Organizing a Flying Safari to Bwindi to See Gorillas

Organizing a Flying Safari to Bwindi to See Gorillas

If you want to plan a flying safari to Bwindi for a chance to see the majestic mountain gorillas, Trek Africa Expeditions can make the process effortless for you. One of the main challenges of organizing a gorilla tour to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the long distance from Kampala, the capital city of Uganda, or Entebbe International Airport. The drive from Kampala/Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park takes around 9-10 hours, which is why opting for a flying safari to Bwindi is a much more practical alternative.

A Guide to Airstrips for Flying Safaris to See Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi

When organizing a flying safari to Bwindi to see mountain gorillas, one of the challenges is the long distance from Kampala or Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Fortunately, there are three airstrips located closer to the park that can be used.

The Kihihi Airstrip, located in Kihihi District, serves the northern and eastern parts of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. If you’re planning to trek gorillas in Buhoma or Ruhija, Kihihi is the best airstrip to use, as it can accommodate larger crafts like the Grand Caravans.

Another airstrip serving the northern part of the park is Kayonza Airstrip, which is privately owned and can only accommodate smaller crafts like BN2s.

The third airstrip is the Kisoro Airstrip, located in the southwestern part of Uganda. This airstrip serves the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and is the closest to the Nkuringo and Rushaga gorilla trekking regions. Kisoro Airstrip can accommodate larger crafts like the Cessna Caravans.

By using one of these airstrips, you can significantly reduce travel time and get to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park quickly, ensuring more time for gorilla trekking and other activities.

Using Kisoro Airstrip for a Flying Safari to the Southern Part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to See Gorillas

If you are planning a flying safari to the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to see gorillas, you should consider landing at Kisoro Airstrip and then driving to your respective lodge. Kisoro Airstrip is well-maintained and can accommodate larger aircraft such as Grand Caravans. This airstrip is strategically located near the southern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, making it a convenient option for visitors who wish to see gorillas in this part of the park. Once you land at Kisoro Airstrip, you can enjoy a scenic drive to your chosen lodge while taking in the breathtaking views of the park.

Flight Duration from Entebbe/Kajansi to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

When planning a flying safari to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, it is important to note that all flights start and end in either Entebbe International Airport or Kajansi Airstrip. The duration of the flight depends on the size and speed of the booked aircraft, but it usually takes about 2 hours to reach any part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park from Entebbe/Kajansi. Opting for a flight to Bwindi instead of driving for 9-10 hours allows you more time to relax or engage in other activities such as visiting the community or taking a nature or forest walk once you arrive at your lodge.

Flight Departure Schedule for Flying Safaris to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Most companies offering flying safaris to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park have two daily departures, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. Depending on your preference, you can choose to fly either in the morning or afternoon. For specific information on available flights, please contact Trek Africa Expeditions.

However, if you plan to fly to the southern part of Bwindi and land at Kisoro Airstrip, there is only one flight per day in the morning. This is because flying in the afternoon can be dangerous due to turbulent winds and hills. If you need more information on flying to Rushaga and Nkuringo in the south of Bwindi, please contact us.

Capacity of Crafts for Flying Safaris to Bwindi

When it comes to flying safaris to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, crafts typically have a capacity of two to eleven people. It’s important to note that the minimum number of people required for a craft to take off to Bwindi is two. Although most Grand Caravans are designed to carry up to 12 people, the 12th seat is usually reserved for luggage. If you need more information on the capacity of crafts for flying safaris to Bwindi, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Chartering a Plane to Bwindi: Is it Possible?

If you have the budget, it is possible to charter a plane to fly you directly to either Kihihi or Kisoro Airstrip in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Companies such as Fly Uganda, Kampala Executive, and Aerolink offer charter flights to Bwindi on request. If you are interested in chartering a plane to Bwindi, please send us an email at info@trekafricatours.com and we will assist you in organizing it.

Scheduled Flights to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Aerolink and Fly Uganda provide scheduled flights to Kihihi and Kisoro daily. These flights typically depart in the early morning or afternoon and land in either Kihihi or Kisoro. Scheduled flights require a minimum of two people and can accommodate up to 11 to 12 people traveling in a Grand Caravan. At Trek Africa Expeditions, we base our flying safaris to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park on available scheduled flights, and we always ensure that seats are available before confirming your booking. We prefer scheduled flights to charters as they are more affordable.

Distance between Kihihi and Kisoro Airstrips and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Kihihi and Kisoro Airstrips are both located about 2.5 hours’ drive from their respective park headquarters in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. For those flying to the southern part of the park, it takes approximately 2 hours by road from Kisoro Airstrip to Rushaga or Nkuringo. From Kihihi, it takes 2 hours by road to Buhoma, which is situated in the northern part of the park. If you’re staying in Ruhija, located in the eastern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, it will take a 2-hour drive from Kihihi.

Trek Africa Expeditions organizes flying safaris that include road transfers from Kihihi or Kisoro Airstrips to your respective lodge. They also provide transfers from the lodge to the starting points of gorilla treks in the East, North, or South of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Safety of Flights and Crafts to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Trek Africa Expeditions assures the safety of flying safaris to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park as the companies operating these routes are certified to fly and have been doing so for over 10 years without any issues. Client safety is a top priority for these companies and Trek Africa Expeditions, ensuring a safe and comfortable flying experience for all passengers.