Spanning 321 square kilometers across Kanungu, Kabale, and Kisoro districts, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is accessible by air or road from key hubs like Entebbe, Kampala, or Kigali. Here’s how to get there:
By Air: The Quick Route
The fastest way to reach Bwindi is flying from Entebbe International Airport (EBB), Uganda’s main gateway, to one of two airstrips: Kihihi (near Buhoma sector) or Kisoro (near Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors). Domestic carriers like Aerolink Uganda, Bar Aviation offer daily scheduled flights, taking about 1–1.5 hours one way and most of these are available in the morning hours. Book through tour operators or directly with airlines, ideally alongside your gorilla permit. From the airstrip, a 1–2-hour drive in a 4×4 vehicle arranged by lodges or guides delivers you to your sector: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, or Nkuringo.
By Road: The Scenic Drive
For a budget-friendly or immersive option, drive from Kampala or Entebbe, 460–500 kilometers away. The 8 to 10 to hour journey follows the Kampala, Masaka, Mbarara to Kabale route, passing the Equator and rolling hills. Rent a 4×4 vehicle for the final stretch, as roads to Bwindi especially from Kabale (80 to 120 kilometers) can be rough, particularly in rainy seasons (March to May, September to November). From Kabale, Buhoma is 2 to 3 hours, Ruhija 3 hours, and Rushaga or Nkuringo 3 to 4 hours. Alternatively, start from Kigali, Rwanda, just 4 to 5 hours away (150 to 200 kilometers) via the Cyanika border, a smoother route popular with cross-border travelers.
Key Considerations
Dry seasons (June to August, December to February) offer better road conditions, though flights operate year-round. Public buses from Kampala to Kabale connect to private taxis or lodge transfers for the last leg. Confirm your trekking sector Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, or Nkuringo when planning, as distances vary.