You need to contact a reliable tour operator like Encounter Africa safaris on how to organize a fly in safari to Buhoma and Ishasha. Uganda is popular for mountain gorillas which are in Bwindi impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga. Its is also worth noting that Uganda is also attractive due to the fact that Ishasha which lies in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park is popular for its tree climbing lions. Buhoma in Bwindi impenetrable National Park and Ishasha in Queen Elizabeth National Park can be accessed by road as well as air but today, we will focus on how to organize a flyin safari to Buhoma for gorilla trekking and Ishasha for tree climbing lions.

About Buhoma region of Bwindi impenetrable National Park

Buhoma region is located in the northern part of Bwindi impenetrable National Park and is so popular due to the fact that its where gorilla trekking started. The first gorilla family to be opened for gorilla trekking was located in Buhoma region meaning that the first tourists to trek habituated mountain gorillas in Bwindi impenetrable National Park did so in this region. Mubare gorilla group is on record as the oldest habituated mountain gorilla family in Bwindi impenetrable National Park and those who want to make history chose or ask for Mubare gorilla family when they visit Bwindi impenetrable National Park.

It is possible to visit both Buhoma in Bwindi impenetrable National Park and Ishasha for tree climbing lions since these two are close to each other. The fact that they share the same Airstrip (Kihihi), it becomes simple and convenient to organize a flyin safari to Buhoma and Ishasha.

Gorilla Families in Buhoma region.

In 1993 when gorilla trekking officially kicked off in Buhoma, there was only one gorilla family. Overtime and with the habituation of more gorilla families and separation due to internal infights, buhoma region now has five or so gorilla families that are open for gorilla trekking. These include Rushegura, Katwe, and Habimyanja. Each of these gorilla families is trekked by a maximum number of 8 people. Buhoma gorilla permits tend to sell out quickly and thus those interested in flying in to trek Buhoma gorillas should book their permits in advance.

Best practices on how to organize flyin safaris to Buhoma and Ishasha

Select best Airstrips for Buhoma and Ishasha

When planning a flyin safari to Buhoma for gorillas and Ishasha for tree climbing lions, you need to take a look at the available Airstrips and be able to select the best that are easily accessible and connect the two National Park. There several Airstrips close to Bwindi impenetrable National Park as well as Queen Elizabeth National Park but the best Airstrip that will help in connecting these two beautiful places is Kihihi Airstrip. From Kihihi to either Buhoma and or Ishasha is about one and a half hours road transfer to your respective Lodge. Avoid landing in Mweya and you want to combine Ishasha and Buhoma.

Book your Buhoma or Ruhija gorilla permits in advance

You cannot start to organize a fly in safari to Buhoma and Ishasha is you are not holding Buhoma or Rushija gorilla permits. It all starts with booking your gorilla permits which must be done in advance. Encounter Africa safaris assists in checking availability, reserving and booking gorilla permits on behalf of all our clients that contact us for all inclusive fly in or road trips to Bwindi impenetrable National Park. Feel free to contacts us to find out more on how to book your gorilla permit.

Holding either buhoma or Ruhija gorilla permit is essential since all fly in safaris that land in Kihihi Airstrip serve both Ruhija and Buhoma. It is possible to stay in Buhoma and track mountain gorillas in the eastern part of Bwindi impenetrable National Park (Ruhija). You can avoid trekking in Ruhija if you book your Buhoma gorilla permits in advance.

Book Lodges that offer road transfers to Buhoma and Ishasha

Due to the fact that internal flights to Buhoma and Ishasha land in Kihihi and from Kihihi to Buhoma or Ishasha one needs to drive at least two hours to the lodge, there is need to organize road transport or a vehicle to do the transfers. Booking a lodge that has a resident vehicle for transfers and game drives if needed will be ideal. Most popular lodges in Buhoma region of Bwindi impenetrable National Park and Ishasha have vehicles reserved to provide transfer services to their clients. Such lodges include Buhoma Lodge, Buhoma Sanctuary retreats, Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Volcanoes Lodge among others. Transfers tend to be booked separately so there is need to contact respective lodges in advance.

Reliable flight company to fly your clients

There so many flight companies offering internal flights that land in Kihihi Airstrip and able to take clients going to Buhoma and Ishasha for tree climbing lions. Two top companies that are reliable include Aerolink Uganda and Kampala executive Avaition. Aerolink for example operates both charter and scheduled flights and can be flexible depending on your priorities. Aerolink operates both morning and afternoon flights to Kihihi to serve tourists and visitors going to Ishasha and Buhoma. Depending on your international flights to Uganda, you may choose to fly in the morning or afternoon. Encounter Africa safaris assists in booking internal flights on behalf of our clients if contacted. Aerolink and Kampala Executive Aviation have been in this field for quite sometime and are highly recommended for this job.

Combining Buhoma and Ishasha regions

Both mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable National Park and tree climbing lions in Ishasha are highlights. You may choose to start with Ishasha and then Buhoma. Two days in each region is ideal as it will give you ample time to explore by involving yourself in game drives in search for tree climbing lions and then gorilla trekking and nature walks in Buhoma. Since mountain gorilla trekking is the top most highlight of all activities in the country, it is better to start with Ishasha for game drives and then Buhoma for gorilla trekking.

About Encounter Africa safaris

Encounter Africa safaris started in 2011 offering amazing experiences to Uganda and Rwanda but has since expended to offer safaris to Tanzania, Kenya and Democratic Republic of Congo. Our magic in organizing authentic experience stems from the fact that we have overtime assembled a team mixed witn young and energetic staff guided by well experienced mature managers and directors who are Ugandans and passionate about what they do. If contacted, one of our staff will assist in providing accurate and timely information that you can rely on. Encounter Africa Safaris is highly rated and reviewed on trip Advisor and safari bookings.