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A flying safari to see gorillas in Volcanoes National Park?

A luxury flying experience to see the renowned mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park is a unique way of traveling in Rwanda. These flights are conducted on helicopters, and a chartered flight operates daily from Kigali International Airport to Musanze Airstrip. Musanze Airstrip is the nearest airport to Volcanoes National Park. From the airstrip, you can arrive at the park headquarters in Kinigi after only 22 minutes using ground transportation.

Who offers flights to Volcanoes National Park?

Akagera Aviation, a Rwandan-based company, operates flights from Kigali International Airport to Musanze Airstrip. They also offer flights to other major Rwandan destinations, including Nyungwe and Akagera National Parks. After seeing gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, you can also travel to the mentioned places in a helicopter by Akagera Aviation. Flight tickets could be conveniently reserved through trusted tour operators like Standard Safaris.

Duration of flying to Volcanoes National Park from Kigali International Airport?

The time taken to fly from Kigali International Airport to Musanze Airstrip ranges from 25 to 30 minutes. If you opt for the Augusta helicopter models, you will travel for only 25 minutes from Kigali International Airport to Musanze Airstrip. Meanwhile, the Robinsson 44 helicopter flies for 30 minutes from Kigali International Airport to Musanze Airstrip. All these helicopter models offer luxury travel experiences to see the mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park.

Time table of helicopter flights to Volcanoes National Park?

Akagera Aviation offers chartered flights at the moment. This means that you must book in advance to avoid inconveniences. Standard Safaris as mentioned is among the most reputable tour operator to help you with reserving a ticket. Akagera Aviation also reserves the full right to cancel a flight or make emergency landings where necessary. However, their services are exceptional, and you are guaranteed to arrive at Volcanoes National Park safely to see gorillas.

Cost of flight from Kigali International Airport to Volcanoes National Park?

The cost of a helicopter flight offered by Akagera Aviation varies depending on the helicopter model of your choice. For example, a flight in a Robinsson 44 helicopter costs $1,540 from Kigali International Airport to Musanze. The Augusta Westland 119 helicopter costs $3,025 from Kigali International Airport to Musanze Airstrip. The Augusta 109S and Augusta Westland 139 cost $3,933 and $7,633, respectively, from Kigali Airport to Musanze Airstrip.

Why fly to Volcanoes National Park instead of driving there?

Taking a helicopter flight from Kigali International Airport to Volcanoes National Park offers a faster alternative to arriving at your destination. This is because traveling from Kigali International Airport to Volcanoes National Park headquarters is roughly 117 km by road. The almost 3-hour road trip is shortened to just 30 minutes. This is convenient for those who love to spend more time exploring the natural wonders in the park instead of wasting it traveling.

While on a luxury helicopter on your way to and from Volcanoes National Park, aerial views a most certainly guaranteed. Rwanda, being the renowned Land of a Thousand Hills, gives you exactly what you expect and even more. This time, you will view the wonderful scenery from the skies above. Soak in the lovely natural wonders that comprise several landforms, including the aforementioned hills.

About the mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park?

These critically endangered great apes are what comes to mind for any traveler hoping to explore Volcanoes National Park. In Rwanda, you will only find them in the lush Volcanoes National Park; thus, traveling there is special. With at least 12 habituated gorilla families, it is obvious that Volcanoes National Park offers some of the best gorilla trekking adventures in Africa. Just acquire a gorilla permit with Standard Safaris before flying there.

What else to see on a flying safari to Volcanoes National Park?

Volcanoes National Park, being part of the Greater Virunga Conservation Area, automatically means plenty of natural wonders to explore. They include,

Golden monkeys

This is another species of primates found in Volcanoes National Park, whose habituated troops beg to be seen daily. Unlike the mountain gorillas, golden monkeys are endangered and live in the bamboo forests of the park. They can be tracked daily if you obtain a permit to do so for the particular day. Permits can be obtained through reputable tour operators such as Standard Safaris.

Iby’iwacu Cultural Village

While not a natural wonder, this place is situated just a few minutes away from the park headquarters. This is where you will experience some of the finest elements of Rwandan cultural tapestry. Meet and interact with the peaceful people of a country with a rich socio-economic history. Explore and purchase unique handmade items such as baskets, mats, and plenty more. Traditional music, dances, and various culinary delights can be enjoyed from here.

Virunga volcanoes

With the majority of the Virunga volcanoes situated in Volcanoes National Park, you will enjoy some of the scenic views ever. The park has 5 of the 8 volcanoes, comprising Karisimbi, Gahinga, Bisoke, Muhavura, and Sabyinyo. Hiking adventures offer the best views as you can walk to the summits of Karismbi, Bisoke, and others. Additionally, you can see plenty of wildlife species, including birds, mammals, and plants, etc.

