At Trek Africa Expeditions, we make it possible for you to experience the wonder of mountain gorillas through an affordable flying safari to Ruhija. The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in southwestern Uganda is home to half of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas, and we specialize in tailor-made safaris to suit your budget. Among the four sectors within the park – Nkuringo, Buhoma, Rushaga, and Ruhija – we focus on the Ruhija Sector to give you an unforgettable experience. So, if you’re wondering whether a flying safari to see mountain gorillas is possible, look no further than Trek Africa Expeditions.
The Ruhija sector is situated in the eastern region of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and is home to three habituated gorilla families: Oruzogo, Bitukura, and Kyaguriro. Let me give you a quick overview of each family:
Compared to other sectors, Ruhija is relatively quieter, offering an immersive eco-tourism experience. Its strategic location between Buhoma to the north and Kabale town to the south makes it easily accessible from both regions. Apart from gorilla trekking, the sector offers a range of other activities, including nature walks, bird watching, and the Batwa experience. The Ruhija Gorilla Permits cost USD800, allowing you to spend one hour with the gorillas. It’s essential to purchase permits in advance from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, as they are always in high demand. You can also reserve your permits through Trek Africa Expeditions.
It’s worth noting that the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the only park that harbors highly endangered species, making it a unique and precious gem in Uganda’s tourism industry.
Getting to Bwindi National Park has never been easier with the availability of air transport. Aero Link, a domestic airline, provides both scheduled and charter flights to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The airline operates daily flights to the park, although there are no direct flights to Ruhija. However, you can be dropped off at Kihihi, where our professional guide will pick you up and drop you off at your lodge. The drive from Kihihi to the nearest lodge takes approximately two hours.
It’s important to check-in 90 minutes before the scheduled departure time for your flight, as per Aero Link’s policy. Additionally, the airline’s baggage allowance is 15 kilograms per person, and any excess baggage is charged at $3 per kilo. Private charters are also available for clients with specific timing requirements and different routing needs.
If you’re traveling with kids, it’s good to know that infants below two years old can travel for free, while children above 12 years are charged 70% of the adult fare. With Aero Link’s reliable services, you can rest assured that your journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park will be smooth, comfortable, and hassle-free.
If you’re planning on trekking gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, it’s important to know that the park is open all year round. However, due to the forest being a tropical rainforest, it can rain at any time. That being said, March to May and November usually have higher rainfall. You can take advantage of discounted accommodation rates during this period.
The best time to track gorillas is from June to August and December to February, as these months have the lowest rainfall and the forest is less slippery. If you’re considering a visit to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, it’s important to compare the different seasons to determine the best time for your trip.
Accommodation is an important aspect to consider when organizing a flying safari to Ruhija to see mountain gorillas. Luckily, there are a variety of options available to suit your budget. If you’re looking for a luxury stay, Gorilla Safari Lodge is a great option. For mid-range, Bakiga Lodge is a good choice. And for those on a budget, Trekkers Tavern and Broadbill Lodge offer affordable options that still provide en-suite bathrooms and free Wi-Fi. Regardless of which option you choose, all lodges offer full board meal plans when booking your safari with Trek Africa Expeditions. So, you can rest assured that you’ll have a comfortable and enjoyable stay during your gorilla trekking adventure in Ruhija.
At Trek Africa Expeditions, we understand that planning your dream safari should be an exciting experience, not a stressful one. With over 10 years of experience, we pride ourselves on offering tailor-made safaris and have earned over 150 reviews on TripAdvisor.
It’s important to note that booking in advance is essential to secure permits, flights, and accommodations. Gorilla trekking permits, for instance, are in high demand and need to be reserved early. By making a small deposit, you can secure all your services and have peace of mind knowing that everything is taken care of for your upcoming adventure. Our team is dedicated to providing hassle-free booking and ensuring that you have the trip of a lifetime.