How to get to Bwindi National Park

Easiest Transport to Gorilla Trekking Park

Gorilla trekking being a dream come true safari is worth preparing for. Transport to Bwindi Forest National Park is one of the vital elements of Gorilla trekking safari Whether in Uganda or Rwanda. The commonest question is how I can get to the Gorilla trekking park in Uganda or Rwanda

Road transport To Bwindi National Park

Hire a 4×4 Safari Vehicle

Hiring a safari vehicle for transport to Bwindi Forest National Park is the commonest way to get to Bwindi National Park. There are several car hire companies that can be contacted. The distance may be long but worth taking as you drive through the rolling hills of Kigezi which is considered the Switzerland of Africa. Several scenic spots can be viewed as you drive like you may make a stopover at the equator to take some memorable photographs, perform the water experiment, and enjoy the view of incredible valleys covered with green vegetation

In Rwanda depending on the time of arrival at Kigali airport, you may immediately drive to Volcanoes National Park. The drive is not tedious and this explains the reason why one may take a 2 Day Gorilla tracking Safari in Rwanda.

Self-drive to go gorilla trekking

Although self-drive is possible and saves you the cost of hiring a guide in Uganda it may be costly to your safari since you may not be familiar with the roads including driving time. The roads are quite rough which may be quite tedious. In case the only option is to hire a car, you must hire one with good mechanical condition that will be able to resist the rough terrain.

Driving License

In addition to self-drive you must have a driving license up to date driving license. Only drivers aged 18 year and above are permitted to drive in Uganda

Driver Guide

It’s very important to hire a driver guide to take you to Bwindi Forest in Uganda since the journey is quite tedious and long. It may last 8 to 9 hours on quite a bumpy road. Also the roads may be impassable so opting for another route which is known by the driver guides. So to save time and avoid getting lost which may lead you to miss the chance of gorilla trekking the following day. Remember the gorilla trekking permit is non-refundable and non-transferable therefore missing this great opportunity is not worth taking as an option.

Fuel

You need to have full tank of gas or fuel before departure to Bwindi Forest National Park. Refill later because as you go deeper into the rural areas, finding a refilling gas station may be quite a challenge.

Flying To Bwindi Forest National Park In Uganda

Flying to Bwindi national Park in Uganda has become another option for those who do not wish to travel for long hours. We book ticket for our clients on scheduled flights and charter flights for those who wish to take exclusive travel. But you may miss out on enroute activities like a stopover at the equator, viewing the rolling hills of Kigezi, meeting the local community and so much more. 

Schedules flights

In Uganda, scheduled flights depart Entebbe airport every day or Kajjansi air strip each day to arrive either between 1 hour and forty five minutes and 2 hours at Kihihi Air strip. There are early morning flights and afternoon flights so you may disembark from your early morning international flight and embark on a domestic flight to Bwindi Forest National Park

 Chartered Flights

If you wish to travel exclusively, at Arch safaris and Tours, we book charter flights for our clients.  You however must present some personal details as requested by the charter flight companies for your safety. Charter flights travel at any time of the day as long as there are no threatening weather conditions.

Transfer Vehicle

Since the Kihihi Airstrip is not close to Bwindi Forest National Park you need to hire a transfer vehicle to the lodge where you will be spending the nights. This is arranged prior to start of travel so that you are not left stranded at the Airstrip. Whether you are taking a scheduled flight or chartered flight, you need to book the transfer vehicle.

 How to save On Transport costs during Gorilla Trekking

Sharing costs with another traveller that make up the gorilla tracking safari package like car hire, fuel, driver guide can save you some money during your trip.

Secure a booking on scheduled gorilla trekking safaris as this gives you the opportunity of reducing on the costs of almost all components of a gorilla trekking package. However, this may not be favorable for travelling with children since people from various backgrounds are free to secure space on this safari. Timing is also another factor since most of the scheduled safaris are open for a certain period and commence on specific dates.

Book Accommodation in the area of your gorilla tracking permit as this gives you the opportunity to walk to the ranger station and not wake up so early to drive to the gorilla trekking briefing area.