Dian Fossey Tomb

After your helicopter flight to Volcanoes National Park, you will have a superior opportunity to hike to this memorable site. This is a grave containing the body of Dian Fossey, who is considered an icon of Volcanoes National Park. One of the several reasons she is so revered here, even after her mysterious murder, is her tremendous studies on the gorillas of the Virungas. She was also a conservationist and advocate against the poaching of the mountain gorillas.

Standard Safaris

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Sándor Jakubinyi

14:31 22 Feb 24

2019 megigazulás

12:45 21 Feb 24

We went on a two-week trip with my family, organised by Coleb from Standard Safaris.

I had my concerns about organised trips, but this one didn’t justify any of those. Everything went very smoothly, even when some problems arose with one of the cars it got fixed by next morning, the accomodations were clean and comfortable, the programs were exciting and well-balanced - everything was done to a truly high standard.

If you plan to visit Uganda and are looking for a guide, I warmly recommend Coleb and his team. In case you have a choice of drivers, go for Godwin, his presence made this trip even more enjoyable - cheerful, helpful, good sense of humour, generally a great person. Just look for the guy with a big smile and big heart:)

09:38 08 Jan 24

We recently embarked on a safari adventure with Standard Safaris in Uganda, which was truly exceptional. Our guide, Yonah, was outstanding - his kindness, knowledge, and discretion significantly enhanced our experience. He was the heart of our trip.

The local company's planning was offering a tailor-made journey that matched our interests. We saw an array of wildlife in Murchison, enjoyed rafting at Jinja, and experienced mountain biking at Sipi. A visit to Kidepo National Park was a highlight and comes highly recommended.

The vehicle provided was comfortable and reliable. We highly recommend Standard Safaris for anyone seeking an unforgettable safari in Uganda. Their professionalism and the exceptional guidance of staff like Yonah make them an great choice.

Michał Kostrzewa

00:41 15 Nov 23

We are all extremely grateful Standard Safaris for an incredible East Africa experience. I recently booked a custom trip for group of 8 people, including an 8-year-old boy, from Kampala through Queen Elizabeth National Park and on to Rwanda and Burundi. Coleb delivered on everything that was discussed and agreed upon beforehand.

The car provided was in great condition and our driver Meddy went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable, informed, and had the best possible time. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. All local services were inlcuded in (reasonable) price that we agreed, so there was no need to worry about payments during the 6 day trip. Also Standard Safaris agreed took care about safety and security by helping us organize armed ranger while in the park.

The whole trip was hassle-free and smooth. We saw amazing wildlife in Queen Elizabeth NP, took in the sights of Rwanda and Burundi, and made lifelong memories.

I would happily book with Standard Safaris again in a heartbeat and recommend them wholeheartedly to anyone looking for the best East Africa trip. They provide top-notch service while ensuring you have an incredible, customized experience. If you want a hassle-free, flawlessly organized African adventure, Standard Safaris is the tour operator to book with.

18:31 27 Oct 23

Very organized travel operator who chose awesome guide to make our trip wonderful.

We booked a nine days trip with Standard Safaris and all was perfect from start to finish. Coleb was very prompt at replying and easy to liaise with ahead of the trip. We had done a lot of research and had an itinerary in mind and Coleb helped us to put everything together to make this happen for a very reasonable price.  On the trip we had a private vehicle for the whole tour which was exactly what we wanted. Bryan was our driver and an amazing guide - really friendly and knowledgable, working hard to find the things that we wanted to see and quickly understanding what was of interest to us/how much information to give.

Would highly recommend a trip to Uganda with Standard Safaris. We are definitely coming back soon!

MUGAIGA KENNETH

18:01 27 Oct 23

The company has very courteous tour guides with wide knowledge of fauna and frola in the whole of East Africa.
The choice of safari Lodges is good with first class treatment.
Game drive security is assured.
Almost The whole of September I was traversing through DRC, Uganda,and Rwanda on a gorilla tour and wildlife expedition.
Everything was arranged and booked perfectly by Standard Safaris.
The owner, Coleb was always helpful whenever we needed to ask questions about this gorilla safari in Uganda and beyond.
It was a complex expedition but Standard safaris and Coleb made it look amazingly easy.
I’ll recommend Standard safaris 200%, for all gorilla safaris in Uganda, Rwanda and wildlife tours in east africa.

16:35 27 Oct 23

This is so far the best gorilla trekking company in Uganda, and africa, by far. I had a wonderful time with Standard Safaris as a solo traveler.
My guide was excellent and our safari planner, Coleb was quick with responses and the prices were very friendly.
I’ll definitely book with Standard safaris on my next gorilla tour in Rwanda and Uganda.

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