For many tourists who dream of a gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda, their trip usually begins with a single question: Is it possible to fly directly to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest? This remote rainforest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a home for nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, hence one of the most sought-after destinations in Africa. But it lies deep in Uganda’s southwestern highlands, and understanding how to get to Bwindi seamlessly is a vital ingredient in your safari planning.

While you cannot fly directly to Bwindi itself-the park does not boast a major international airport-you can make a combination of international and domestic flights to reach here, which in all ways makes the journey surprisingly smooth and scenic. The route is one of transition-from city skylines to rolling hills, from paved highways to forested ridges-and the moment you step into the misty air of Bwindi, every mile feels worth it.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in southwestern Uganda, bordering the Republic of Rwanda to the south and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west. It covers an area of about 330 square kilometers of montane rainforest, an impenetrable maze of dense vegetation, waterfalls, and ancient trees. The park is situated about 530 kilometers away from Entebbe International Airport, the main entry point for international visitors to Uganda.

Most visitors flying into Uganda do not quite realize just how rugged and remote this area of Bwindi is. The rolling hills and thick forests are stunning, but this makes for long, winding road travel. This is the very reason domestic flights are preferable for those who want to cut down on travel time and arrive fresh for their gorilla trek.

All journeys to Bwindi start with a flight to Entebbe International Airport (EBB), just outside Uganda’s capital, Kampala. Entebbe is the primary gateway for international travelers visiting Uganda, with flights arriving daily from major global hubs such as Doha, Istanbul, Amsterdam, Addis Ababa, Nairobi, and Kigali.

Coming either from North America or Europe, you will most likely connect in one of these cities before getting to Entebbe. Airlines such as Qatar Airways, KLM, Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates, and Turkish Airlines fly into Uganda on routes that make it a seamlessly smooth journey into the country.

Upon arrival in Entebbe, you will have an option of resting overnight or connecting directly to a domestic flight that brings you closer to Bwindi. While flying into the forest itself is not possible, the Uganda government has invested in several airstrips close to the key regions of the park, and air travel remains the most efficient means of reaching the park.

It is divided into four main trekking regions: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo, each offering its own charm and various trekking experiences. The region you choose will determine which nearby airstrip is most convenient.

Domestic flights to Bwindi are operated by some of the reputable Ugandan airlines, which include Aerolink Uganda, Bar Aviation, and Fly Uganda. These carriers run small charter planes that connect Entebbe with southwestern Uganda in about one to one and a half hours.

The Key Airstrips Serving Bwindi

This airstrip is located near the town of Kihihi and is about an hour’s drive from the northern gate of Bwindi. Flights are available daily from Entebbe to Kihihi, and sometimes these flights may make brief stops at other airstrips en-route. Your safari guide will meet you on arrival for this scenic drive into the park.

Kisoro is the southern entrance to Bwindi and presents some of the most dramatic landscapes in the area. Flights from Entebbe take about an hour, followed by a 1-2-hour drive to your lodge, depending on the sector in which you are staying. The route from Kisoro weaves through volcanic hills and misty valleys, offering glimpses into rural life and forested peaks.

Both the airstrips receive light aircraft that have between 11 and 19 passengers at a time. Since these are small planes, running on tight schedules, baggage weight is limited—usually 15 kilograms per person in soft bags.

Even on a domestic flight, you will still have a scenic drive to get to your lodge of choice within the park. The journey from the airstrip to the forest is part of the adventure itself: meandering through terraced farms, local villages, and rolling hills covered in mist.

For instance, visitors arriving at Kihihi usually drive through Kanungu to Buhoma. The drive goes through lush banana plantations and native homesteads. Those arriving via Kisoro will enjoy a winding, scenic drive toward Rushaga or Nkuringo, with the Virunga Volcanoes in view along the way.

Most safari companies offer private 4×4 vehicles with experienced driver-guides who handle not just the airport pickup but also further transfers to your lodge for comfort and flexibility, allowing you to make stops whenever you may want for photography or cultural visits along the way.

