Road Vs Air to the Gorilla Trekking Parks in Uganda: Which is Better?
Are you planning to go gorilla trekking in Uganda and wondering whether you should go by air or road? When planning your gorilla safari in Uganda, one of the first things you will need to decide is how to get to the gorilla trekking Parks. Are flights better than road transfers? The short answer is: it depends on your safari style, budget, and time. Both travel options provide exceptional experiences, and in Native Africa Tours, we carefully choose the best option for each package.
We also take a closer look at both air and road travel options, and will consider the merits and demerits of each. Additionally, this choice will significantly impact your safari experience, influencing how much time will be spent exploring the Parks versus travelling between destinations.
What it means to travel to Gorilla Trekking Parks in Uganda by air
If you choose to travel to Gorilla Trekking Parks in Uganda by air, this means you will be flown by light aircraft (Cessna aircraft). Interestingly, there are two airstrips close to the gorilla trekking Parks that service different Lodges in the area.
Aerolink is the main Aviation Company conducting domestic flights from Entebbe or between Airstrips. Also, it operates scheduled routes connecting Entebbe to the two gorilla trekking National Parks you might want to visit.
What are the merits of travelling to Gorilla trekking Parks by air?
One of the merits of travelling to Gorilla trekking Parks by air is that it is far more time-effective than driving. This means that travellers are able to maximise the amount of time spent at each destination. All in all, transfers between Entebbe and the gorilla trekking Parks take less time.
Also, travelling to Gorilla trekking Parks in Uganda by air provides jaw-dropping aerial views of the landscape. Enjoy views of winding roads, savannah, rivers, rolling hills, and mountains.
Travelling to Gorilla trekking Parks by air makes it possible to choose between a shared Plane which carries up to 11 passengers or a private charter. Talking of private charters, expect to enjoy a one-of-a-kind luxury experience that won’t be forgotten.
What are the demerits of travelling to Gorilla Trekking Parks by air?
One of the demerits of travelling to Gorilla Trekking Parks by air is that domestic flights are a more costly option. A one-way flight from Entebbe to Kisoro costs about $404 per person, and a return is about $626 per person, while a one-way flight from Entebbe to Kihihi is about $334 and a return is $556. This increases the cost of your gorilla safari.
Also, internal flights come with strict luggage and weight limitations. Light aircraft usually impose strict size and weight restrictions on luggage. Similarly, the planes are normally small with a maximum of 11 passengers.
Additionally, travelling to gorilla trekking Parks in Uganda by air might feel less immersive, considering you aren’t on the ground. There is also less flexibility compared to road transfers.
What it means to travel to Gorilla Trekking Parks in Uganda by Road
Most of the safari destinations you will explore on Uganda safaris are relatively close to each other. This makes it possible to drive to the Gorilla Parks in a few hours. Driving from Entebbe/Kampala or other parts of the country to the Gorilla Parks allows travellers to see and experience more of the country. This also offers time to develop a deeper connection with your guide and locals, often resulting in a more tailored safari.
If you choose to travel to gorilla trekking Parks by road, you will arrive at the safari destination with a private safari vehicle and guide.
What are the merits of travelling to Gorilla trekking Parks by road?
Driving to gorilla trekking Parks is a wonderful way to get a true lay of the land. You are guaranteed scenic and cultural immersion. Travelling to Gorilla trekking Parks by road offers an opportunity for a profound scenic immersion into the ever-changing countryside landscapes. Also, enjoy once-in-a-lifetime opportunities of experiencing local cultures and communities up close. For instance, if travelling from Kibale Forest to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest via Queen Elizabeth National Park, expect unmatched wildlife views.
Travelling to Gorilla trekking Parks by road provides flexibility and spontaneity. Road transfers make it possible to enjoy spontaneous stops at points of interest. They also allow visitors to relish unexpected wildlife sightings and photography along the way. You have the opportunity to stop whenever and wherever you desire, and cover more land.
For instance, you can make a detour at Lake Mburo National Park or Queen Elizabeth National Park for wildlife viewing while on your way to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Travelling to gorilla trekking Parks by road is also more affordable (more cost-effective). For this reason, it is a budget-friendly option for travellers wishing to explore Uganda’s wilderness without compromising on the adventure.
What are the demerits of travelling to Gorilla trekking Parks by road?
The success of road travel to Gorilla trekking Parks largely depends on the expertise of the safari guide. For this reason, a seasoned guide will be able to navigate challenging terrains and have a deep understanding of local wildlife and ecosystems. Native African tour guides are skilled in locating animals and interpreting cultures, thus enriching safari experiences.
One of the demerits of travelling to Gorilla Trekking Parks by road is that it takes more time to move from Entebbe/Kampala to your destinations or between Lodges/Camps. As you cover long distances by road, you should expect prolonged periods of travel, hence lead to exhaustion. This is especially true when combined with wildlife viewing.
You shouldn’t expect comfort while travelling to gorilla trekking Parks by road. This is because you might travel over uneven terrains, hence making it less comfortable. Also, the enclosed nature of the safari vehicle can sometimes limit wildlife observation.
Travelling to Gorilla trekking Parks by road requires more planning to take into consideration, in the form of logistics such as fuel and rest stops.
What you need to consider when deciding between road and air travel to gorilla trekking Parks
The number of days you have on your safari
Time is one of the factors that will determine whether you will travel to gorilla trekking Parks by road or air. For instance, if you are limited, then it is advisable to fly to maximise your time on the trip. On the other hand, if you have several days or weeks to spend on the trip, then you might need to go at a slower pace by road travel. In so doing, you can make stops along the way to see more of Uganda outside the National Parks.
Amount of luggage
It is important to know that light planes have a maximum baggage allowance of 15 kilograms (33 lbs.) per person, and this includes hand luggage. Not only that, but only soft-sided bags are allowed to fit into the hold. However, with a safari vehicle, luggage restriction isn’t applied, although this depends on the number of people you are travelling with.
In conclusion, choosing between road and air travel to gorilla trekking Parks depends on budget constraints, personal preferences, and the travel experience you seek. Whether you are looking to enjoy scenic or cultural immersion while on a road trip, or are looking for efficiency and exclusivity.
