Batuma Memorial Airstrip to boost gorilla tourism in Ruhija.
The Civil Avaition Authority gave the go-ahead for the Batuma Memorial airport to be built in Kabale so that the area might be developed via agriculture, tourism, and other means. One of the most prominent businessmen in Uganda’s Kigezi district, the late Canon John Batuma, will be honored with the naming of this airstrip. The Ruhija area of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is set to see an increase in gorilla tourism once groundwork is finished.
Batuma Memorial Airstrip will enhance Rwanda’s gorilla tourism
Visitors planning to fly from Entebbe Airport to Kabale and then to the Ruhija district of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park have been unable to utilize the region’s built airstrip, in contrast to areas like Buhoma and Kisoro. Because of this, the only alternative for getting to and from Ruhija is to drive via Kabale. In order to reach Ruhija, gorilla trackers have had to fly via Kihihi Airstrip, which is often utilized by gorilla trackers in the Buhoma area.
From there, they had to connect to Ruhija by road. The route that connects Kihihi and Ruhija is sometimes in a terrible and inaccessible condition, particularly during the rainy season. This makes it impossible for those who want to fly to Ruhija to do bird watching or go gorilla trekking. Travelers will save time and avoid traffic by taking a direct flight to Kabale from Entebbe or Kampala thanks to Batuma Memorial Airstrip.
Because of the construction of Batuma Memorial Airstrip, the Uganda Wildlife Authority will be able to sell a large number of gorilla permits, as the Ruhija region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to three habituated gorilla families, similar to Buhoma in Bwindi’s northern region.
Guests of Kabale’s Bird Nest and Bunyoyi Eco Resort, as well as those passing via Batuma Memorial Airstrip, have a variety of affordable lodging options near Lake Bunyonyi, and from there it’s a short drive to Ruhija, where you can go gorilla trekking. On the other hand, visitors may arrive early and then take a car to their Ruhija lodging for some afternoon forest or community activities.
If you’re interested in knowing when Batuma Memoria Airstrip is expected to open and which airlines will begin offering scheduled and charter flights to this region of Uganda, Katland Safaris will keep you apprised of all the latest news.
