How to Get to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
The means of getting to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park largely depends on the traveler’s starting point in either Uganda or Rwanda and the mode of transportation they choose. For instance, some travelers prefer the road while others opt for air travel.
Getting to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park By Road
Entebbe/Kampala-Mbarara road
the road between Rukungiri and Kihihi to bwindi
The road distance from Entebbe or Kampala to Bwindi is approximately 480km, requires about 9 hours to cover, and is the most common route preferred by most travelers especially those that want to visit Lake Mburo National Park or take up the 3-day gorilla tracking tour to Bwindi and other African safari adventures having Bwindi as part of the itinerary.
The route is characterized by driving from Entebbe or Kampala to Masaka and Mbarara cities, however, there are usually stopovers at the Uganda Equator line crossing for use of washrooms, Sipping a coffee, or taking pictures of the equator monuments for future memories and next common stop is at Igongo cultural center for a lunch break.
The road drive from Mbarara city is the most scenic of the journey because a traveler will be treated to the most undulating plains and lush terrain which follows through to Bwindi’s impenetrable National Park.
At Ntungamo town, one can branch off to take the Rukungiri-Kihihi route which leads you to Butogota town council and finally to Buhoma, where the park Headquarters is located.
For travelers accessing the southern sectors of the Park or wanting to visit Lake Bunyonyi, before heading to Bwindi, you will have to continue from Ntungamo to Kabale to either the Ruhija or Rushaga sectors of Bwindi.
The approach of Kabale town is characterized by acceding hills that are beautifully decorated with terraces, thanks to the innovative skills of the local farmers.
Kampala-Fortportal-Kasese road
The route from Kampala to Bwindi through Fort Portal and Kasese is approximately 530km long and takes about 12 hours to complete, making it the longest option available.
This route is often chosen by travelers to avoid traffic jams along the Kampala-Masaka section or to explore the various tour options along the way.
Fortportal-Kasese Road through Queen Elizabeth National Park
These include popular tourist attractions such as the Nakayima tree in Mubende, Fort Portal town, and Semuliki and Kibale National Parks. While most travelers begin their journey from Kampala, others may include this route as part of a longer itinerary from other destinations further north of Uganda, such as Murchison Falls National Park, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, and Lake Albert.
Getting to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park from Kigali through Kabale
Many tourists prefer to drive from Rwanda and cross through the Katuna border in the Kabale district of Uganda.
This is because it not only cuts down on the long drive from Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park but also eliminates the need for a flight.
If you choose this option, you’ll have an overnight stay in one of the hotels in Kigali. You can also visit the genocide memorial before embarking on the scenic drive to the Gatuna border post.
Most tour operators in Uganda recommend this route when tourists are going to trek gorillas from either the Ruhija or Buhoma sectors of Bwindi. The drive is very pleasant because the road winds through portions of the Bwindi forest and is occasionally punctuated with steep ridges that offer breathtaking views.
Getting to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park from Kigali through Kisoro
The distance by road from Kigali city in Rwanda to Bwindi is approximately 150 km and takes around 4 hours to complete. For travelers arriving from Kigali city to the Nkuringo and Rushaga sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the most preferred route is through the Kyanika border in Kisoro, Uganda. This route not only reduces driving time significantly but also offers breathtaking views of the Virunga mountain ranges.
Getting to Bwindi by Air
The cabin of the Cessna caravan
For adventure enthusiasts who are interested in gorilla trekking but have limited time or cannot bear the long drive from Kampala to Bwindi, flying is a great option.
There are several flight options, including scheduled and chartered flights, that land at either Kihihi airstrip in the North of Bwindi or Kisoro airstrip in the south of Bwindi.
However, flying with a helicopter makes the whole experience more enjoyable and less stressful. Tour operators usually have partnerships with domestic airlines, so all you need to do is inquire and book your flight.
Getting to Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors of Bwindi from Kisoro airstrip
A Cessna caravan landing at Kisoro airstrip
The distance by road from Kisoro Airstrip to Rushaga is approximately 40 kilometers and takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes to cover.
If you wish to visit the Nkuringo and Rushaga sectors of Bwindi, you can reach these areas by taking a flight from Entebbe or Kajjansi airstrip that will land at Kisoro airstrip.
Once you disembark, the ground handling team will be there to escort you to your overnight accommodation located near the park Headquarters. The Cessna Caravan aircraft is usually used for these flights as it is designed to land on dusty and bushy airfields.
Getting to the Buhoma and Ruhija sectors of Bwindi from Kihihi airstrip.
The flight from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfields near Kampala to Kihihi airstrip takes approximately one hour. On the other hand, if you’re traveling by road from Kihihi to the Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the distance is approximately 40 kilometers.
It takes about one and a half hours to travel from Kihihi airstrip to Buhoma, passing through Butogota township, where you’ll be treated to stunning tea plantations. As you approach Buhoma, you’ll still be treated to stunning views of steep escarpments and rolling hills.
Getting to all sectors of Bwindi by flying a Helicopter.
Travelers who are seeking to reach any sector of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park by helicopter can do so effortlessly by contacting our team. We cater to these requests and can arrange for departure from either Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfields. Additionally, Kololo airstrips and Kampala Serena helipad are also available options.
Flying by helicopter provides travelers with the most exceptional views of Uganda’s countryside and allows them to experience the scenic beauty of rivers, lakes, swamps, mountains, and forests in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The presence of helipads on-site at certain lodges such as Clouds Lodge makes it the most optimal option for reaching Bwindi.
for further questions about getting to the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, please do not hesitate to contact our team. We are always available to provide assistance and guidance.
