Let’s list things to consider before booking a flying safari to see Uganda gorillas. It is very important to know how you will get to National Parks that have mountain gorillas in Uganda. One of the challenges affecting gorilla trekking in Uganda is that Bwindi impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park which are home for mountain gorillas in Uganda are far from Entebbe International Airport which is the main entry point for Uganda. To access Bwindi or Mgahinga National Parks, one has to either drive 9-10 hours or choose flying to gorillas which may take like 2 hours to the nearest Airstrip in Bwindi or Kisoro. Before booking your flying safari to Bwindi or Mgahinga, you need to consider some few factors.

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Airstrips to fly to when trekking Bwindi National Park gorillas

Before booking a flying safari to Bwindi impenetrable National Park, it is important to know the various Airstrips available to land in when planning to trek Bwindi mountain gorillas. Currently, Uganda has three Airstrips where one can land. These include Kihihi, Kayonza and Kisoro Airstrips.  Those planning to trek mountain gorillas located in Rushaga and Nkuringo in the southern part of Bwindi impenetrable National Park must use Kisoro Airstrip since it is the nearest to all southern part gorilla starting points and lodges.

Those planning to trek mountain gorillas in Ruhija and Buhoma located in the eastern and Northern parts of Bwindi impenetrable National Park should consider using Kihihi and Kayonza airstrip. Kayonza Airstrip is small and privately owned so highly recommend Kihihi Airstrip.

Which National Park to see mountain gorillas from.

The most important item to consider before even thinking of arranging a flying safari to see Uganda gorillas, you need to make a bold choice of whether it will be in Bwindi impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National park. Once you have Zeroed down to the national park, then gorilla permits should be booked since it is the park and permits of either Bwindi or Mgahinga National Park that will determine the airstrip to fly to. If you book gorilla permits trekking in Mgahinga National park or the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the right Airstrip to fly to is Kisoro since it is the shortest to Lodges and gorilla trekking starting points in this region of the country. This, therefore, means that if you choose Mgahinga gorilla trekking, the only option is Kisoro Airstrip.

If planning to trek Bwindi mountain gorillas whether in the south, East or North, you have three options where you will fly to and land. Those trekking in Rushaga and Nkuringo must fly into Kisoro from Entebbe and those in the north and East must fly into Kihihi and Kayonza.

Bwindi gorilla trekking region must be considered

Before booking a flying safari to Bwindi impenetrable national Park, you need to consider which region of the park that you will book your gorilla permit. This is because some regions are near certain airstrips and lodges. If you book gorilla permits trekking in Ruhija and Nkuringo, Kisoro Airstrip will be ideal. If you book gorilla permits for Rushija and Buhoma, Kihihi airstrip is the best choice. Please note that the drive time from Kihihi to Ruhija is about 3 hours compared to that of Buhoma. You will only choose Ruhija if no permits for Buhoma are available.

Charter verses Scheduled daily flights to Bwindi National Park

When planning a flying safari to see Uganda mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and or Mgahinga National Park, you have a choice of chartering or booking scheduled daily flights to the respective national Park. Uganda has companies that offer both charter and scheduled flights to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and or Mgahinga.

Scheduled flights to Kihihi and Kisoro are mainly conducted by Aerolink and Fly Uganda/Kampala Executive Aviation. Most flights to Kisoro and Kihihi depart in the morning(Kisoro) and Kihihi (Both morning and afternoon) giving you great options to choose from. Encounter Africa safaris organizes both charter and scheduled flights to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and or Mgahinga National Park if you book any of our Flyin safaris to trek gorillas.

Minimum and Maximum passengers accepted

Most flights or crafts flying to Kihihi or Kisoro normally take a minimum of two and a maximum of 11 people. This is because of the size of Aircrafts available as well as affordability of available flights. Popular crafts include BN2s and Grand Caravans. Please contact Encounter Africa Safaris in advance with the number of people and we will check availability and recommend the best craft for your group.

Choosing the right Company to handle your internal flights

While planning to a flying safari to Bwindi impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga, you need to consider the standards of the company to do the job for you. Fly Uganda/Kampala Executive Aviation, Eagle Air and Aerolink pass the standards. We have used these companies to provide charter and scheduled flights and they have never disappointed. Please contact Encounter Africa safaris and we will recommend the best company to do the job.

Pre and post tour accommodation in Entebbe town

When planning a flying safari to Bwindi or Mgahinga National Park, please consider booking the first and last night in Entebbe town. This is because of the fact that anything can happen to your international flight and you fail to connect with your internal domestic flight to Bwindi or Mgahinga National Park.  Sometimes you may lose your luggage meaning that you can’t right away start your trip without it.  A night in Entebbe will solve all this.

Encounter Africa safaris is one of the most trusted tour operator for East Africa and we have been arranging exciting experiences to all our clients for the last 15 years. We are registered and work hand in and with Uganda Tourism Board, Uganda Wildlife Authority, Rwanda development board among others. Encounter Africa safaris is highly reviewed on Trip advisor as well as Safari bookings.