How Do I Get from Entebbe to Bwindi or Mgahinga?

A journey from Entebbe — Uganda’s international gateway — to the far southwestern reaches of the country, where Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park lie, is more than just a transfer. It’s a voyage through Uganda’s beating heart — a transition from the tranquil shores of Lake Victoria to misty mountains where endangered mountain gorillas roam.

These two parks — Bwindi and Mgahinga — are the country’s crown jewels, offering once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experiences that draw travelers from across the globe. But since they are located in one of the most remote and mountainous corners of Uganda, many first-time visitors often ask:

“How do I get from Entebbe to Bwindi or Mgahinga?”

Whether you choose a scenic road trip or a quick domestic flight, there are several excellent routes and travel options to consider. In this guide, we’ll break down each method — by air and by road — explore travel times, routes, and practical tips, and explain why traveling with Muhiga Safaris guarantees a seamless, comfortable, and unforgettable journey.

Understanding the Geography

Both Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are found in southwestern Uganda, near the borders with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park spans about 331 square kilometers, divided into four sectors: Buhoma (North), Ruhija (East), Rushaga (South), and Nkuringo (Southwest). It is home to nearly half of the world’s mountain gorilla population.

• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, smaller at 34 square kilometers, lies in the Virunga Volcanoes range, sharing borders with Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Congo’s Virunga National Park. It’s part of the greater transboundary Virunga Conservation Area and offers both gorilla and golden monkey trekking.

Entebbe sits on the northern shore of Lake Victoria, close to the capital Kampala, and serves as the main entry point for international visitors. The distance from Entebbe to Bwindi or Mgahinga is approximately 450 to 500 kilometers, depending on the chosen route and sector.

Now, let’s look at the best ways to cover that distance.

Option 1: Traveling by Air (Fastest and Most Comfortable)

Flying is by far the quickest and most comfortable way to reach Bwindi or Mgahinga from Entebbe. Uganda has several domestic flight operators that offer scheduled or chartered services between Entebbe International Airport (or Kajjansi Airfield near Kampala) and airstrips located close to the parks.

Available Airstrips and the Sectors They Serve

1. Kihihi Airstrip – Serves the Buhoma and Ruhija sectors of Bwindi.

2. Kisoro Airstrip – Serves the Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors of Bwindi, as well as Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Flight Duration

• Entebbe → Kihihi: 1 hour 15 minutes

• Entebbe → Kisoro: 1 hour 30 minutes

Both flights offer breathtaking aerial views of Uganda’s landscape — from lush farmlands to crater lakes and the towering Virunga Volcanoes in the distance.

Airlines Operating on These Routes

• Aerolink Uganda

• Bar Aviation Uganda

These airlines operate daily flights, often in the morning (between 7:00 and 10:00 a.m.) and sometimes in the afternoon (around 12:00–2:00 p.m.).

Transfers from the Airstrips to the Parks

Once you land, Muhiga Safaris or your lodge’s driver will be waiting to transfer you to your final destination:

• From Kihihi Airstrip to Buhoma: about 1.5–2 hours by road.

• From Kisoro Airstrip to Rushaga or Nkuringo: about 1 hour by road.

• From Kisoro Airstrip to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: about 1 hour by road.

Luggage and Booking Tips

• Luggage limit: Most domestic flights allow 15 kilograms (33 lbs) per passenger in soft bags.

• Book early: Especially during the high seasons (June–September and December–February), as flights fill quickly.

• Combine with return flights: Many travelers fly into Kisoro or Kihihi and drive back to Kampala or another park to enjoy Uganda’s landscapes.

Advantages of Flying

• Saves time (reduces a 9–10-hour drive to just 1.5 hours).

• More comfortable for travelers who prefer to avoid long road journeys.

• Stunning views of Uganda’s highlands and forests.

• Ideal for luxury or short-duration safaris.

Disadvantages

• More expensive than traveling by road.

• Limited baggage allowance.

• Weather conditions can sometimes affect flight schedules, especially in Kisoro (fog and rain are common).

