Compare Driving and Flying to Bwindi Forest National Park
Compare Driving and Flying to Bwindi: Getting to Bwindi Forest National Park can be either by road or air. Each of these modes has both advantages and disadvantages. in this article, we will explain to detail what exactly is involved in each of the modes of transport used in getting to Bwindi Forest National Park.
Driving to Bwindi Forest National Park
Driving to Bwindi Forest National Park from Entebbe takes approximately 09hours through 500km/310mi. This is quite a long drive (in our opinion) we, therefore, like to advise our clients to break this drive into two (02) with an overnight stay at Lake Mburo National Park. (see: Best Places to stay in Lake Mburo National Park). Alternatively, if time and money permit, consider adding 02 – 03 extra days to your itinerary and visit Queen Elizabeth National Park. ( See: things to see & do in Queen Elizabeth National Park)
Lake Mburo National Park is located 225kms from Entebbe a journey that takes approximately 5 hours from Entebbe. The park is small but yet an interesting stopover for visitors driving to Bwindi Forest National Park. (see: things to see & do in Lake Mburo National Park)
Queen Elizabeth National Park is approximately 06 hours from Entebbe. For one to fully explore this park and get a chance to track chimpanzees in the gorge, take a Boat safari on the Kazinga channel or spend time on the experiential lion tracking with the Uganda carnivore project, we recommend setting aside 03 extra days added to your itinerary (see: 7 Days Gorillas, chimps & lions)
What is the Advantage of driving from Entebbe?
Driving from Entebbe to Bwindi forest allows for visitors to take in a lot more of the country with stops at interesting places like the equator, Lake Mburo or Queen Elizabeth National Park (Of course only if time and finances permit). The routes to Bwindi are rough and rugged (its why we recommend using a good 4×4), they are very scenic and you get to enjoy a much more authentic visual and photographic experience.
The disadvantage, however, is that the drive is long – nine (09) hours and can be very tiring especially to the tourist,
Popular Road Trip Safaris to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Flying to Bwindi Forest National Park from Entebbe
Tourists can turn the 09-hour journey into a 1.5-hour flight between Entebbe and Bwindi Forest National Park. While the flights are costly, if your budget permits, this is the smoothest way of getting to Bwindi forest NP. From either Entebbe International airport or Kajjansi airfield you will fly to Kihihi ( and transfer 40km/25mi by road to Buhoma sector of Bwindi) or Kisoro (and transfer 35kms/21mi by road to Bwindi).
The advantage of flying to Bwindi Forest as opposed to driving is that you don’t lose much time getting to the mountain gorilla forest. You enjoy a lot more time at your lodge than you would if you travelled by road.
Whether by road or air, one thing for sure is that Bwindi Forest is an incredible must-visit place. Although popularly known for Gorilla trekking and gorilla Habituation, there is more to Bwindi than just Gorillas. (see: Things to see & do in Bwindi Forest NP)
Popular Fly-in Safaris to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