For some travelers, it is actually easier to fly in via Kigali International Airport in Rwanda than in Entebbe. The capital of Rwanda is about 3.5–4 hours by road from the southern sectors of Bwindi (Nkuringo and Rushaga).

This cross-border route is mainly popular among tourists who:

Want to combine gorilla trekking in Uganda with a short visit to Rwanda.

Prefer a shorter overland transfer to southern Bwindi.

Find better flight connections into Kigali from Europe, Asia, or the Middle East.

If you choose this route, your Ugandan tour operator can arrange for a comfortable transfer from Kigali to Bwindi via the Cyanika or Katuna border posts. The journey is scenic, safe, and direct.

Your total travel time will, of course, depend on your route and whether you fly or drive.

Entebbe to Bwindi: 9–10 hours by road, depending on the sector and road conditions.

Entebbe to Bwindi: 1 hour flight plus 1–2 hours by road to your lodge.

Kigali (Rwanda) to Bwindi (southern sector): 4-5 hours on the road.

While flying is faster, some travelers prefer the scenic overland route from Entebbe because it allows them to explore Uganda’s countryside, make stops at the Equator Line, or visit parks like Lake Mburo along the way.

Book Domestic Flights in Advance: Domestic flights have limited seating, especially during peak trekking seasons in Uganda from June through September and December through February. Booking in advance secures a spot and enables your tour operator to coordinate transfers with ease.

Travel Light: Because of the small aircraft, stick to soft-sided luggage under 15 kilograms. Most lodges offer same-day laundry service, so you can pack minimally.

Confirm Trekking Sectors before booking flights: Ensure your domestic flight aligns with your lodge’s location. If your gorilla permit is for Rushaga, for example, flying into Kisoro is far more convenient than Kihihi.

Weather Considerations Morning flights are most reliable. Afternoon rain or mist can occasionally cause delays in southwestern Uganda.

Cross-Border Travel: If you plan to enter Uganda from Rwanda, ensure your visa covers multiple entries or that you apply for an East Africa Tourist Visa, valid for travel across Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya.

Flying into Bwindi is certainly practical-but it’s quite beautiful, too. The landscape changes dramatically as you make your descent into Kisoro or Kihihi: the aircraft glides above quilted hillsides, crater lakes, and terraced farmlands stretching as far as the eye can see. On a clear day, you can even glimpse the jagged silhouettes of the Virunga Volcanoes rising above the clouds.

Upon arrival, the crisp mountain air and complete silence envelop you. Getting from the modern bustle of Entebbe or Kigali to the earthy calm of the forest is like going to another world, where time slows down and nature takes over your senses.

Accommodation and Safari Logistics Bwindi has a number of lodges that cater for every traveler’s needs, from eco-lodges deep in the forest to the luxurious mountain retreats with panoramic views. Most of them have full-board accommodation, accompanied by guided walks in the forest and visits to the nearby communities. These operators will organize all logistics, from gorilla trekking permits, entry to the park, meals, and private transport. These arrangements are important, as gorilla permits are usually limited and sell out months in advance. Booking with a reputable company ensures your itinerary flows seamlessly from the moment you land.

While one can’t fly directly to Bwindi, modern connections have made reaching this most remote rainforest easier and far more comfortable than ever. Daily flights to the nearby airstrips, excellent road links from Rwanda, and a network of expert safari companies waiting to assist-make the journey both accessible and unforgettable. Standing among the ancient trees of Bwindi, watching a silverback gorilla guard his family or a playful infant cling to its mother, you realize that the effort of getting to this forest was part of the magic itself.

The remoteness, the silence, and the mist are all part of the soul of Bwindi. To those who are prepared for this experience, it is better to have your safari booked with a well-established and experienced tour operator, who knows the region inside out. Experiya Tour Company organizes gorilla trekking in packages with expert arrangements, flight connections that are seamless, and personalized service from arrival to departure. With Experiya, your journey to Bwindi becomes more than a trip-it becomes an unforgettable story written in the heart of Africa’s wilderness.