented Camp

Each sector has accommodations ranging from budget to luxury, ensuring options for every traveler.

Best Sectors for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

All four sectors of Bwindi—Rushaga, Nkuringo, Buhoma, and Ruhija—offer exceptional gorilla trekking experiences.

• Rushaga Sector: Popular for its large number of habituated gorilla families, making it easier to secure permits.
• Buhoma Sector: Known for shorter, less strenuous treks, often lasting 3–4 hours. Many trekkers finish their trek by late morning.
• Nkuringo Sector: The most physically challenging due to its higher elevation and steep terrain. Ideal for adventurous travelers.
• Ruhija Sector: Offers a mix of moderate and strenuous hikes, with opportunities for stunning views of Bwindi’s lush forest canopy.

Regardless of the sector, you have a 99% chance of encountering mountain gorillas, as the activity is well-organized and supported by experienced trackers.

Why Choose Trek Africa Expeditions?

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we pride ourselves in creating unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences. Whether you’re flying from Entebbe to Bwindi or planning your entire safari, we’ll handle all the details—from securing gorilla permits to booking flights and accommodations.

Why book with us?

• Customizable packages to suit budget, mid-range, or luxury preferences
• Professional and knowledgeable tour consultants available to answer all your safari questions
• Highly-rated service on TripAdvisor, with a community of satisfied clients
• A commitment to excellence, ensuring every safari is memorable

Contact us today to start planning your Bwindi gorilla trekking adventure, and let us make your dream safari a reality!