From Kihihi Airstrip, it is easier to get to the Northern sector of Bwindi that is Buhoma sector and even the Eastern region –Ruhija. Flying to Kihihi from Entebbe International Airport (EBB) to Kihihi is a perfect way to save on your time because a road trip can require you to spend over 8-9 hours. By air, this can be narrowed up to about 2 hours.
Visiting Ruhija region from Kihihi is a great opportunity for you to trek any of the fully habituated gorilla groups. They include Kyaguriro, Bitukura group, Oruzogo gorilla group, Mukiza and others. In Buhoma sector, embark on a journey to explore gorilla groups like Katwe group, Rushegura, Mubare and Habinyanja family group.
From Savanna/Kihihi Airstrip, visitors can also connect up to the Savannah Resort in Western Uganda. Due to its ideal location, guests stand a chance to explore the natural wonders of Southern Queen Elizabeth National Park, renowned for its rare tree climbing lions.
Over 95 mammal species freely roam in Queen Elizabeth National Park, 620 species of birds, and features myriad of scenic Crater Lakes. And in addition to the tree climbing lions, the other wildlife to expect encountering in this savanna parks include elephants, cape buffaloes, leopards, and antelopes like bush bucks, waterbucks, topis, Uganda Kobs and others.
Kihihi Airstrip
- Located in Kanungu District, Western Uganda.
- Approximate coordinates: 0.737°N, 29.717°E.
- Altitude: 3600 feet above sea level.
- Primary access route to Buhoma and Ruhija sectors of Bwindi.
- Transfer time: 1.5 to 2 hours by road to Buhoma, depending on the weather.
- Also serves safari circuits within Queen Elizabeth National Park’s southern Ishasha sector.
Transfer Logistics
Upon landing at Kihihi, passengers disembark on a gravel strip with minimal infrastructure. Staff handle luggage manually. There is no terminal building.
Ground transfers are typically arranged in advance by lodges or tour operators. Vehicles park beside the airstrip at the time of arrival. No public transport is available.
Kihihi is often used as a fly-in point when combining Bwindi with Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Ishasha region. In such cases, transfer vehicles double as safari transport.
To Buhoma Sector
- Distance: approximately 65 kilometres
- Transfer time: 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on rain and road conditions
- Road type: gravel, passable in dry weather, may slow during rains
To Ruhija Sector
- Distance: about 90 kilometres
- Transfer time: 2.5 to 3.5 hours
- Road type: partially paved to Kanyantorogo, then unsealed mountain roads
- Elevation increases significantly en route to Ruhija
Lodges typically offer closed 4WD vehicles, with some supplying refreshments on board. Fuel stops are not available en route. Delays may arise due to road repair works.
It’s best to plan arrivals by mid-morning. Later arrivals risk tight transfer margins for park briefings, especially if staying far from Buhoma.