Kihihi airstrip/Savanna airstrip is one of the airstrips in southwestern Uganda and serves as one of the immediate link for holidaymakers who would like to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for mountain gorilla trekking, birding or game drives in Ishasha sector -Queen Elizabeth National Park. Visitors usually use Aero link to fly from Entebbe International Airport (EBB) to Kihihi airstrip Uganda.
Kihihi airstrip is also referred to as Savanna airstrip and it is situated in Kihihi Town, Kanungu District. The domestic flights to Kihihi airstrip begin from Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi airfield and it is the best choice for gorilla safari holidaymakers who want to save long hours if they traveled by road.
Savanna airstrip is found at a close proximity to Buhoma sector of Bwindi N/Park. It takes visitors about 2 hours to connect up to Kihihi/Savanna airstrip Uganda. Connecting to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Uganda from Kihihi is a great opportunity for you to go gorilla trekking. Besides Savanna airstrip, Kisoro airstrip is another nearby airstrip that serve the 2 gorilla destinations in Southwestern Uganda – Bwindi impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Bwindi National Park Uganda has existed since in 1991 after it was founded as a park mainly to protect mountain gorillas. Presently, the 331sq.kms compact protected area is a home to at least half of the total 1063 mountain gorillas that are in the world. Mountain gorillas come after chimpanzees among the primates whose DNA is similar to that of humans. Over 98% of mountain gorillas’ DNA is similar to that of humans and Bwindi has 20 habituated families.
When you go gorilla flying safaris to Bwindi National Park, you stand a chance to explore some of the 4 regions of Buhoma, Nkuringo, Rushaga and Ruhija. Trekking gorillas in any of these regions is an amazing opportunity to explore any of the 20 habituated group families. Bwindi gorilla permits are issued at US Dollars 700 (foreign non-residents), US Dollars 600 (if you are foreign residents) and UGX 250,000 East African Community citizens.
Other activities to do in Bwindi impenetrable national park.
Bird watching in Bwindi impenetrable national park.
Another activity to do while at Bwindi forest in addition to gorilla trekking is bird watching. There exist over 360 bird species within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Uganda. They include several Albertine rift endemic species but the notable birds to keep an eye on include the handsome francolins, short tailed warblers, African green broad bill, Archer’s robin-chat, stripe breasted tit, regal sunbird, Rwenzori nightjars and Rwenzori Batis.
Gorilla Habituation Experience.
Gorilla Habituation Experience is such a distinct primate experience that holidaymakers shouldn’t miss while on gorilla flying tours in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. During habituation experience, you have 4 hours, to half day/whole day of closely following these mountain gorillas in their natural habitats. Permits for this particular adventure are available for booking at $1500.
Batwa cultural experience.
The Batwa cultural experience is entirely based on exploring more about Batwa pygmies’ ancient hunting and gathering techniques, cultures, dances, traditions. The Batwa were the main occupants of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest before it was gazetted as a national park in 1991.
They had over 5,000 years of harmonious stay with wildlife in the jungles and vacated without causing any negative effect. Alternatively, you can add forest or nature walk, cycling experience to your bucket list of experiences while on a tour in Bwindi impenetrable National Park.
Where to stay?
There are budget, mid-range and luxury lodging options in all regions of Bwindi forest. They include among others Gift of Nature Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Rushaga gorilla havens lodge, Broadbill Forest Camp and Bwindi Backpackers lodge, all available for budget/backpackers on a gorilla trekking safari.
Mid-range options include Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Nkuringo Gorilla Camp, Gorilla Valley Lodge, Bakiga Lodge, and Gorilla Mist Camp; while luxury lodges include Mahogany Springs Lodge in Buhoma region, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Gorilla Forest Camp, Buhoma Lodge and Rushaga Gorilla safari lodge.
