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Are you in Europe and you trying to find flights to Uganda to visit the Mountain Gorillas, Flying from Istanbul to Entebbe to Trek Gorillas in Uganda is the best way to visit gorillas in Uganda, Uganda is one of the great places to trek Mountain Gorillas, Mountain Gorillas in Uganda are found in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Here’s a general guide to help you with your travel plans for Flying from Istanbul to Entebbe to Trek Gorillas in Uganda:
Flight from Istanbul to Entebbe:
- Booking the Flight:
- Look for flights from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Entebbe International Airport (EBB). Airlines like Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines often operate on this route, typically with a layover in Doha or Addis Ababa and Kigali if you choose Turkish Airlines.
- Book your flight early to get the best rates.
- Arrival in Entebbe:
- Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, complete your visa formalities. You can get a visa on arrival, but it’s better to apply for an e-visa beforehand to save time.
- Arrange airport transfer to your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala. There are plenty of hotels catering to different budgets.
Trekking Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest:
- Travel from Entebbe to Bwindi:
- By Air: There are domestic flights from Entebbe to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrips, which are the nearest to Bwindi. Flights are operated by airlines like Aerolink Uganda and take about 1-2 hours.
- By Road: You can hire a private car or join a guided tour. The drive takes about 8-10 hours and can be a scenic route through the Ugandan countryside.
- Accommodation:
- There are several lodges and camps around Bwindi catering to various budgets, from luxury lodges to budget campsites. Book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak trekking seasons.
- Gorilla Trekking Permits:
- Secure your gorilla trekking permits well in advance as they are limited and in high demand. Each permit costs around $700 USD.
- Permits can be obtained through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or through a tour operator.
- Trekking Day:
- On the day of your trek, you will be briefed early in the morning at the park headquarters. Treks can last from a few hours to a full day, depending on the location of the gorilla families.
- Wear appropriate trekking gear: sturdy hiking boots, long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, gloves, a hat, and a rain jacket. Bring plenty of water and snacks.
- Follow the guidelines provided by the guides to ensure a safe and respectful encounter with the gorillas.
- Post-Trekking:
- After your trek, you can relax and explore the beautiful surroundings of Bwindi, or head to your next destination in Uganda.
Suggested Itinerary:
- Day 1: Fly from Istanbul to Entebbe.
- Day 2: Arrival in Entebbe, overnight stay.
- Day 3: Travel to Bwindi by air or road.
- Day 4: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi.
- Day 5: Explore Bwindi or travel to your next destination in Uganda.
About Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is one of the only 4 national parks home to the endangered mountain gorillas in the world, other national parks include Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in DR Congo. Bwindi Forest National Park is one of Africa’s oldest forests with a diverse biodiversity with various species which include 350 birds, 310 butterflies, 200 trees, 51 reptiles, 88 moths and 120 mammals, the park is also home to several primates including chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s monkey and the major one the Mountain Gorillas. The global population of mountain gorillas is 1064 individuals and half of these can be found in Bwindi forest, the park has over 15 habituated gorilla family groups open for gorilla tracking with 8 gorilla permits allocated to each group per day.
Where is Gorilla Trekking done in Uganda?
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is done in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park which has 4 sectors which include Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo and Rushaga. Buhoma sector is located in the northern part of Bwindi and Ruhija sector in the North Eastern part of Bwindi both sectors are located close to Queen Elizabeth National Park making it easy to combine gorilla trekking with game viewing if you are trekking at these sectors. In the southern Part of Bwindi it is where Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors are located close to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for gorilla trekking and Golden monkey tracking. Each sector has different habituated mountain gorilla families open for gorilla trekking with Rushaga sector having many families compared to other sectors.
How much is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
A Gorilla Uganda Permit costs USD800 per person per trek for Foreign Non-Residents, USD700 for East African Residents and USD80 for East African Citizens. This Gorilla permit gives you an opportunity to spend one-hour encounter with mountain gorillas in Bwindi forest once you find them on your trek.
How to purchase a Uganda Gorilla trekking permit
Gorilla trekking permits are purchased from Uganda Wildlife Authority, this can be done at their headquarters in Kampala or Kisoro for tourists arriving in Uganda through Entebbe it is recommended to purchase their gorilla permits from Kampala and for tourists arriving in Uganda through Kigali they can purchase their permits at the branch headquarter of Uganda Wildlife Authority in Kisoro town which is 1-2 hours drive to Bwindi. Eco Adventure Safaris is one of the best gorilla safari companies which can purchase for you your gorilla permit in advance and on short notice, once you confirm your dates and share them with us via email or WhatsApp we will first tentatively reserve the gorilla permits for you online and then send you an invoice for you to make payment and once money comes through on our account we will purchase your gorilla permits immediately and send you scan copies of your permits for your records and perusal and this will confirm you have purchase your gorilla permits for your gorilla trek in Bwindi forest for a given date.
What is the best time to go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?
The best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda is during the drier months of January, February, June to early September, this is makes it easier to travel to the park and gives a clear view of gorillas given the vegetation cover is not too much high grown
What to pack for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?
During gorilla tracking you will need a comfortable, hard wearing, pair of walking shoes or boots. Conditions are generally very muddy when it is raining. There are uphill sections which may be quite steep and strenuous. It is also advisable to wear a long sleeve cotton shirt and lightweight long trousers to protect yourself from the undergrowth, stinging nettles and biting ants. Suggested Items to pack for Gorilla trekking in Bwindi include;
• Insect Repellent
• Torch/Flashlight – and Spare Batteries
• Wet Wipes
• Water Bottle
• Camera, lenses etc
• Comfortable walking/hiking boots & socks
• Gardening gloves for gorilla tracking
• Sandals/strops/walking shoes
• Hat and Sunscreen
• Rain Jacket
• Sweater/fleece
• Swimwear
• Binoculars (game/bird watching)
Where to stay during Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest National Park is done in the northern part that is Buhoma and Ruhija and in southern part that is Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors. In Rushaga lodges, you can stay at Rushaga Gorilla camp, Four Gorillas Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Nsongi Camp, Icumbi Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge and Karungi Camp. In Nkuringo lodges you can stay at Nkuringo Bwindi gorilla lodge, Clouds Mountain gorilla lodge or Lake Mutanda Resort, all these lodges are close to the start point of Gorilla trekking.
Flying from Istanbul to Entebbe to Trek Gorillas in Uganda Book through Eco Adventure Safaris.