Kisoro Airstrip is located in Kisoro District. Considering its strategic location to Kisoro, Kisoro Airstrip is the best place to connect to the Southern Bwindi most especially to the sectors of Rushaga and Nkuringo. It also offers quick access to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
The Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors are the two main areas to access starting from Kisoro Airstrip. The gorilla families to track from Rushaga region include Bweza, Busingye, Nshongi, Mishaya gorilla family, Kutu group, Mucunguzi group, and in Nkuringo, expect to explore gorilla families such as Bushaho gorilla group, Nkuringo group, and Posho and Christmas family.
Kisoro Airstrip
- Situated in Kisoro Municipality, Southern Uganda.
- Coordinates: 1.224°S, 29.972°E.
- Altitude: 6200 feet above sea level.
- Gateway to Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors of Bwindi, and to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
- Transfer time: 45 minutes or less to southern lodges.
- Terrain includes winding roads with steep gradients.
Transfers From Kisoro Airstrip
Kisoro airstrip is a tarmac facility operated by the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority. It has a small passenger shed but no indoor terminal or baggage carousel.
Drivers must meet passengers upon landing. Flights are timed for morning arrival, leaving sufficient hours for onward drives into southern Bwindi.
To Rushaga Sector
- Distance: roughly 35 kilometres
- Transfer time: 1 to 1.5 hours
- Road type: winding gravel roads with intermittent steep climbs
- Common delay: rain-induced softness on valley stretches
To Nkuringo Sector
- Distance: approximately 42 kilometres
- Transfer time: 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on weather and road conditions
- Roads require 4WD vehicles. Sharp gradients and rock ledges are common near Nkuringo
The Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is closer to Kisoro than the Bwindi sector. Some lodges and tour operators often collect guests within 30 to 45 minutes.
Tour operators usually synchronise vehicle dispatch with flight manifests. However, flight delays do occur, so a buffer window is advised before afternoon activities.
Kisoro, on the other hand, supports itineraries that end with gorilla trekking, especially those that include Mount Gahinga or Lake Mutanda.
Flight schedules are fixed for the morning and late morning slots, but seasonal weather, especially around Kisoro, can cause variability.
Operators should align the permit sector, lodge booking, and airstrip arrival during initial planning. Changing these later risks logistical complications.