Airstrips and Airfields in Uganda

Uganda is home to a growing network of airstrips and airfields. These small airports help travelers access remote national parks, islands, and towns without long road transfers. Most are used for domestic charter flights, connecting safari destinations with cities like Entebbe and Kampala.

This guide highlights the major airstrips and airfields in Uganda, focusing on those used for tourism, conservation, and regional travel.

Airstrips in Uganda

Entebbe International Airport (EBB)

Entebbe is Uganda’s main international gateway. It sits on the shores of Lake Victoria and serves as the base for both international and domestic flights.

From Entebbe, you can catch charter flights to all major airstrips across Uganda, including Bwindi, Murchison Falls, and Kidepo.

Kajjansi Airfield (Kampala)

Kajjansi is a small, private airfield between Entebbe and Kampala. It’s the main hub for Aerolink Uganda, Bar Aviation, and other charter companies.

It offers daily departures to:

Kidepo Valley
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Murchison Falls

This is a great alternative to Entebbe for domestic travelers.

Key Safari Airstrips in Uganda

Kasese Airstrip

Serves Queen Elizabeth National Park
Located near Mweya and Kyambura sectors
Used by visitors flying to the Kasese-Mweya-Ishasha safari circuit

Kihihi Airstrip

Gateway to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Buhoma sector)
Nearby lodges: Mahogany Springs, Buhoma Lodge, and Silverback Lodge
Popular for gorilla trekking packages

Kisoro Airstrip

Closest to southern Bwindi (Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors)
Also serves Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Terrain is hilly, but flights are frequent during dry seasons

Pakuba Airstrip

Inside Murchison Falls National Park
Ideal for travelers visiting the northern section (Pakuba, Paraa)
Reduces travel time from 6 hours by road to just 1.5 hours by air

Bugungu Airstrip

Also serves Murchison Falls, especially the southern sector
Closer to Budongo Forest and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Apoka Airstrip

Serves Kidepo Valley National Park
Located in one of Africa’s most remote wilderness areas
Offers direct access to game drives and Apoka Safari Lodge

Semliki Airstrip

For travelers heading to Semliki National Park
Flights are limited but possible by arrangement

Other Notable Airfields

Arua Airfield: In northern Uganda, used for humanitarian and commercial flights
Gulu Airfield: Serves northern Uganda towns, and can be a stop for charter safaris
Soroti Airfield: Used for aviation training and light aircraft
Jinja Airstrip: Near the source of the Nile, good for flying in for adventure sports
Kabalega Airstrip (Hoima): Strategic for future oil and tourism activity near Lake Albert

Domestic Airlines and Charter Options

Several local carriers operate scheduled and charter flights to these airstrips:

Aerolink Uganda
Bar Aviation
Fly Uganda
Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) – mainly for humanitarian flights

Flights are usually in small aircraft (Caravan or Twin Otter) and carry 9–12 passengers. Most allow 15 kg of luggage per person, in soft bags only.

When to Use Air Travel in Uganda

Flying is ideal if:

You have limited time
You want to avoid long road trips on bumpy roads
You’re combining several national parks in one trip
You’re traveling to remote places like Kidepo or Kisoro

Charter flights are also useful for high-end safaris, film crews, and VIP travel.

Plan Your Safari

Uganda’s network of airstrips makes it easier to explore remote parks quickly and comfortably. Whether you’re heading to see gorillas in Bwindi or lions in Kidepo, a short flight can save hours of driving. Work with experienced operators like Gecko Safaris Africa to include domestic flights in your safari package for smooth and efficient travel.