- Gorillas in Africa: Learn about the closest airport to see mountain gorillas in Africa. There are fly-in safaris to see mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga National Park (Uganda). There are also ones to Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda). In DR Congo, fly-in safaris go to Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Biega National Park (Congo) for eastern lowland gorillas.
If you are planning to visit Africa for a gorilla trekking experience and are looking for the closest airport to fly into, this will depend on where you want to go trekking with the gorillas among the four major parks in Africa for Gorilla trekking.
Most Popular Safari
4 Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari
8-Day Gorillas, Chimps, and Big5 Game Drive Safari
3 Day Queen Elizabeth Park Luxury Safari
5-day Uganda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari
12-Day Uganda Gorillas, Chimps, & Wildlife Safari
7 Day Rwanda Primates and Game Drive Safari
5 Day Chimpanzee Trekking in Rwanda & Lake Kivu Safari
3 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour
2-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari
3 Day Akagrea National Park and Lake Kivu Safari
What is Gorilla Trekking?
Gorillas in Africa: Gorilla Trekking is the act of finding the gorillas, which is done by a team of highly qualified trackers. These trackers head for the hills very early in the morning to find the gorillas before the tourists start their trek. They will return to where they left the gorillas the day before, and then they will stay with them all day until the gorillas make their nest for the evening. Only then do these trackers come home. The activity is led by a professional ranger guide who will lead through the forest. Because they live in the thick rainforest, the forest undergrowth is normally so dense that it may require your guide to clear the trails, which are, in most cases, muddy and slippery, with a machete.
Closest Airport to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park
Gorillas in Africa: The nearest airport to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga National Park is Kigali International Airport in Rwanda. It takes about 4 to 5 hours to drive to the park. Entebbe International Airport in Uganda takes approximately 9 hours to drive from Entebbe airport to Bwindi and Mgahinga. They are located on the southwestern side of the country. There are also chartered flights to Bwindi and Mgahinga from Entebbe Airport. But landing at Kigali International Airport is more convenient.t
Closest Airport to Volcanoes National Park
Gorillas in Africa: The nearest airport to Volcanoes National Park is Kigali International Airport. You can locate it in Kanombe, Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda. It is approximately a 2-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park in the northwest of the country.
Having arrived at Kigali Airport, you can further enjoy a domestic fly-in gorilla safari experience in Rwanda. Here, you charter a domestic flight from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park, which we can quickly arrange at your request.
The quickest way out of Entebbe Airport to Volcanoes National Park is by either chartering or booking the scheduled domestic flight to Bwindi through Kisoro Airstrip or Kihiihi. Aerolink Uganda operates scheduled daily domestic flights from Entebbe Airport to both airstrips in the morning and afternoon and vice versa. So, you can either book on your own or let us help you plan a complete fly-in Gorilla Safari to Bwindi
Closest Airport to see Gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park
Gorillas in Africa: The nearest airport to Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega National Parks in Congo is Goma International Airport in Congo. Another one is the Kigali International Airport in Rwanda.
Flying into Kigali airport and later transferring by road to Congo, crossing the Goma border is highly considered by many travelers for Congo tours, and this takes about 5 hours to drive from Kigali airport to Kahuzi Beiga National Park.
What to Expect on a Gorilla Trek
Gorilla trekking starts early in the morning with a briefing at the park headquarters. After the briefing, visitors are assigned to small groups and led by experienced guides. Trekking can take anywhere from 2 to 8 hours, depending on the location of the gorillas. Once the gorillas are found, visitors spend one hour observing them from a safe distance.
What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking
Gorillas in Africa: Packing the right gear is essential for a successful trek. Here are the must-have items:
Packing the right gear ensures a comfortable and enjoyable chimpanzee trekking experience. Wear sturdy waterproof hiking boots, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt to protect against insects and rough vegetation. Additionally, carry a lightweight waterproof jacket, a hat, sunglasses, and gloves for extra protection.
Pack a small daypack containing a water bottle, energy snacks, insect repellent, sunscreen, and personal medications. Furthermore, include a camera, binoculars, a portable charger, and a rain poncho. Store dirty clothing in plastic bags, leaving no trace behind. Finally, pack light, carrying only essential items throughout the trek.
Rules and regulations for gorilla trekking
Gorillas in Africa: For a wonderful experience of gorilla trekking, there are several rules and regulations drafted by the wildlife park’s authorities for the safety of both the mountain gorillas and the tourists. These rules and regulations include.
- Your voices are always low when you are in the presence of mountain gorillas.
- Do not litter rubbish in the forests
- Ill tourists are not allowed to take part in the trekking
- Always stay in the group
- Do not make unnecessary movements while in the presence of the mountain gorilla.s
- Stay at a distance of 7-8 meters while in the presence of mountain gorillas.
- Do not smoke or drink in the presence of mountain gorillas
- While taking pictures, do not use cameras with a flashlight o, orn it scares the gorillas
- Do not mimic the gestures of the gorillas, as you cannot tell what they mean
Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking is available throughout the year, but the best time to visit is during the dry season. These seasons run from June to September and December to February. During this period, the trails are less muddy, making trekking more enjoyable.
The dry seasons offer optimal conditions for gorilla trekking. The trails are easier to navigate, ensuring a smoother experience. Wildlife sightings are also more frequent, providing an excellent opportunity to observe gorillas in their natural habitat.
However, gorilla permits can sell out quickly during these peak seasons. Therefore, it’s advisable to book early to secure your permit and ensure availability during your preferred dates. Planning will help you make the most of this unforgettable adventure.
Cost of Gorilla Permits.
Gorilla permits are crucial for gorilla trekking and must be obtained from the Uganda Wildlife Authority in Uganda or the Rwanda Development Board in Rwanda. The cost varies, with Rwanda charging $1500 for foreign non-residents, $500 for citizens of other African countries, and $200 for East African citizens. To trek with gorillas in Congo’s Virunga or Kahuzi-Biega National Parks, you’ll need a permit, costing $400 for non-resident foreigners, $200 for East African residents, and $20 for Congolese nationals. In Uganda, the permits are comparatively lower, priced at $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, and 300,000 UGX for East African citizens. Gorilla habituation, conducted in Bwindi, requires a permit costing $1500 per person. Due to high demand, it is advisable to book permits at least six months in advance.
Contact Anthill Safaris as your trusted gorilla trekking company for all your gorilla safaris and tours in Africa and other related adventures in East Africa.
