Closest Airports to See Mountain Gorillas in Africa
Closest airport to see mountain gorillas. Mountain gorillas live in a few remote forested areas across East Africa. Visiting them requires travel to specific national parks in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Knowing which airports lie closest to these parks helps plan your trip efficiently.
-
Entebbe International Airport (EBB), Uganda
Entebbe International Airport near Kampala is the main gateway for gorilla trekking in Uganda. From here, travelers drive 6 to 8 hours to reach Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The airport handles many international flights, making it the most accessible entry point for Uganda.
-
Kigali International Airport (KGL), Rwanda
Kigali International Airport is the closest major airport for gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. The park lies about 2 to 3 hours’ drive from Kigali. This airport offers several international connections and excellent facilities for tourists.
-
Goma International Airport (GOM), Democratic Republic of Congo
Goma Airport lies near Virunga National Park in the DRC. It serves as the main access point for gorilla trekking in this volatile but spectacular park. Flights here are less frequent and less developed, so travelers often fly via Kigali or Entebbe before connecting to Goma.
Additional Tips for Planning Your Gorilla Trekking Trip
- Choose your airport based on the country you want to visit and the specific gorilla park.
- Book flights early as these airports can fill up, especially in peak gorilla trekking seasons.
- Arrange ground transport or domestic flights in advance to reach remote park areas.
- Check visa and vaccination requirements for each country before traveling.
Final Thoughts
For most travelers, Entebbe (Uganda) and Kigali (Rwanda) airports provide the easiest access to mountain gorillas. Goma in the DRC offers a more adventurous option. Knowing your closest airport helps you plan a smooth and memorable gorilla trekking safari.
