Booking a Flying Safari to See Gorillas in Uganda

Considerations for Booking a Flying Safari to See Gorillas in Uganda’s National Parks

When booking a flying safari to see Uganda’s mountain gorillas, it’s crucial to consider how to get to the National Parks where they reside. Accessing Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park, the homes of Uganda’s gorillas, can be challenging since they are far from Entebbe International Airport. To reach these parks, you must either endure a 9-10 hour drive or opt for a 2-hour flight to the nearest airstrip in Bwindi or Kisoro. Before booking your flying safari, there are a few factors to keep in mind.

A Guide to Airstrips for Flying Safaris to Trek Bwindi National Park Gorillas

When planning a flying safari to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking, it’s crucial to know which airstrips are available for landing. Currently, Uganda has three airstrips: Kihihi, Kayonza, and Kisoro. If you’re trekking the mountain gorillas in Rushaga and Nkuringo in the southern part of the park, Kisoro Airstrip is your best bet as it’s the closest to all the starting points and lodges in the southern region.

For those trekking mountain gorillas in Ruhija and Buhoma, located in the eastern and northern parts of the park, consider using Kihihi or Kayonza airstrip. While Kayonza Airstrip is small and privately owned, Kihihi Airstrip comes highly recommended.

Choosing the Best National Park for Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

When planning a flying safari to see Uganda’s mountain gorillas, the first important decision to make is whether to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park. Once you’ve made your choice, you can then book your gorilla permits, which will determine the appropriate airstrip to fly to. If you’ve booked permits for Mgahinga or the southern part of Bwindi, Kisoro Airstrip is the best option due to its proximity to lodges and trek starting points. On the other hand, if you’re trekking mountain gorillas in the north or east of Bwindi, you should fly into Kihihi or Kayonza airstrips. Those trekking in Rushaga and Nkuringo must fly into Kisoro from Entebbe.

Consideration of Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Region: A Key Factor for Planning Flying Safaris.

Before Booking Your Flying Safari When planning a flying safari to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, it’s essential to decide which region you want to book your gorilla permit for. This is because each region is closer to certain airstrips and lodges. If you’re booking permits for Ruhija and Nkuringo, the Kisoro Airstrip is the ideal choice. If you’re booking permits for Rushija and Buhoma, the Kihihi Airstrip is the best option. However, note that the drive from Kihihi to Ruhija takes about three hours, longer than the drive to Buhoma. Therefore, if no permits are available for Buhoma, only then should you consider Ruhija.

Choosing Between Charter and Scheduled Flights to Bwindi National Park

When planning a flying safari to see Uganda mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park, you can choose between chartering or booking scheduled daily flights to the respective national park. Companies in Uganda offer both charter and scheduled flights to these parks.

Aerolink and Fly Uganda/Kampala Executive Aviation are the main operators of scheduled flights to Kihihi and Kisoro. Flights to Kisoro mostly depart in the morning while those to Kihihi depart in both the morning and afternoon, providing you with flexible options to choose from. Trek Africa Expeditions organizes both charter and scheduled flights to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park if you book any of their fly-in safaris to trek gorillas.

Minimum and Maximum Passenger Requirements for Flights to Kihihi and Kisoro

When planning a flying safari to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park, it’s important to note that most flights or aircrafts flying to Kihihi or Kisoro have a minimum of two and a maximum of 11 passenger capacity. This is mainly due to the size of the available aircrafts and cost-effectiveness of the flights. The commonly used aircrafts include BN2s and Grand Caravans.

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we recommend that you contact us in advance with the number of people in your group so we can check the availability and recommend the best aircraft for your needs. Whether you have a small or large group, we can help you plan and organize your flying safari to see Uganda’s majestic mountain gorillas in comfort and style.

How to Choose the Right Company for Your Internal Flights to Bwindi National Park

When planning a flying safari to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga, it is important to choose a reliable company to handle your internal flights. There are several companies that offer charter and scheduled flights, including Fly Uganda/Kampala Executive Aviation, Eagle Air, and Aerolink. These companies have a reputation for meeting the required standards and providing quality services.

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we have worked with these companies for our own charters and scheduled flights, and we can confidently recommend them to our clients. However, it is important to do your own research and choose a company that meets your specific needs and budget. Contact us for guidance and recommendations on choosing the right company for your internal flights to Bwindi National Park.

The Importance of Pre and Post Tour Accommodation in Entebbe Town

If you’re planning a flying safari to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park, it’s highly recommended that you book your first and last night in Entebbe town. This is because unforeseen circumstances may arise with your international flight, causing you to miss your connecting internal flight to the parks. In addition, you may experience delays or loss of luggage, which can hinder the start of your trip. Staying a night in Entebbe town can help alleviate these issues and ensure a smoother start and end to your safari adventure.

Trek Africa Expeditions: Your Trusted Tour Operator for East Africa

Trek Africa Expeditions has been providing thrilling experiences to its clients for the past 15 years, making it one of the most reliable tour operators in East Africa. The company is registered and works closely with the Uganda Tourism Board, Uganda Wildlife Authority, Rwanda Development Board, among other reputable bodies.

Trek Africa Expeditions has earned a reputation for excellence and has garnered positive reviews on Trip Advisor and Safari Bookings. Whether you want to explore the wildlife in Uganda’s national parks, trek gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, or witness the spectacular wildebeest migration in Tanzania, Trek Africa Expeditions has the expertise and resources to make your dream safari a reality.