Taking a flight or road trip to visit gorillas in Uganda which is better

Choosing between Taking a flight or road trip to visit gorillas in Uganda which is better depends on several factors, including your budget, time constraints, and preference for travel experience. Here are some pros and cons of Taking a flight or road trip to visit gorillas in Uganda which is better:

Flying

Pros:

• Time-Saving: Flying is the quickest way to reach your destination, usually taking about an hour from Entebbe to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrips located near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
• Comfort: Flights are generally more comfortable, avoiding the bumpy and sometimes challenging road conditions in towards Bwindi especially during the rain season.
• Scenic Views: A flight can offer stunning aerial views of Uganda’s landscapes.

Cons:

• Cost: Flights are generally more expensive than road travel.
• Limited Flexibility: Flights are scheduled and may not always align perfectly with your travel plans. You may also need additional transport from the airstrip to your final destination.

Road Trip

Pros:

• Cost-Effective: Road travel is typically cheaper than flying.
• Scenic and Adventurous: The journey offers an opportunity to see more of Uganda’s countryside, interact with locals, and potentially stop at other interesting sites along the way.
• Flexibility: You can tailor your travel schedule more freely and make spontaneous stops.

Cons:

• Time-Consuming: Road trips can take 8-10 hours or more depending on traffic and road conditions.
• Comfort: The roads can be rough and tiring, especially if you’re traveling long distances.

Recommendation of Taking a flight or road trip to visit gorillas in Uganda which is better

If you are short on time and prefer a more comfortable journey, flying might be the better option. However, if you enjoy the adventure of a road trip, want to save on costs, and have the time to spare, driving can be a rewarding experience.

Considering you have a packed itinerary, including Murchison Falls, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi, and other locations, flying between key points could save you valuable time and reduce travel fatigue, allowing you to enjoy more of your destinations.

Flying Options in Uganda

Domestic Flights

There are several domestic airlines offering flights from Entebbe International Airport to airstrips near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The main airstrips are Kihihi and Kisoro. The flights are usually operated by airlines such as Aerolink Uganda and Fly Uganda.

• Aerolink Uganda:
  • Route: Entebbe to Kihihi or Kisoro
  • Duration: Approximately 1 hour
  • Frequency: Multiple flights daily
  • Cost: Around $250-$350 one way
• Fly Uganda:
  • Route: Entebbe to Kihihi or Kisoro
  • Duration: Approximately 1 hour
  • Frequency: Daily flights
  • Cost: Similar to Aerolink

Booking and Travel Tips:

• Advance Booking: Book your flights well in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
• Baggage: Be aware of baggage restrictions; typically, the limit is 15 kg per person.
• Transfer to Park: Arrange for a transfer from the airstrip to your lodge in Bwindi. Many lodges offer pickup services.

Road Trip Options

Route Details

Driving from Kampala or Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is an adventure, with the journey taking around 8-10 hours depending on the road conditions and stops.

• Route 1 (Kampala – Mbarara – Kabale – Bwindi):
  • Distance: Approximately 540 km
  • Major Stops: Masaka, Mbarara, Kabale
  • Road Condition: Generally paved but can have rough patches.
• Route 2 (Kampala – Fort Portal – Kasese – Bwindi):
  • Distance: Approximately 450 km
  • Major Stops: Mubende, Fort Portal, Kasese
  • Road Condition: Good condition with scenic views through Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Car Hire and Self-Drive

• 4×4 Vehicle: Recommended due to the rugged terrain, especially during the rainy season.
• Rental Agencies: Companies like Roadtrip Uganda, Self Drive Uganda, and Car Hire Uganda offer reliable vehicles for self-drive or with a driver.
• Cost: Approximately $70-$150 per day, depending on the vehicle type and duration of hire.

Guided Tours

• Tour Operators: Companies like Volcanoes Safaris, Gorilla Trek Africa, and African Jungle Adventures offer guided tours that include transportation, accommodation, and guided treks.
• Cost: Varies depending on the package but typically ranges from $1,000-$2,000 for a multi-day tour including gorilla permits.

Recommendation of Taking a flight or road trip to visit gorillas in Uganda which is better

For a seamless and time-efficient journey, you might consider flying to Bwindi and then hiring a vehicle or arranging transfers for the other parts of your itinerary. This approach allows you to save time and experience the best of both worlds—quick flights and the flexibility of road travel for shorter distances or scenic routes.

About Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is done in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park which has one gorilla family open for trekking that is the Nyakagzi group and 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, USD500 for rest of African Citizens, 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-sleeved 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.

Plan and book with us your Gorilla Trekking Tour in Uganda through Eco Adventure Safaris and contact us here for more information and advice about Taking a flight or road trip to visit gorillas in Uganda which is better.