Which Airports to Fly into to see Gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo; A Comprehensive Guide

Which Airports to Fly into to see Gorillas is a common question to many travelers. Gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that takes you deep into the heart of Africa’s misty rainforests to encounter the majestic mountain gorillas. However, before embarking on this adventure, one key question comes up: where should you fly to for gorilla trekking? Here’s a guide to help you plan your gorilla trekking trip, with details on the best on the best countries, airports, and airlines serving these destinations.

1. Uganda: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National Park

Uganda is one of the top destinations for gorilla trekking, thanks to its rich biodiversity and two primary gorilla trekking locations: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National Park.

• Where to Fly Into: The main international airport in Uganda is Entebbe International Airport (EBB), located near the capital city of Kampala. Most international flights from Europe, the Middle East, and other parts of Africa arrive here.
• Next Steps: From Entebbe, you can take domestic flights to Kisoro or Kihihi, which are closer to the trekking sites. Alternatively, you can opt for an 8-10 hour drive from Entebbe or Kampala to Bwindi or Mgahinga.
• Please Note,you can still fly into Kigali,Rwanda and trek for Bwindi Gorillas; travelling by road 4 -5 hours across the Uganda Rwanda borders.(Cyanika or Gatuna).

• Some of the Airlines with Scheduled Flights to Entebbe, Uganda:

  • Emirates
  • Qatar Airways
  • Turkish Airlines
  • Brussels Airlines
  • Ethiopian Airlines
  • KLM
  • Kenya Airways
  • RwandAir
  • EgyptAir

2. Rwanda: Volcanoes National Park

Rwanda offers one of the most accessible and well-organized gorilla trekking experiences, located in Volcanoes National Park, just a few hours from the capital city.

• Where to Fly Into: The main airport in Rwanda is Kigali International Airport (KGL), which is serviced by several international carriers, including direct flights from Europe, the Middle East, and other African cities.
• Next Steps: After arriving in Kigali, it’s a scenic 2-3 hour drive to Volcanoes National Park. This is one of the shortest transfer times to a gorilla trekking site, making Rwanda an attractive option for those looking for convenience.

• Airlines with Scheduled Flights to Kigali, Rwanda:

  • Qatar Airways
  • KLM
  • Turkish Airlines
  • Brussels Airlines
  • Ethiopian Airlines
  • Kenya Airways
  • RwandAir
  • Emirates
  • South African Airways

3. Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC): Virunga National Park

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) offers gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park, which is renowned for its biodiversity and adventurous setting and Kahuzi Beiga National Park, renowned for the lowland gorillas.

• Where to Fly Into: There are no major international airports near Virunga National Park. The best option is to fly into Kigali International Airport (KGL) in Rwanda and then cross into Congo via Goma. There are no major international airports near Virunga, so Kigali serves as the best entry point.
• Next Steps: After landing in Kigali, you’ll take a 3-4 hour drive to the Goma border, where you can then enter DRC and proceed to Virunga National Park in Congo. Virunga is known for both gorilla trekking and Mount Nyiragongo, an active volcano while Kahuzi Beiga National Park is known for Lowland Gorillas.

• Airlines with Scheduled Flights to Kigali, Rwanda (for access to DRC):

• Qatar Airways
• KLM
• Turkish Airlines
• Brussels Airlines
• Ethiopian Airlines
• Kenya Airways
• RwandAir

Alternatively, you can fly directly into Goma International Airport:

• Ethiopian Airlines
• RwandAir

 Gorilla Trekking Costs by Country

• Uganda: Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda are currently priced at $800 per person.
• Rwanda: Rwanda’s permits are the most expensive, priced at $1,500 per person, but the convenience and well-developed infrastructure make it worthwhile.
• DRC: For a more budget-friendly option, the DRC offers permits for $400 per person, making it the most affordable choice, though it requires more adventurous travel.

Best Time to Fly for Gorilla Trekking

The best time for gorilla trekking is during the dry seasons, which are from June to September and December to February. During these months, the trails are less muddy, and the chances of encountering the gorillas are higher.

Final Thoughts

No matter where you choose to fly for your gorilla trekking adventure, you’re in for an unforgettable experience. Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC each offer unique trekking opportunities but equal satisfaction is derived from encountering the gorillas, so it all comes down to your preferences, budget, and desired level of adventure. When booking your flights, be sure to coordinate with your gorilla trekking permits and transport options to ensure a smooth journey from the airport to the heart of the African rainforest. Gorilla Safari Consultants will always provide you with the best guidance.