Flights to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: A Convenient Guide
Flights to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Getting to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to Uganda’s mountain gorillas, is an adventure in itself. While the park is located in a remote part of southwestern Uganda, there are several ways to fly in for a seamless journey to this UNESCO World Heritage site. Whether you are traveling from within Uganda or internationally, here’s a comprehensive guide on how to get there by air.
Flights to Kihihi Airstrip (Bwindi)
The most convenient way to fly directly into Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is by taking a domestic flight to Kihihi Airstrip, located just outside the park. Kihihi is the closest airstrip to the main entry points of Bwindi, making it an ideal choice for travelers who want to minimize their overland travel time.
Airlines Operating to Kihihi Airstrip:
- AeroLink Uganda: AeroLink offers daily flights from Entebbe International Airport (EBB) and Kajjansi Airfield (near Kampala) to Kihihi Airstrip. The flight takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, offering a scenic view of Uganda’s countryside and mountains.
- Mango Aviation: Another option for reaching Kihihi is Mango Aviation, with flights departing from Entebbe or Kajjansi.
Flight Duration: Around 1 hour and 15 minutes from Entebbe to Kihihi.
Getting to Bwindi from Kihihi: After landing at Kihihi, you’ll have a short drive (about 1–1.5 hours) to the main gorilla trekking areas in Bwindi, such as Buhoma, Ruhija, or Nkuringo. Transfers from the airstrip can be arranged by your lodge or tour operator.
Flights to Kisoro Airstrip
Another option for flying to Bwindi is landing at Kisoro Airstrip, located near the southern edge of the park. This airstrip serves visitors who are interested in the Nkuringo sector of the park, which offers excellent gorilla trekking opportunities.
Airlines Operating to Kisoro Airstrip:
- AeroLink Uganda: AeroLink also operates flights from Entebbe or Kajjansi to Kisoro, which takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Flight Duration: Around 1 hour and 30 minutes from Entebbe to Kisoro.
Getting to Bwindi from Kisoro: From Kisoro, you can expect a 30-minute to 1-hour drive to the Nkuringo sector or other nearby trekking points in Bwindi.
International Flights to Uganda
For international travelers flying to Uganda, the most common point of entry is Entebbe International Airport (EBB), which is the country’s main international gateway.
- Flights from Europe, the US, and Asia: Airlines such as Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, and Kenya Airways offer flights to Entebbe.
- Flights from East Africa: If you’re traveling from nearby countries, you can find direct flights to Entebbe from Nairobi (Kenya Airways), Kigali (RwandAir), and Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines).
Flight Duration:
- From Europe: 8–10 hours.
- From the US: 15–18 hours (with a layover).
- From East Africa: 1-2 hours.
Charter Flights
If you prefer a more private and flexible travel experience, charter flights are also available. You can book a charter flight from Entebbe, Kajjansi, or other regional airports to Kihihi or Kisoro Airstrip. Charter flights offer a more customized itinerary, allowing you to adjust departure times and locations based on your preferences.
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Combination of Flights and Road Transfers
Most visitors combine a domestic flight with a road transfer to their lodge in Bwindi. After your flight, you’ll be picked up at the airstrip and driven through the beautiful Ugandan countryside to your accommodation.
Travel Time from Entebbe to Bwindi by Road: If you prefer to travel by road from Entebbe to Bwindi, the journey takes around 8-10 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Plan your flight to Bwindi impenetrable forest.
Flying to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is an efficient and scenic way to begin your gorilla trekking adventure. Whether you choose a domestic flight to Kihihi or Kisoro or prefer a combination of flying and road transfers, getting to this remote and pristine wilderness has never been easier. By flying, you’ll save time and enjoy the thrill of seeing Uganda from above before embarking on one of the most memorable wildlife experiences of your life: tracking mountain gorillas in the heart of Bwindi.
