Visiting Bwindi forest to track and see mountain gorillas is one of the most done things on Uganda Safaris. The impenetrable forest is located in southwestern Uganda bordered by Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park is home to the highest population of mountain gorillas, the key tourist attractions in the Pearl of Africa. Bwindi Forest is located roughly 448.8 kilometers from Entebbe international airport hence one of the furthest tourist destinations in Uganda. Traveling by road is the common means of transport most travelers use to reach Bwindi. For luxury and short time travelers, Aero link and fly Uganda offer direct flights from kajjansi airstrip to Kihihi airstrip in Kabale district. However, driving is the most affordable way of getting to this impenetrable forest.
Driving from Entebbe
The drive from Entebbe Airport to Bwindi forest takes roughly 9-10 hours to cover up the 44.8.8 kilometers. This full day of driving is impossible for short time travelers denying them a chance to visit the famous mountain gorillas. A 3 Days Uganda gorilla tour to Bwindi forest is the appropriate travel itinerary to visit and track the endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi if you are landing at Entebbe airport. With this itinerary, the first full day is for transferring to Bwindi, second day for trekking gorillas and the third (last day) is for traveling back. Despite the long distance, travelers who drive from Entebbe to Bwindi enjoy a variety of enroute add-ons. These include a stopover at the equator for photographs and beautiful scenic viewing. A lunch stop at the igongo cultural center in Mbarara is a not miss. You will also enjoy fresh fruits, street foods (Muchoma, gonjas, roasted maize) on your way to Bwindi forest. This amazing pre-gorilla trekking experience makes the whole safari exceptional and memorable.
Driving from Queen Elizabeth National park
If you want to combine your gorilla tour with game viewing, the 6 Days Uganda gorilla and wildlife safari is a suitable package for you. Here you visit Queen Elizabeth national park for game viewing and course boat cruise at kazinga channel and then connect to Bwindi forest through Buhoma sector north of Bwindi. The drive from Queen Elizabeth National Park to Bwindi is roughly 4 hours via ishasha sector home to the famous tree-climbing lions.
Drive from Kigali Rwanda
Alternatively, travelers can fly to Kigali international airport in Rwanda and then connect to Uganda. Interestingly, connecting from Rwanda to Bwindi is much easier and quick for travelers with limited time. Upon reaching Kigali airport, travelers drive for 4 hours through Cyanika border in kisoro district or Katuna border in Kabale district connecting to Bwindi Forest. The scenic driving through the rolling hills of Rwanda and kabale make this journey more interesting and enjoyable. Clients doing 1-Day Uganda gorilla tour are required to set off from Kigali at 3:30am to reach Bwindi at 7:00am catching up with the pre gorilla trekking briefing. After trekking, travelers drive back to Kigali for their return flights. Connecting from Rwanda to Uganda is therefore the simplest way to trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park.
What is required to cross from Rwanda to Uganda?
Border crossing from Rwanda to Uganda requires some documents. Among these travel documents include valid passport and visa. Travelers connecting through Rwanda are advised to use a single East African Visa, which allows you to move freely in Uganda and Rwanda with no disruption. With Gorilla Trek Africa, you are guaranteed safe border crossing having done Rwanda Uganda trips for over 15 years now.
Bwindi forest is an exceptional travel destination you cannot afford missing on your Uganda safari. Book a customized Uganda gorilla trek trip to Bwindi from either Entebbe or Kigali Airport to be part of this memorable encounter.
