Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is not only accessible by road but also by air. This is possible through the fly-in gorilla safaris which your reliable and trusted tour operator can organize. Bwindi is lying in the extreme Southwestern part of Uganda and covers parts of Kanungu, Kabale, Rukungiri and Kisoro Districts.
All flights to Bwindi operate starting from Entebbe International Airport (EBB)/Kajjansi Airfield and visitors land at the nearby airstrips. The available airstrips offer easier access to the different gorilla trekking regions –Ruhija in the East, Buhoma to the North and Rushaga plus Nkuringo sectors in the Southern region.
The nearby airstrips to Bwindi National Park include Kihihi and Kisoro. Kihihi and Kisoro airstrips are suitably located offering easy access to all regions in Bwindi N/Park.
Kihihi Airstrip (Savanna Airstrip)
Kihihi Airstrip KHX is small in size and is found in Kanungu District. It is a convenient entry point for tourists to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, especially while on fly-in gorilla tours. Many charter and scheduled flights do operate from Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi airfield to Kihihi Airstrip.
Kisoro Airstrip
Kisoro Airstrip is set in Kisoro District, Southwestern Uganda. It is also nearby Kanungu and Kabale Districts. Considering its strategic location to Kisoro, Kisoro Airstrip is the best place to connect to the Southern gorilla trekking sectors and also to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Both airstrips operate with daylight-only schedules and use non-paved surfaces. Typically used aircraft types include the Cessna Grand Caravan and similar STOL (short takeoff and landing) aircraft.
Importance of these Airstrips
Tour operators align airstrip selection with permit location. Northern permits (Buhoma, Ruhija) rely on Kihihi. Southern permits (Rushaga, Nkuringo) align with Kisoro.
Because gorilla permits are sector-specific and non-transferable, the airstrip must be selected before booking the flight. Misalignment causes avoidable delays and client dissatisfaction.
Some itineraries combine both airstrips. For example, one may land at Kisoro and later depart from Kihihi to optimise safari routing.
Lodges near either airstrip coordinate transfers closely with flight schedules. Delays are rare, but weather remains a seasonal risk.
Entebbe to Bwindi flight time
The flight time from Entebbe Airport to Bwindi may vary but guests will be informed of the changes. You can take off in the morning and spend about 2 -3 hours which come with aerial views of the countryside. The flights are operated by Aerolink Uganda.
Flying to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers a faster, more efficient way to access Uganda’s mountain gorilla trekking regions.
Domestic flights from Entebbe International Airport reach two key airstrips in southwestern Uganda: Kisoro and Kihihi.
Each serves different sectors of Bwindi, and operators like Aerolink Uganda and Bar Aviation manage both. The routes typically last about one hour, significantly reducing travel time compared to overland journeys that often exceed nine hours.
Some ask, is flying really worth the added cost? If your itinerary is time-sensitive, or if you’re combining Bwindi with other parks like Queen Elizabeth or Kibale, the answer is yes. You’ll save crucial hours, reduce fatigue, and increase your margin for managing gorilla permit logistics.
Why Use Flights Instead of Road Transfers
Road journeys between Entebbe and Bwindi can take 9-11 hours, depending on weather and road conditions. The routes include sections of uneven terrain and traffic congestion near towns like Masaka and Mbarara. Delays are frequent during rainy months.
Domestic flights reduce the transit time to just over an hour. Additionally, air travel reduces fatigue and increases schedule predictability, especially for high-cost experiences such as gorilla trekking, where delays can result in missed permits.
Flights also allow for more precise coordination with other parks. For instance, flying into Kihihi after a stay in Queen Elizabeth National Park saves nearly a full day of road travel. Operators frequently use this efficiency to build multi-park itineraries.
Lodges to stay
Once you have thought about a gorilla tour in Bwindi, consider booking accommodation facilities too. In and around the park, there are budget, midrange and luxury accommodation options to book for a night stay. They include Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Trekkers Tavern Cottages and Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, etc.