Closest Airports for Gorilla Trekking in Africa

Closest Airports for Gorilla Trekking in Africa: Rwanda, Uganda & DR Congo

Planning a trip to see mountain gorillas in Africa? One of the first questions travelers often ask is: Which airport should I fly into to visit the gorillas? The closest airport depends on where you’re planning to trek—whether in Uganda, Rwanda, or the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Below, we break down the nearest airports to each of the main gorilla trekking destinations, along with helpful travel tips from Trek Africa Expeditions, your trusted expert for East and Central African safaris.

Closest Airport to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

The nearest airport to Volcanoes National Park is Kigali International Airport (KGL) in Rwanda’s capital. From Kigali, it’s a scenic 2 to 3-hour drive to the park headquarters in Musanze, making it one of the most accessible gorilla trekking destinations in Africa.

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is well-organized, and permits are limited to 96 per day across 12 habituated gorilla families. Booking in advance is essential.

Closest Airports to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

To trek gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, there are two main international gateway options:

• Entebbe International Airport (EBB) – Located near Uganda’s capital, Kampala. From Entebbe, travelers can either take a long road journey (8–10 hours) or a domestic flight to Kihihi Airstrip or Kisoro Airstrip, depending on which region of Bwindi they’re visiting.

• Kigali International Airport (KGL), Rwanda – Ideal for those trekking in southern Bwindi (Rushaga or Nkuringo). The drive from Kigali to the Ugandan border is about 4–5 hours, offering a quicker and more scenic route.

Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Sectors and Flight Options:

• Rushaga & Nkuringo sectors (southern Bwindi): Best accessed via Kisoro Airstrip or from Kigali.

• Ruhija & Buhoma sectors (northern and eastern Bwindi): Best accessed via Kihihi Airstrip from Entebbe.

Rushaga is particularly popular due to its high concentration of gorilla families and is also the only sector offering the Gorilla Habituation Experience.

Closest Airport to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park lies in the far southwest of Uganda, near the Rwanda and DR Congo borders. It’s easiest to access from:

• Kisoro Airstrip (via domestic flight from Entebbe)

• Or Kigali International Airport followed by a 4-5 hour drive across the border

Mgahinga is home to one habituated gorilla family and offers a more exclusive trekking experience with fewer visitors.

Closest Airport to Virunga National Park, DR Congo

To visit Virunga National Park in eastern DR Congo, the nearest airport is Goma International Airport (GOM). It’s just across the border from Gisenyi, Rwanda.

From Goma, it’s a short drive to the Virunga Park headquarters. While DR Congo has had periods of instability, Virunga offers an incredible, off-the-beaten-path gorilla experience when conditions are safe.

Closest Airport to Kahuzi-Biega National Park, DR Congo (Lowland Gorillas)

For those interested in trekking eastern lowland gorillas, the best airport is Kigali International Airport (KGL). From Kigali, your journey to Kahuzi-Biega National Park typically includes a cross-border drive to Bukavu, DR Congo, via Rwanda’s Cyangugu border post.

Trek Africa Expeditions can assist with the necessary permits, logistics, and local guides for a smooth experience.

Gorilla Trekking Permit Costs & How to Book

Uganda Gorilla Permits

• $800 – Foreign non-residents

• $700 – Foreign residents

• $80 – East African citizens (UG, RW, KE, TZ, BI, SS)

Each permit allows one hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Gorilla Habituation Experience (Uganda)

• $1,500 per person

• Spend up to four hours with semi-habituated gorillas, guided by trackers and researchers.

• Only available in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi.

How to Book: Permits can be reserved directly through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or with the help of a trusted operator like Trek Africa Expeditions for a seamless booking process and full itinerary support.

Rwanda Gorilla Permits

• $1,500 – Foreign non-residents

• $500 – Foreign residents

• $200 – East African citizens

All treks take place in Volcanoes National Park, with one hour allowed per visit. Rwanda’s permit price reflects its high-end, conservation-focused approach.

How to Book: Through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) or via a licensed operator like Trek Africa Expeditions.

Cost and Booking Gorilla Permits in DR Congo

Gorilla trekking in the Democratic Republic of Congo offers a unique opportunity to see both mountain gorillas and eastern lowland gorillas in their natural habitat. In DR Congo, gorilla tracking is done in two main parks:

• Virunga National Park – home to mountain gorillas

• Kahuzi-Biega National Park – home to eastern lowland gorillas

Gorilla Permit Prices in DR Congo

• Virunga National Park:

  • $400 per person during the high season (mid-December to mid-March and June to October)

  • $200 per person during the low season (mid-March to mid-May and mid-October to mid-December)

• Kahuzi-Biega National Park:

  • $400 for foreign non-residents

  • $200 for East African residents

  • $20 for national (Congolese) residents

Gorilla permits in DR Congo can be booked directly through the Virunga National Park or Kahuzi-Biega National Park, or through a trusted tour operator like Trek Africa Expeditions.

Note: Gorilla permit prices only cover the trekking experience. Accommodation, meals, air tickets, ground transportation, and other travel-related costs are not included. It’s recommended to book a complete safari package for a hassle-free experience.

Uganda vs Rwanda vs Congo: Where’s Best for Gorilla Trekking?

Uganda is one of the best and most affordable destinations for gorilla trekking in Africa. Compared to Rwanda, Uganda offers the same unforgettable experience at a more budget-friendly price. And when it comes to safety and infrastructure, Uganda is often preferred over Congo, making it a great choice for first-time or family travelers.

Age Limit for Gorilla Trekking in Africa

The minimum age for gorilla trekking in Africa is 15 years, and while there is no official maximum age limit, the experience does require a moderate level of fitness.

For older travelers or those with limited mobility, sedan chair services are available—especially in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Carriers can transport guests to and from the gorilla trekking site safely and comfortably. These chairs can be booked in advance or arranged on the day of your trek and typically cost between $400 and $500.

Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in Africa

Gorilla trekking is available year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry seasons:

• January to February

• June to early September

During these months, the forest trails are drier and more accessible, and visibility tends to be better since the vegetation isn’t as thick.

What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking in Africa

Being well-prepared makes a big difference on your gorilla trek. Here’s a suggested packing list to ensure a safe and comfortable experience:

• Comfortable hiking boots or walking shoes

• Long-sleeve shirts and lightweight trousers

• Gardening gloves (for grabbing branches or crawling through undergrowth)

• Rain jacket and waterproof gear

• Hat and sunscreen

• Insect repellent

• Torch/flashlight with spare batteries

• Wet wipes and personal hygiene items

• Water bottle or hydration pack

• Binoculars (great for birdwatching and other wildlife)

• Camera with extra batteries and memory cards

• Sweater or fleece for chilly mornings

• Swimwear (some lodges have pools or nearby lakes)

Why Book Your Gorilla Trekking Safari with Trek Africa Expeditions?

Trek Africa Expeditions is your trusted partner in planning and booking unforgettable gorilla trekking adventures across Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo.

We offer:

• Expert guidance throughout the booking process

• A range of safari packages—from budget to luxury

• Gorilla permits included in our packages

• Customizable itineraries based on your interests and travel dates

• A knowledgeable team of tour consultants ready to assist at every step

Don’t just take our word for it—check out our glowing reviews from happy travelers on TripAdvisor and other platforms. Whether you’re planning a solo journey, a honeymoon, or a family adventure, we’re here to make your African safari smooth, safe, and extraordinary.

Need help choosing the closest airport for your gorilla trekking trip? Contact us today and we’ll guide you through the best travel options based on your destination and travel plans.