Flying to Bwindi: Charter Flights and Airstrips Guide

Updated 20 October 2026

Flying turns the long road journey to Bwindi into a short hop. Scheduled light-aircraft flights leave Entebbe and Kajjansi airfield, near Kampala, each morning for Kihihi airstrip, which serves Bwindi’s northern Buhoma sector, and Kisoro airstrip, which serves the southern sectors and Mgahinga. Flight time is around one to two hours depending on stops, followed by a drive to your lodge. Here is how it works and when it is worth the cost.

Which airstrip for which sector

Choose your airstrip by the sector named on your gorilla permit. Lodges and operators arrange the transfer from the airstrip, usually in the same 4×4 that will take you to the trek briefing.

Scheduled flights and charters

Aerolink Uganda runs scheduled flights to Kihihi and Kisoro, typically in the morning, sometimes stopping at both or at other airstrips such as those in Queen Elizabeth or Murchison Falls. Seats are on small single- or twin-engine aircraft, so book early in the peak months. Charter flights can be arranged at any time for private groups and make sense for families or when timings do not fit the schedule. Our guide to internal flights in Uganda covers other routes.

Luggage and what to expect

Light aircraft have strict weight limits, usually around 15 kg per person including hand luggage, in soft bags rather than hard suitcases. Leave extra luggage at your Entebbe hotel or with your operator. Flights are low enough for superb views of Lake Victoria, the western hills and the forest, but small planes can be bumpy and may be delayed by weather, especially in the rainy months.

Is flying worth it?

Flying costs several hundred dollars per person each way, much more than going by road, but it saves a full day of driving in each direction; compare Kampala to Bwindi by road. It makes most sense on short trips, for travellers who dislike long drives, or for combining Bwindi with distant parks such as Kidepo or Murchison. A popular compromise is to drive out through the countryside and fly back, or the reverse.

Planning tips

Fly in the day before your trek, never on the morning of it, because a weather delay could make you miss the 7:30 am briefing and your non-refundable permit. Confirm transfer times between the airstrip and your lodge. If you arrive on a late international flight, spend the night near Entebbe first; see our Entebbe Airport guide. For the whole trip, read Entebbe to Bwindi: all the options.

Frequently asked questions