Best Way to Travel to see Mountain Gorillas

Best Way to Travel to see Mountain Gorillas – Comparing Road and Air Travel to Bwindi

Choosing the best way to travel to see mountain gorillas involves weighing the options of driving versus flying to Bwindi, a decision pivotal to your overall experience. The predominant and favored means of transportation for many travelers exploring Uganda is by road, especially when venturing into the Gorilla National Parks of Uganda and Rwanda. Although the roads leading to the Mountain Gorilla tracking areas are generally in good condition, they can be slow and bumpy, especially as they traverse through the countryside and approach the national parks. A 4×4 vehicle is strongly recommended for these terrains, particularly during the rainy season. Travelers can either opt for private car journeys or rely on tour operators who arrange transportation to and from the Gorilla safari. Alternatively, flying directly into any of the national parks in Uganda and Rwanda offers a swift and scenic alternative.

Ultimate Guide to Mountain Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park stands out as Uganda’s premier destination for Gorilla tracking, boasting nearly half of the world’s mountain gorilla population. Beyond the enchanting gorillas, Bwindi is a haven for bird enthusiasts, with over 360 recorded bird species gracing its trails, swamps, and lush vegetation. The forest also hosts various primates like monkeys and baboons, as well as other wildlife, including forest elephants.

The journey to Bwindi typically involves a 9-10 hour drive from Kampala or Entebbe International Airport. This drive offers a fantastic experience, allowing travelers to witness African life in trading centers along the way, with enticing en-route stopovers at the Equator line for photography.

For those with ample time, additional trips to Lake Mburo National Park or Queen Elizabeth National Park are recommended. These parks promise abundant wildlife during exhilarating game drives, featuring tree-climbing lions, antelopes, elephants, and more. Lake Mburo National Park provides a unique opportunity to spot Rothschild giraffes, a rare sight in Ugandan national parks.

For a quicker and equally captivating journey, Aerolink Uganda provides domestic flights from Entebbe International Airport to Kisoro or Kihihi Airfield. From there, travelers can transfer to Bwindi. The approximately one-and-a-half-hour flight showcases stunning aerial views of Lake Victoria’s islands, mist-covered valleys, swamp vegetation, and a breathtaking panorama of the Volcanoes peak in the distance. Trek Africa Expeditions can assist in checking flight availability and making reservations for your Bwindi journey.

Travelers with time constraints or a preference for avoiding long road drives can opt to fly to Kigali International Airport in Rwanda. A short 2-hour road drive will then take them to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda or to Bwindi Impenetrable Gorillas in Uganda. The drive offers clear views of the eight Volcanoes and the picturesque hills that characterize Rwanda, often referred to as the “land of a thousand hills.” Hiking any of these mountains provides an awe-inspiring experience, offering views of the Virunga ranges and a clear sight of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to over 19 habituated Gorilla families across all four sectors of the park: Buhoma in the North, Ruhija in the East, and Rushaga and Nkuringo regions in the South. Additionally, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park hosts the Nyakagezi Gorilla family, providing a diverse range of Gorilla tracking opportunities.