Flying in our opinion is without doubt the best way to get to Bwindi Forest National Park without spending over 9 – 10 hours in the Car.
For travelers that choose to Fly to Bwindi, it is important that you understand that there are only 02-airports servicing all flying trips to Bwindi except if you opt to charter a helicopter in which case you will land at designated landing sites
Kihihi airport services the Northern sector of Bwindi Forest; Buhoma and Ruhija. You will have to drive at least 1 hr & 30 minutes to get to your hotel from the airport. The second airport nearest to Bwindi is Kisoro which services the southern sectors of Rushaga & Nkuringo. Similarly, you will drive at least 1hour & 30minutes from Kisoro airport to get to your lodge.
Related: Best Places to Stay in Bwindi
Which Airlines Fly to Bwindi Forest National Park & How often do they Fly?
There are currently two (02) companies that operate daily scheduled and private charters flights to Bwindi Forest National park landing and either Kihihi or Kisoro airports as mentioned above. These are Aerolink Uganda & Fly Uganda.
Typically, your Gorilla tour operator should be able to assist you to book these flights. They will also arrange a vehicle to meet and transfer you from the airport to your Lodge (and the cost will reflect in the overall cost of your Safari to Bwindi).
Flights to/from Entebbe landing at Kisoro Airstrip
|
From |
To | Departure | Arrival |
|
Entebbe |
Kisoro |
0700 |
0810 |
| Kisoro | Entebbe | 0825 |
1125 |
Note: Kisoro flights are subject to prevailing weather conditions and strictly morning flights.
Flights to/from Entebbe to Kihihi Airstrip
|
From |
To | Departure | Arrival | |
|
Entebbe |
Kihihi | 0700 | 0845 | |
|
Kihihi |
Entebbe |
0945 |
1125 |
|
|
Entebbe |
Kihihi |
1015 |
1125 |
Mid-morning daily flight except for Low season (April‚ May and November) |
| Kihihi | Entebbe | 1140 |
1330 |
|
|
Entebbe |
Kihihi |
1200 |
1445 |
|
| Kihihi | Entebbe | 1455 | 1555 |
|
When is the best time to Fly to Bwindi for Gorilla Trekking?
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park can be visited all year round. However, the dry season months of June to August or December to February are considered the best time to fly to Bwindi.
Travelers digest:
- As you decide on when to visit Bwindi, we recommend that you thoroughly discuss the seasons and prevailing weather conditions with your local tour operator.
- Its also important to note that while it is conducive to visit Bwindi in the season, remember to plan and have your local tour operator book your gorilla permits well in advance. This is because permits often get fully booked during the dry (peak season).
- While the rainy season may be characterized by thunderstorms and showers, it is arguably the best time for intent photographers looking to photograph or Film Mountain gorillas in Bwindi Forest National Park. It is also easier to secure gorilla trekking permits in the low season months; March to May or September to November.
- Please remember to treat the information about the weather as a guide as weather patterns have become less regular in recent years and as the park covers a rainforest it can rain in any month of the year.
