Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, is a remote sanctuary for over 500 mountain gorillas. Nestled across 321 square kilometers of dense forest, it’s a trekker’s paradise but getting there doesn’t have to mean a long road trip. Flying to Bwindi offers a quick, scenic alternative, landing you near its four gorilla trekking sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. Here’s how to soar in.
Flight Options
Most flights to Bwindi depart from Entebbe International Airport (EBB), Uganda’s main hub, 46 kilometers from Kampala. Domestic carriers like Aerolink Uganda and Bar Aviation operate scheduled and chartered flights to two key airstrips: Kihihi (serving Buhoma and Ruhija) and Kisoro (serving Rushaga and Nkuringo). Scheduled flights leave Entebbe daily, typically at 7:00 AM, landing at Kihihi or Kisoro by 8:30–9:00 AM after a 1–1.5-hour journey, depending on availability. Charters from Kajjansi Airfield near Kampala offer flexibility for custom schedules.
From Airstrip to Park
After landing, a 4×4 transfer completes the trip. Kihihi to Buhoma takes 1–1.5 hours (45 kilometers), while Kisoro to Rushaga or Nkuringo is 1–2 hours (40–50 kilometers). Lodges or tour operators arrange these drives, often included in safari packages. The short, scenic routes wind through terraced hills and villages, offering a taste of rural Uganda before you reach Bwindi’s edge.
Why Fly?
Flying cuts the 8 to 10-hour drive from Entebbe to a mere 1–2-hour hop, saving time for your gorilla trek. It’s ideal for tight schedules, some even trek and fly back same-day with a charter. Aerial views of Uganda’s highlands and forests add a bonus thrill.