Kampala to Bwindi gorilla safaris – Bwindi Uganda Gorilla trekking safaris – Gorilla permits bookings – Bwindi impenetrable gorilla trekking tours.
Kampala to Bwindi gorilla safaris – Are you in Kampala and you are planning to visit Bwindi for gorilla trekking to see the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, are you trying to find out about the distance and Drive Time from Kampala to Bwindi, the distance from Kampala to Bwindi impenetrable National Park is approximately 500km and the drive time is approximately 8 to 9 hours’ drive depending on which sector you are trekking in and nature of traffic on the road? You can as well get to Bwindi by flight which is approximately 1-2 hours the flight departs from Entebbe Airport starting at 7am to airstrips of Kisoro and Kihihi and from here you can be picked up by your driver guide or the hotel shuttle where you plan to stay for the nights in Bwindi.
How to get to get to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Distance and Drive Time from Kampala to Bwindi; This will depend on which sector you will be doing your gorilla trek in Bwindi Forest; Bwindi can be accessed through the main high-way road from Entebbe/Kampala which is approximately 8-9 hours’ drive. The northern sectors of Ruhija and Buhoma can be accessed by turning off along the Kabale-Kisoro Road you will see the sign posted of Uganda Wildlife Authority which you will follow up to the designated sector for your trek. The southern sectors of Rushaga and Nkuringo trailheads can be reached using the road turning off at Muko along Kabale-Kisoro High way.
To avoid the long distance and Drive Time from Kampala to Bwindi You can fly from Kajjansi Air Field or Entebbe International Airport to Kisoro airstrip to access the southern sectors of Rushaga and Nkuringo and then to Kihihi airstrip for the northern sectors of Ruhija and Buhoma. Scheduled and chartered flights are available and operated by domestic airline operators of Aero Link and Fly Uganda. You will need to plan with your tour operator for a transfer from the airstrip to your Lodge you are booked for your stay.
Where is Gorilla Trekking done in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park?
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is done in 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 Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
About Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. A Gorilla Permit costs USD800 per person per trek for Foreign Non-Residents, USD700 for East African Residents, USD500 for Rest of Africa citizens, 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. Uganda Wildlife Authority has introduced discounted gorilla permits during the months of April, May and November at USD600 per person per trek.
What to pack for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest?
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)