For anyone dreaming of standing face-to-face with a mountain gorilla in the heart of Uganda’s jungle, the journey doesn’t begin in the forest. It starts long before—on winding roads, scenic flights, and quiet village paths that eventually lead to the sacred gates of Bwindi Impenetrable or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Knowing how to get there is not just about logistics—it’s part of the experience, part of the pilgrimage. And whether you seek a rugged adventure or a more comfortable route, the journey to the gorillas is one of anticipation, discovery, and profound beauty.

So let’s explore the best ways to reach these iconic gorilla trekking parks, understand the routes, the regional gateways, and how to tailor your arrival according to your time, budget, and desired experience.

Where Are Bwindi and Mgahinga Located?

Both Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park lie in the far southwestern corner of Uganda, near the borders with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Though they are separate parks, they are close enough that many travelers choose to visit both if time allows.

Bwindi is vast and divided into four main trekking sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. These sectors are hours apart by road, so your route will depend heavily on which sector your gorilla permit is issued for.

Mgahinga, meanwhile, is a compact park situated in the Virunga volcanic range, close to Kisoro town. Its location makes it ideal for travelers coming via Rwanda or already in southwestern Uganda.

Main Gateways: How to Begin Your Journey

From Entebbe/Kampala (Central Uganda)

If you’re starting your journey in Entebbe or Kampala, you can choose between road travel and domestic flights to reach the parks.

1. By Road (8–10 hours)

Traveling by road is an adventurous and scenic way to explore Uganda. From Kampala or Entebbe, the drive to Bwindi or Mgahinga can take 8 to 10 hours, depending on traffic, weather, and road conditions. While long, the journey offers rich landscapes, vibrant roadside towns, and glimpses of rural life.

To Buhoma or Ruhija (northern and eastern Bwindi): Travel through Mbarara, then take the road through Kabale to Kihihi or Ruhija.

To Rushaga or Nkuringo (southern Bwindi): The route from Kabale continues further south to Rubuguri.

To Mgahinga: From Kabale, head toward Kisoro, then proceed to Ntebeko Gate, which leads into the park.

This option is perfect for budget travelers, overlanders, or those combining their trip with safari stops in Lake Mburo, Queen Elizabeth, or Murchison Falls National Parks.

2. By Domestic Flight (1–1.5 hours)

For a faster, more comfortable option, daily domestic flights operate between Entebbe International Airport and airstrips near both parks.

Kihihi Airstrip: Best for reaching Buhoma and Ruhija sectors of Bwindi.

Kisoro Airstrip: Ideal for accessing Rushaga, Nkuringo, and Mgahinga.

From these airstrips, you’ll take a road transfer (1–2 hours) to your lodge or park gate. The flights take about an hour and offer breathtaking views of Uganda’s lakes, hills, and forests. This option is ideal for travelers on tight schedules, luxury tours, or those who prefer avoiding long road journeys.

️ Important Note: Domestic flights usually have luggage weight limits (15kg soft bags), so pack light and prepare for flexible check-in schedules.

From Kigali, Rwanda (Popular Cross-Border Route)

One of the most popular, time-saving routes to Uganda’s gorilla parks is via Kigali, Rwanda, especially for those visiting Mgahinga or southern Bwindi (Nkuringo or Rushaga).

3. Cross-Border Drive from Kigali (3–5 hours)

From Kigali International Airport, you can reach the Uganda-Rwanda border in about 2.5 hours. After crossing at Gatuna (for Ruhija or Buhoma) or Cyanika (for Rushaga, Nkuringo, or Mgahinga), it’s another 1.5 to 2.5 hours to your lodge or park gate.

This route is:

• Shorter than the drive from Kampala
• Easier for travelers flying into Rwanda

Popular with tour operators offering gorilla trekking in Uganda at lower permit costs than in Rwanda

Border Tip: Ensure your visa is ready. Uganda and Rwanda are part of the East African Tourist Visa, which allows multiple entries into Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya for 90 days with one visa. If you’re only entering Uganda, a single-entry Ugandan tourist visa is also sufficient.

Choosing Based on Your Trekking Sector

Here’s a quick guide for matching your gorilla trekking permit location with the most efficient arrival route:

Buhoma Sector (Bwindi) – Best reached via Kihihi Airstrip, or by road from Kampala through Rukungiri.

Ruhija Sector (Bwindi) – Accessible via Kihihi or Kabale, also reachable from Kigali via Gatuna border.

Rushaga/Nkuringo Sectors (Bwindi) – Best accessed via Kisoro Airstrip or overland from Kigali through Cyanika border.

Mgahinga – Ideally accessed via Kisoro town, best reached by flight from Entebbe or a drive from Kigali.