Airstrips in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Airstrips in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is located in southwestern Uganda and is one of the most popular national parks in the country. The park is globally known for protecting the endangered mountain gorillas, which are among the closest living relatives to human beings. Bwindi was officially gazetted as a national park in 1991 to protect these rare gorillas, which were facing extinction at the time.

Today, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is home to over 600 mountain gorillas, making it one of the best places in the world for gorilla trekking. These gorillas live in four main sectors of the park: Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija, and Nkuringo.

The park covers an area of about 331 square kilometers and supports incredible biodiversity. It hosts more than 120 mammal species, 10 primate species, and over 350 bird species, making it an important destination for wildlife lovers, bird watchers, and nature enthusiasts.

Accessing Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park by Air

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park can be accessed by both road and air transport. For travelers who want a faster and more comfortable journey, flying is the best option. Flights to Bwindi operate from Entebbe International Airport and Kajjansi Airstrip.

The park itself has one main airstrip, known as Kihihi Airstrip, which is located on the northern side of the park.

Kihihi Airstrip The Main Airstrip in Bwindi

Kihihi Airstrip mainly serves travelers visiting the Buhoma sector, which is located in the northern part of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. This airstrip is commonly used by luxury and mid-range travelers who want to avoid long road journeys.

Flying from Entebbe or Kajjansi to Kihihi Airstrip is one of the fastest ways to reach Bwindi, taking approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. Several domestic airline companies operate scheduled and charter flights to Kihihi Airstrip. These include:

• AeroLink Uganda

• Bar Aviation Uganda

• Fly Uganda

Flights usually depart from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip two to three times a day, depending on the season.

During the dry season, flights to Kihihi Airstrip commonly depart at:

• 7:00 am

• 10:15 am

• 12:00 pm

In the rainy season, flights still operate, but delays may occur due to unfavorable weather conditions such as heavy rain and low visibility.

For travelers concerned about long road travel to Bwindi, flying to Kihihi Airstrip offers a convenient and time-saving solution. However, flights should be booked well in advance because small aircraft have limited seating capacity. Bookings can be made through a trusted local tour operator or directly with the airline.

Kisoro Airstrip – An Alternative Air Access Point

Another important airstrip used by travelers visiting Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is Kisoro Airstrip, located in Kisoro District. Although Kisoro Airstrip is not inside the park, it is very close to the Nkuringo, Ruhija, and Rushaga sectors.

From Kisoro Airstrip, travelers use road transport to reach Bwindi, which takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. This airstrip is ideal for visitors trekking gorillas in the southern sectors of the park.

Booking Flights to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Booking a flight to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park must be done in advance to secure a seat. Travelers can make bookings through a local tour operator or directly with the airline company.

To book a flight, travelers are required to send an email indicating:

• The preferred travel dates

• The month and year of travel

The airline will then check seat availability and respond with confirmation. Once seats are available, travelers receive banking details for payment. After making payment, a scanned copy of the receipt should be sent to the airline or tour operator to finalize the booking.

Best Time to Fly to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Flights to Bwindi operate throughout the year, but some months offer better conditions than others.

Dry Season (Best Time to Fly)

The best time to fly to Bwindi is during the dry seasons, which run from:

• June to September

• December to February

During these months, rainfall is minimal, and weather conditions are stable, making flights more reliable with fewer delays. Gorilla trekking is also easier because:

• Trails are dry and less slippery

• Vegetation is shorter and thinner

• Visibility of mountain gorillas is clearer

• Roads from airstrips to the park are more accessible

Rainy Season (Low Season Travel)

Travelers can also fly to Bwindi during the rainy seasons, which occur from:

• March to May

• October to November

The rainy season is ideal for budget travelers, as airlines and lodges often offer discounted flight fares and accommodation rates. However, this season comes with challenges such as:

• Occasional flight delays due to bad weather

• Muddy and slippery trekking trails

• Poor road conditions from airstrips to the park

• Thick vegetation that can limit wildlife visibility

Despite these challenges, some travelers still prefer the rainy season because of fewer tourists and lower costs.