COMPARE DRIVING TO FLYING: Is it Better to Drive or Fly to Bwindi? What is the Drive time from Entebbe/Kampala to Bwindi Forest National Park?
Bwindi Forest National park is the famous home of the Mountain gorillas. There are currently a total of 20 habituated gorilla groups that roam the expanses of this lush “impenetrable” forest. There are two (02) ways of getting to Bwindi from Entebbe or Kampala – You either drive or Fly. We will explain what each means of transport (road or air) involves so you can be in a better position to decide on whether it is better to drive or fly to Bwindi.
Driving to Bwindi Forest National park from Entebbe or Kampala. Better to Drive or Fly to Bwindi?
By road, Bwindi is located approximately 500km/310 miles from Entebbe/Kampala. This drive typically lasts 9 -10 hours (subject to prevailing traffic in and out of Entebbe/Kampala). Most budget Gorilla tour operators in a bid to save you money will recommend driving all the way down to Bwindi on the same day (can be a very tiring drive – remember you are scheduled for an early morning gorilla trek the next morning) while the midrange gorilla tour Operators will recommend that you break the drive with a day visit to Lake Mburo National Park (4 – 5 hours from Entebbe/Kampala) with an overnight stay at either the luxurious Mihingo Lodge or the midrange Rwakobo Rock Lodge.
From Lake Mburo National Park to Bwindi is a 6 – 7 hours drive. This drive follows a scenic route that meanders through the small villages and plantations in the countryside – Keep your camera close.
Alternatively, you may opt to break your drive with an en-route visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park (approximately a 6 – 7 hours drive from Entebbe/Kampala) with an overnight stay at the Luxurious Kyambura Gorge Lodge or the midrange Kasenyi Safari camp. The Low budget options for accommodation in Queen Elizabeth include Bush Lodge, Irungu Forest Lodge, Pumba Lodge, and the newly opened Kazinga Wilderness Lodge.
Our analysis on Driving to Bwindi:
The upside for Driving: You’ll get to see a lot more of the country if you drive. For instance, if your budget allows, you may consider breaking your journey to Bwindi with a visit to Lake Mburo National Park (4 – 5 hours from Entebbe/Kampala) or Queen Elizabeth National park and continue to Bwindi the next morning arriving on time for a late lunch at your lodge in Bwindi.
Downside Of Driving: The downside to driving is the distance/drive time. You’ll have to prepare yourself well for a 9 -10 hours drive which can be very tiring even to you who is just sitting let alone the driver, and remember that if you are not the kind to seat for long hours, this drive may have effects on how well you cope with your next days hike into the gorilla mountains.
Flying to Bwindi from Entebbe or Kampala
Aerolink Uganda operates daily flights to the North & Southern sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Flights to the Northern sector land at Kihihi Airport, and those to the south Land at Kisoro Airport. On arrival at any of these airports, you’ll find a representative of the agency/tour operator you booked with waiting to transfer you to your hotel/Lodge.
2022 Schedules/Duration of the Flights from Entebbe to Kihihi Airport.
| From | To | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entebbe | Kihihi | 07:00 am | 08:45 am | Passengers can connect onwards to Masai Mara Via Entebbe and Kisumu |
| Kihihi | Entebbe | 09:45 am | 11:25 am | |
| Entebbe | Kihihi | 10:15 am | 11:25 am | Mid-morning daily flight except in April, May & November. |
| Kihihi | Entebbe | 11:40 am | 01:30 am | |
| Entebbe | Kihihi | 12:00 noon | 02:40 pm | PM flight from Entebbe may route via Murchison falls National Park subject to loads. |
| Kihihi | Entebbe | 02:45 pm | 04:15 pm | |
| **Timings may vary depending on aircraft routing. **From Kihihi passengers can connect to Kisoro,Mweya, Kasese and Semliki airstrips. |
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2022 Schedules/Duration of the Flights from Entebbe to Kisoro Airport.
| From | To | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entebbe | Kisoro | 07:00 am | 08:10 am | **Kisoro Flights are subject to the prevailing weather conditions and are strictly morning flights. **Flights to Kisoro have a Surcharge of $70 per person. **Passengers can connect onwards to Masai Mara Via Entebbe and Kisumu. |
| Kisoro | Entebbe | 08:25 am | 11:25 am | |
| **Timings may vary depending on aircraft routing. **From Kisoro passengers can connect to Kihihi, Mweya, Kasese, and Semliki airstrips. |
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- Flying to Kisoro airport allows you to easily connect to the southern sectors of Rushaga and Nkuringo.
- Flying to Kihihi Airport allows you to connect to the Northern sector of Buhoma, the eastern sector of Ruhija.
Our analysis on Flying to Bwindi Forest National Park
The upside of Flying: Flying saves you a lot of time. You get to your lodge a lot earlier than you would if you drove. You also get to have some time on you to prepare for your next days’ trek into the gorilla mountains. You could also consider taking a short guided walk into the community – things you can do if you drive from Entebbe/Kampala.
The Downside of Flying: Flying is expensive and honestly will affect the overall price of your tour. However, if your budget permits, it is by far the best/quickest/fastest, and easiest way to get from Entebbe/Kampala to Bwindi Forest National park.
Our Overall Analysis on whether it is better to drive or Fly to Bwindi Better to Drive or Fly to Bwindi?
We have done our part – which is to explain what each of the means of transport involves. Guided by your interests, and travel budget, now it is your turn to seat down think and decide on how best you would Like to get to Bwindi – by Air or Road?
Reputable Gorilla tour Operators in Uganda
Once you are decided on whether to drive or fly to Bwindi, you can choose from any of the following reputable gorilla safari Companies in Uganda to assist you further with planning and booking your tour, and Or transport to Bwindi Forest National park.
- Realm Africa Safaris™
- Great Adventure Safaris
- Outback Adventure Safaris.
- Encounter Africa Safaris.
- Kisoro Tours Uganda.