Uganda is home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population, making it one of the only places on earth to encounter these magnificent primates. This provides people with the opportunity to observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat with parks like Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National harboring them. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is situated in south west of Uganda on the edge of the Rift Valley inside the most densely populated areas which are Kanungu, Kabale and Kisoro; and it is listed as UNESCO world heritage site due to its ecological importance. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located in the southwestern corner of Uganda, is another option for gorilla trekking offering a scenic trekking experience for both mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. Both parks are famous to the world because of Gorilla trekking, however Bwindi Impenetrable is more popular with 24 habituated gorilla families and Mgahinga with only one.
Bwindi and Mgahinga combined have a beautiful diverse ecosystem with over 200 mammals with primates like mountain gorillas, white and black colobus monkeys, golden monkeys, baboons, chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, pottos and galago, African elephants, giant forest hogs, bush pigs, sitatunga antelopes, jackals, golden cats, bushbucks, buffalo, leopards, spotted hyenas, African porcupines, antelopes, and many more and over 500 bird species with endemics including green broadbills, black bee-eater, regal sunbird, bar-tailed trogon, black-billed turaco, Rwenzori batis, turaco, king fisher, strange weaver, dusky twinspot, mountain oriole, mountain yellow warbler, purple-breasted sunbird, blue-headed sunbird, white starred robin, turaco, batis, olive pigeon, cape robin, strange weaver, regal sunbird, and many more; together with over 200 butterflies, frogs, toads, reptiles, bats, and rodents.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is one of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife experiences that allows you to observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat by hiking through dense tropical forests. The experience is unique and adventurous and a flying safari offers a quick and comfortable way to visit these gorilla destinations. Flying is ideal for travelers who prefer convenience, comfort and a luxurious experience.
Aero Link Uganda Limited and Bar Aviation are some of the companies that provide domestic flight services with flights available at different times on days intended or desired. Flights will be from either Entebbe International Airport or Kajansi Airstrip to either Kihiihi or Kisoro Airstrip which will take about 70minutes. Depending on the visitor’s desired sector or park, one will land at either Kihiihi or Kisoro Airstrip then will be driven from the airstrip to the lodge either in Bwindi or Mgahinga which will take about 1-2 hours. Please note that Kihiihi Airstrip is closer to Buhoma and Ruhija sectors and Kisoro Airstrip is closer to Rushaga, Nkuringo sectors, and Mgahinga. Taking a flight to Bwindi or Mgahinga will save visitors from the 9-10 hour drive from Kampala especially those that are not okay or comfortable with the drive adding to the uniqueness of the experience.
Gorilla trekking is strictly regulated to ensure the safety of both visitors and gorillas through permits which must be booked or payed for in advance to Uganda Wildlife Authority or a trusted tour operator like Omangwa Safaris.
Visitors are accompanied by trained guides and park rangers who provide information about the gorillas and ensure that trekking guidelines are followed. It’s important to listen to their instructions and maintain a respectful distance from the gorillas to minimize stress and disturbance. The best time for trekking in any of the three countries is during the dry seasons of June-September and December-February as these months have better trekking conditions with less rain or muddy trails. A tourist should be in good shape to enjoy the trek as some trails can be strenuous depending on the gorilla family’s location, and be healthy as gorillas can also easily get sick as humans and they must be protected from any kind of ailments caused by humans. You can try our 2 days Uganda flying gorilla safari.
