Flying to Bwindi: Scheduled and Charter Flights

Flying to Bwindi: Scheduled and Charter Flight Options

You can fly to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park aboard either scheduled or chartered flights operated by Aerolink Uganda or Fly Uganda. Departures are available from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield, with landings at Kisoro or Kihihi airstrips—your choice of airstrip depends on which sector of the park you’re visiting. Once you touch down, a road transfer of about 1 to 2 hours will deliver you to your lodge. The major airline for flying to Bwindi is Aerolink, and below are some details about the airline.

About Aerolink Uganda

Aerolink Uganda is a privately owned airline in Uganda, licensed by the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority with an air operator’s certificate. It specializes in transporting tourists to Uganda’s National Parks, saving their time and allowing them to see more. The headquarters of Aerolink Uganda are located inside Entebbe International Airport, Uganda’s largest civilian airport.

Aerolink Uganda, whose owners have their base in neighboring Kenya, was established in 2012. The airline flies tourists between Entebbe and Uganda’s national parks. Daily scheduled flights are available to Kisoro Airport, Kihihi Airstrip, Kasese Airport, and Mweya Airport, all in the Western Region of Uganda. Flights typically depart from Entebbe International Airport. Therefore, it is convenient to catch a flight directly to Bwindi or drive from the hotel for a few minutes.

Flights land at Kisoro (for the southern part of the park). This is convenient for those whose trekking sector is either the Rushaga or the Nkuringo sector.  Flights also land at Kihihi airstrip (for the northern part), covering sectors like Buhoma and the Eastern sector of Ruhija. From any of the above airstrips, you drive to your lodge, which usually takes about 1-2 hours.

AeroLink Flight Schedules

One example of an Aero Link schedule is a morning flight from Entebbe to Kisoro or Kihihi, departing at 7:00 AM and arriving at 8:10 AM, with a return flight at 8:25 AM. There are also mid-morning flights that set off at 10:00 am, and afternoon flights that set off at 1:00 pm or 12:50 pm.

These flights are also weather-dependent. It’s therefore important to note that flights are subject to weather conditions. This makes flights unavailable in some months, like March, April, October, and November, most likely in the morning.

Flight Flexibility

Chartered flights offer more flexibility in terms of departure times and can be arranged for specific needs. For example, if you are in Jinja, Masai Mara(Kenya), Murchison Falls National Park, or Queen Elizabeth National Park, you can charter a flight to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

The cost of a chartered flight will depend on the specific route and the number of passengers. One-way flights cost around $300-350 per person. A return ticket might cost around $500-600 per person. Also, booking in advance is a necessity because of the high demand in some months.

How Much is Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park?

The cost of gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park depends on your residency status. Gorilla trekking permits make up a significant part of the cost. They provide an opportunity to spend one hour observing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat once they are located during your trek. A Gorilla Permit costs USD800 for Foreign Non-Residents and USD700 for Foreign Residents. It also costs USD500 for African Citizens and Ugx300000 per person per trek for East African Citizens.

The permit fee covers park entry, guide services, and your one-hour encounter with the gorillas. Booking in advance is necessary, as permits are few to ensure sustainable tourism and minimize the impact on the gorillas’ natural environment. Therefore, the Uganda Wildlife Authority sells them on a first-come, first-served basis.

Flying to Bwindi for Gorilla Habituation Experience

You can also fly to Bwindi (Kisoro Airstrip) for the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. It takes place in the southern region, specifically in the Rushaga sector and areas between Rushaga and Nkuringo.

Gorilla habituation involves trekking to find semi-habituated gorilla groups and spending 4 hours with them.

Participants engage in activities that help mountain gorillas become accustomed to human presence, preparing them for regular trekking in the future.

Due to the experience’s location, it is recommended to stay in lodges in the Rushaga or Nkuringo sectors for convenience. The Gorilla Habituation Experience is in high demand due to its exclusivity. Only 4 permits are issued per day and are limited to 4 participants per trek. It is advisable to book permits at least 2-3 months in advance. The Gorilla habituation permit costs $1500 for foreign non-residents and $1000 for foreign residents and African Citizens. It also costs Ugx750000 for East African Citizens.

This unique experience provides a deeper connection with the mountain gorillas, offering extended observation time compared to the standard 1-hour gorilla trek.

What is the Difference Between Gorilla Trekking and Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi?

The main difference between Gorilla Trekking and the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park lies in the amount of time spent with the gorillas and the group sizes:

Gorilla Trekking

• Time with Gorillas: You spend 1 hour with a fully habituated gorilla family once they are located.
• Group Size: Trekking is done in groups of up to 8 tourists per gorilla family.
• Focus: The experience is primarily about observing the gorillas in their natural habitat, capturing photos, and learning about their behavior from your guide.
• Availability: Available in all four sectors of Bwindi (Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Rushaga).

Gorilla Habituation Experience

• Time with Gorillas: You spend 4 hours with a semi-habituated gorilla family that is still undergoing habituation (training to get used to human presence).
• Group Size: Limited to 4 tourists per gorilla family, ensuring a more exclusive and immersive experience.
• Focus: Participants engage in activities that help researchers and trackers habituate the gorillas, such as observing their behavior and taking notes.
• Availability: Only offered in the Rushaga sector and areas between Rushaga and Nkuringo.
• Permit Costs: Gorilla habituation permits are more expensive than trekking permits due to the extended time and exclusive nature of the experience.

Best Time for Flying to Bwindi for Gorilla Trekking

The best time for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is during the drier months of January, February, June, July, August, and early September. These months offer better trekking conditions, as the trails are less muddy and slippery, and the vegetation is less overgrown, providing clearer views of the gorillas.

Contact reliable tour operators to plan for your fly-in Gorilla Trekking excursion. Anthill Gorilla Safaris or Safari Vacations and Travel Services are your trusted tour operators when it comes to tailor-made gorilla, wildlife, adventure, and cultural tours.