There are two (02) ways of getting to Bwindi from Entebbe. You may either fly or drive. A blend of both – fly one way – drive one way – is also possible!.
Flying to Bwindi from Entebbe: Daily Flights from Entebbe to Bwindi Forest National are operated by two (02) domestic flight companies’ aero link Uganda and Fly Uganda. Aerolink flights from Entebbe to Bwindi forest depart from Entebbe international airport while Fly Uganda flights are out of Kajjansi airfield – closer to Kampala approximately 26.5km/16mi out of Entebbe. Doesn’t matter with whom you choose to fly, the flights will all last approximately 1.5-hours.
Depending on which sector you intend to visit (check to see that this matches the sector indicated on your gorilla trekking permit – if going for gorilla trekking) in Bwindi forest National Park, you will either fly into Kihihi airstrip or Kisoro airstrip. Travellers going for the ultimate Gorilla habituation experience that involves spending 04 hours with a group of wild mountain gorillas in Bwindi forest (costs USD1,500 per person) must fly into Kisoro and drive for at least one (01) hour to get to Rushaga sector – this is the only place for gorilla habituation.
Driving to Bwindi from Entebbe: Bwindi Forest National Park is located approximately 500km/310mi from Entebbe. The journey from Entebbe lasts ±09 hours and involves some en-route stops at the equator in Kayabwe for souvenir shopping and Mbarara for lunch.
*While a great section of this drive is on paved road, the last sections are on loose surface dirt roads which can be challenging to navigate both in dry & wet conditions, especially for first-time self-drive travellers not familiar with driving on such roads.
*We recommend booking your trip to Bwindi Forest National Park with a trusted and experienced local tour operator. They provide you with a local driver-guide familiar with driving on Ugandan roads to accompany you on this trip. (Check out our list of trusted gorilla Safari Companies with whom to booking a Gorilla safari).