Are flights available from Nairobi to Kigali or Entebbe?

Are Flights Available From Nairobi to Kigali or Entebbe?

For travelers exploring East Africa, one of the most frequently asked logistical questions is: Are there flights available from Nairobi to Kigali or Entebbe? The answer is yes—not only are flights available, but the routes between Nairobi, Kigali (Rwanda), and Entebbe (Uganda) are among the busiest and most convenient regional connections in East Africa. Whether you’re planning a combined Kenya–Rwanda safari, a gorilla trekking extension after a Maasai Mara adventure, or a multi-country business or leisure itinerary, traveling between these three major cities is remarkably smooth.

Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) is one of Africa’s largest and most important aviation hubs. Similarly, Kigali International Airport (KGL) and Entebbe International Airport (EBB) serve as central gateways for Rwanda and Uganda. Daily flights, multiple airlines, flexible schedules, and short travel times make these routes perfect for travelers looking to combine experiences across the region. If you are planning to explore Kenya’s savannahs and then venture into Rwanda’s volcanic highlands or Uganda’s lush rainforests, you can seamlessly transition between destinations in just a few hours.

Why East Africa’s Regional Flights Are So Important

East Africa is a region known for diverse landscapes and incredible wildlife experiences. Travelers often want to combine:

Kenya’s Big Five parks
Rwanda’s gorilla trekking
Uganda’s chimpanzee trekking
Cultural experiences across borders
Business and leisure travel

Direct flights make this possible. With strong regional cooperation, the East African aviation network has grown significantly, offering smooth, reliable, and fast travel options for both locals and international tourists.

Flights From Nairobi to Kigali (Kenya–Rwanda Route)

The Nairobi–Kigali route is one of the most convenient and efficient flights in East Africa. It is especially popular among travelers heading for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, business travelers working between Nairobi and Kigali, and visitors connecting through Kenya.

Airlines Operating Between Nairobi and Kigali

Several major airlines operate this route:

Kenya Airways (KQ) – The national carrier offers multiple daily flights, known for reliability and quality service.
RwandAir – Rwanda’s national airline also flies daily, often with excellent timing for morning arrivals in Kigali.
Hombor Air and other regional carriers sometimes offer connecting options, depending on the season.

With both Kenya Airways and RwandAir flying daily, travelers have great flexibility.

Flight Duration

Flight time between Nairobi and Kigali is approximately:

1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours

This makes it one of the shortest and easiest regional flights in Africa.

Flight Frequency

Multiple flights per day mean you can choose morning, afternoon, or evening departures. This flexibility is perfect for travelers who want to maximize their safari time or coordinate seamlessly with lodge check-in schedules.

Why Fly From Nairobi to Kigali?

Travelers choose this route because:

It’s fast and direct
Ideal connection for gorilla trekking
Perfect for Kenya–Rwanda multi-country safaris
Business-friendly schedules
Reliable airlines with smooth connections

Moreover, from Kigali you can quickly access Volcanoes National Park—only about 2.5 hours by road.

Flights From Nairobi to Entebbe (Kenya–Uganda Route)

The Nairobi–Entebbe route is equally important, connecting two major East African countries with strong tourism, business, and cultural ties. Entebbe is the main international gateway to Uganda, located near Kampala and serving as the gateway to Uganda’s wildlife destinations.

Airlines Operating Between Nairobi and Entebbe

The Nairobi–Entebbe route is served by multiple airlines:

Kenya Airways (KQ) – Several flights daily
Uganda Airlines – Fast, direct, and comfortable
RwandAir – Offers connecting flights
Airlink and Ethiopian Airlines (sometimes operate connecting routes)

Direct flights by Kenya Airways and Uganda Airlines make travel particularly smooth.

Flight Duration

The flight from Nairobi to Entebbe takes:

1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes

This short route makes it easy to pair Kenyan safaris with Uganda’s wildlife and primate adventures.

Flight Frequency

There are normally 3–6 flights per day, depending on the season and airline schedules.

Why Fly From Nairobi to Entebbe?

Travelers love this route because it provides fast access to:

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Chimp trekking in Kibale Forest
Queen Elizabeth National Park safaris
Murchison Falls boat cruises
Kampala’s cultural attractions

The Nairobi–Entebbe connection is one of the most important travel corridors for those planning combined Kenya–Uganda itineraries.

Nairobi as a Hub for Multi-Country Safaris

Because Nairobi is East Africa’s largest aviation hub, many safari itineraries originate or end here. Travelers often:

Fly from Nairobi to Kigali for gorilla trekking
Fly from Nairobi to Entebbe for Uganda safaris
Return to Nairobi to fly internationally
Connect from Nairobi to Tanzania, Zambia, or South Africa

This makes Nairobi the perfect starting point for multi-country explorations.

Connecting Safari Destinations After Flying Into Kigali or Entebbe

Once you fly into Kigali or Entebbe, you can easily connect to major wildlife destinations.

From Kigali (Rwanda)

Volcanoes National Park – 2.5 hours
Akagera National Park – 2 hours
Nyungwe Forest National Park – 5–6 hours
Lake Kivu – 3 hours

From Entebbe (Uganda)

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – 7–9 hours by road or 1 hour by domestic flight
Kibale Forest – 5–6 hours
Murchison Falls – 5 hours
Queen Elizabeth National Park – 6–7 hours
Lake Bunyonyi – 8 hours

Domestic flights are available from Entebbe to smaller airstrips, making travel easier for those with limited time.

Why Travelers Choose to Fly Instead of Drive

While East Africa is beautiful by road, flying offers major advantages:

Faster travel times
Less fatigue
More time on safari
Easier logistics
Direct access to key destinations

For multi-country trips, flying is simply the most efficient option.

Can I Combine Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda in One Trip?

Yes. In fact, this is one of the most rewarding safari combinations:

Kenya – Big Five, Maasai Mara, Amboseli
Rwanda – Gorilla trekking, golden monkeys, cultural experiences
Uganda – Chimpanzees, gorillas, boat safaris, diverse landscapes

With flights available between Nairobi, Kigali, and Entebbe, it is easy to craft a seamless, multi-country itinerary.

East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV)

When traveling between Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, the East Africa Tourist Visa makes the journey even easier. It allows multiple entries between all three countries on a single visa.

This saves time, money, and simplifies your itinerary planning.

Why This Matters for Safari Travelers

Reliable flights between Nairobi, Kigali, and Entebbe mean travelers can:

Start with a Kenya safari
Fly to Rwanda for gorilla trekking
Continue to Uganda for chimpanzee trekking
Return to Nairobi to fly home

This convenience is one of the reasons East Africa is one of the world’s top multi-country safari destinations.

So, Are Flights Available From Nairobi to Kigali or Entebbe?

Yes—frequent, reliable, and fast flights connect Nairobi to both Kigali and Entebbe daily. These routes are ideal for travelers planning combined safaris across East Africa, especially those interested in Kenya’s Big Five and Rwanda or Uganda’s mountain gorillas.

Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a photographer, a culture lover, or an adventure traveler, the accessibility of these routes makes East Africa incredibly easy and rewarding to explore.

Plan Your East African Flights and Safari With Experiya Tour Company

To ensure smooth travel connections, reliable bookings, and a well-crafted multi-country itinerary, work with experts who understand the region deeply. Experiya Tour Company specializes in planning Kenya–Rwanda and Kenya–Uganda safaris, booking domestic and regional flights, securing gorilla trekking permits, and coordinating seamless travel experiences across East Africa. For a stress-free, beautifully organized safari journey, book your adventure with Experiya Tour Company.