Which Airlines Fly from Entebbe to Bwindi Forest?

Which Airlines Fly from Entebbe to Bwindi Forest?

Planning to visit Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park for an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience? If you’re looking to skip the long 8–9 hour drive from Entebbe to Bwindi, booking a flight to the park is the easiest and quickest way to get there. Here’s everything you need to know about flying to Bwindi and your options for a smooth journey.

Airlines Flying from Entebbe to Bwindi

Several airlines offer flights from Entebbe to nearby airstrips that are a short drive away from Bwindi:

• Aero Link Uganda
• Bar Aviation

Flying to Bwindi is a fantastic option, especially if you’re looking to save time. You can fly into Kisoro, which is near the Rushaga and Nkuringo regions of Bwindi. These sectors are popular for gorilla trekking due to their relatively easy terrain and high concentration of gorilla families.

Top Sectors to Access via Flight

Rushaga Region:

Rushaga is home to 8 gorilla families, making it the area with the largest number of trekking opportunities in Bwindi. These families include Rwigi, Muchunguzi, Busingye, Bweza, Nshongi, Mishaya and Kahungye, all open for trekking. This is also the only region in Bwindi that offers the Gorilla Habituation Experience for those who want an extended gorilla encounter.

Other Options:

You can also fly into Kihihi Airstrip, which is closer to the Buhoma and Ruhija sectors in the northern part of Bwindi. Buhoma is the most famous sector, home to the Mubare family, the first gorilla group to be habituated in the park, along with three other families: Habinyanja, Rushegura and Katwe.

Booking Your Flight to Bwindi

To fly to Bwindi, you’ll need to book your flight in advance. Aero Link Uganda offers both scheduled and chartered flights to Kisoro Airstrip. While there are no direct flights to Rushaga, you’ll be dropped off at Kisoro and picked up by our professional guide, who will transfer you to your lodge.

Important Travel Tips for Flying Safaris to Bwindi

1. Secure Your Gorilla Permit in Advance:

To trek gorillas in Bwindi, you must book your gorilla permit in advance. Prices are:

• USD 800 for Foreign non-residents
• USD 700 for Foreign residents
• 300,000 Uganda Shillings for East African Citizens

Since permits are limited (only 8 per gorilla family per day), it’s essential to book at least 3–4 months in advance, especially during the high season. We recommend contacting us to secure your permit and ensure your spot for an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience.

2. Accommodation Options:

Depending on where you’ll be trekking, you’ll need to book accommodation ahead of time. The Rushaga area offers a range of options, from luxury lodges like Four Gorilla Lodge and Rushaga Gorilla Safari Lodge to budget-friendly options like Nshongi Camp and Rushaga Gorilla Camp. If you’re trekking in Buhoma or Ruhija, there are similar options to suit all budgets.

3. Comfortable Travel from Kisoro or Kihihi:

Once you’ve flown into Kisoro or Kihihi, the next step is a short drive to your lodge. You can hire a 4×4 Land Cruiser for a comfortable and smooth journey, which will take around 2 hours from Kisoro to your lodge.

What to Wear for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

When trekking gorillas, it’s important to dress appropriately for the forest environment. Here’s a quick guide on what to wear:

• Long-sleeved shirt and trousers (the forest can be cold)
• Waterproof hiking boots
• Gardening gloves (to help when holding trees)
• Rain jacket (since Bwindi is a rainforest)
• Mosquito repellent and sunscreen (optional but recommended)
• Binoculars and a camera (with long-lasting batteries; remember to turn off the flash)

Avoid wearing bright colors, as they can disturb the gorillas. Dark colors like black and blue should also be avoided due to Tsetse flies.

Why Book Your Gorilla Trekking Safari with Trek Africa Gorillas?

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we pride ourselves in unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences in Uganda and Rwanda. We’re highly rated on platforms like TripAdvisor and our services are designed to provide eco-friendly, high-end adventure safaris. We also offer a range of activities, from chimpanzee trekking to Big 5 safaris, mountain hiking, boat cruises and cultural encounters. Whether you’re exploring Uganda, Rwanda or other top African safari destinations like Kenya, Tanzania and Botswana, we’re here to create a memorable adventure for you.

Feel free to contact us to learn more about flights from Entebbe to Bwindi or to start planning your dream safari!