Arranging a Flying Safari in Buhoma Bwindi
Arranging a Flying Safari in Buhoma Bwindi is the fastest way to reach the Buhoma sector of Bwindi Gorilla Park, saving travellers from a long 9–10-hour drive from Kampala or Entebbe. Caracal Explorers arranges flights to this region, which is home to five mountain gorilla groups: Mubare, Rushengura, Habinyanja, Katwe, and Muyambi. Flights start from Kajjansi Airstrip or Entebbe International Airport and take about 1 hour and 45 minutes to land at Kihihi Airstrip. Upon arrival, travelers are met by a driver guide for transfer to their lodge. Various airlines offer these flights, including Bar Aviation Uganda, AeroLink Uganda, and Fly Uganda.
How to Arrange a Flying Safari in Buhoma to see mountain gorillas
Using a local tour operator
Using a local tour operator in Uganda is the ideal method to plan a flying safari to Bwindi impenetrable forest in order to view mountain gorillas. One of the local tour companies that can assist you in flying to the Buhoma region to witness mountain gorillas is Caracal Explorers. After you choose to work with us, all we need is your trip dates, which we will use to get in touch with various airline companies, like Bar Aviation Authority, Aero Link Uganda, and others, to check on availability and reschedule flights. We will give you the cost of the flight and the various payment options as soon as there is space available. We will arrange the flight for you as soon as you complete the payment.
Contacting the airline company by yourself
Travellers who want to arrange their own flying safari to the Buhoma sector in order to observe mountain gorillas can get in touch with the airline directly and reserve a seat. Once they receive the email, they will check to see if there are any seats available. The email should include the dates, months, and years you wish to visit. You will receive an email with the fee and the various financial methods you may use to make the payment as soon as the seats become available. Your seat on the specified travel dates will be reserved for you if the payment has been received. When the time comes, you finally wait to start your Uganda Gorilla Safari in either Mgahinga or Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Trekking mountain gorillas in Buhoma
The Buhoma sector of Bwindi impenetrable forest is famous for being the first spot where tourists saw mountain gorillas in 1993. It has the oldest mountain gorilla family and several others like Habinyanja, Muyambi, Katwe, and Rushengura. All these families are used to human interaction, allowing tourists to trek and see them throughout the year. Gorilla trekking begins at the sector offices, where park wardens provide a briefing on the rules. Trekkers should arrive early and are grouped into teams of no more than 8 people, each led by armed ranger guides.
Finding the mountain gorillas can take 2 to 7 hours as trekkers follow various trails, encountering other wildlife along the way. The time to spot the gorilla family varies. Once found, trekkers can spend 1 hour observing them, taking photos without flash, and learning about their habits. After observing the gorillas, trekkers must quietly leave the area and return to their driver guides.
How much is gorilla trekking- Arranging a Flying Safari in Buhoma Bwindi
When planning a flying safari to Buhoma to see mountain gorillas, the gorilla trekking permit for the Buhoma sector, which is issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, a government agency in Uganda tasked with protecting, controlling, and managing the country’s wildlife, costs $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, and UGX300,000 for East African citizens. To avoid total disappointment and grief of missing out on your preferred area, these gorilla permits should be reserved at least 3 to 4 months in advance. You can book your gorilla permits through a local tour operator and they will book for you permits in your preferred sector, such as the Buhoma sector and others.
The best time to have a flying safari
Although there are months that are better than others, travellers can take flying safaris to Buhoma to see mountain gorillas at any time of the year. The best time to fly to the Buhoma region is during the dry months because of the favorable weather, the park’s little to no rainfall, the trekking trails’ dryness and accessibility, the park’s short vegetation that allows for clear views of its animals, and the good state of the roads connecting Kihihi and the Buhoma sector. During the wet season of March through May and October through November, visitors can still take flying safaris to Buhoma to observe mountain gorillas and take advantage of lodging discounts.
What to pack for a flying safari in Buhoma Sector
When packing for a flying safari to the Buhoma region, dare not miss out on essentials like warm coat, long-sleeved pants, waterproof hiking shoes, long cotton stocks, pair of gaiters, hat, binoculars, sunglasses, rain jacket, sunscreen, insect repellents, warm sweaters for cold weather, camera, extra batteries, drinking water bottle, energy-boosting snacks, face mask, and water-proof shoes, among other items.
Where to stay on safari- Arranging a Flying Safari in Buhoma Bwindi
There are numerous lodging options available to visitors on a flying safari to Buhoma in order to observe mountain gorillas. Mahogany Springs Lodge, Ride 4 Women Guest House, Buhoma Lodge, Engagi Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Bwindi Forest Lodge, Bwindi View Bandas, Silverback Lodge, Buhoma Rest Camp, Bwindi Neck View, Haven Lodge, and Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge are just a few of the affordable, mid-range, and luxury alternatives available.