Option 2: Traveling by Road (Scenic and Adventurous)

For travelers who want to experience Uganda’s rich countryside and see more along the way, a road trip from Entebbe to Bwindi or Mgahinga is a spectacular journey. It’s long, yes — but it’s filled with scenic stops, cultural encounters, and glimpses of daily Ugandan life.

The drive takes between 8 to 10 hours, depending on your route, the park sector, and traffic conditions.

Common Road Routes from Entebbe to Bwindi or Mgahinga

Route 1: Entebbe – Kampala – Mbarara – Kabale – Kisoro (via Kabale Highway)

Distance: 470–500 km
Travel Time: 9–10 hours

This is the most popular route for reaching both Bwindi (Rushaga/Nkuringo) and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Highlights Along the Way:

• Stop at the Equator in Kayabwe for photos and souvenirs.

• Enjoy the lush tea plantations around Mbarara.

• Visit the rolling hills of Kabale — known as the “Switzerland of Africa.”

• Pass by Lake Bunyonyi, one of Africa’s most beautiful crater lakes.

Sector Access:

• Buhoma/Ruhija: Branch off at Kabale and head through Kanungu or Ruhija town.

• Rushaga/Nkuringo: Continue to Kisoro, then drive up toward Bwindi’s southern sectors.

• Mgahinga: Continue past Kisoro to Ntebeko, the park’s main entrance.

Route 2: Entebbe – Kampala – Fort Portal – Queen Elizabeth – Buhoma (Northern Route)

Distance: 520 km
Travel Time: 9–10 hours

This northern route offers a perfect combination for travelers planning a classic safari and gorilla trekking experience.

Highlights Along the Way:

• Explore the crater lakes around Fort Portal.

• Drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you might spot elephants, buffaloes, or even lions along the Ishasha sector.

• End your journey at Buhoma, Bwindi’s oldest and most accessible gorilla trekking region.

This route is especially rewarding for those who want to combine wildlife viewing with primate encounters.

Road Conditions and Vehicle Type

Most of Uganda’s major highways are tarmacked and well-maintained, but the last stretches leading into Bwindi or Mgahinga are murram (gravel) roads. These sections can be bumpy and slippery, especially during the rainy seasons (March–May and October–November).

For this reason, a 4×4 safari vehicle is essential for comfort and reliability. Muhiga Safaris uses sturdy, well-maintained vehicles designed for these terrains, driven by professional guides familiar with every route.

Advantages of Traveling by Road

• More affordable than flying.

• Offers the chance to explore Uganda’s scenic countryside.

• You can combine multiple attractions along the way (Lake Mburo NP, Queen Elizabeth NP, Lake Bunyonyi).

• Greater flexibility in travel timing.

Disadvantages

• Long driving hours (8–10 hours).

• Bumpy roads near the parks.

• Can be tiring after long international flights.

Option 3: Combining Road and Air

Many travelers opt for the best of both worlds — flying one way and driving the other.

For example:

• Fly from Entebbe to Kisoro or Kihihi, enjoy gorilla trekking, then drive back to Kampala or Queen Elizabeth National Park for a scenic safari.

• Or do the reverse: Drive to Bwindi (stopping at Lake Mburo or Bunyonyi) and fly back to Entebbe after your trek.

This combination saves time while still allowing you to appreciate Uganda’s landscapes.

Getting from Bwindi to Mgahinga

If you want to experience both Bwindi and Mgahinga, it’s easy to travel between the two parks.

• Distance: Around 50–80 kilometers, depending on your starting sector.

• Travel Time: 2–4 hours.

• Roads connect the southern Bwindi sectors (Rushaga or Nkuringo) to Mgahinga through Kisoro town.

This makes it possible to trek gorillas in Bwindi and track golden monkeys or hike a volcano in Mgahinga within the same trip — an excellent two-park combination.

Practical Travel Tips

1. Book gorilla permits early: Each permit costs USD 800 per person and is limited to 8 trekkers per family per day.

2. Match your permit with your accommodation: Bwindi’s sectors are far apart, so ensure your lodge matches your assigned gorilla sector.

3. Pack essentials: Hiking boots, rain gear, long sleeves, and insect repellent are must-haves.

4. Stay hydrated: Carry water, especially on long drives.

5. Hire a reliable tour company: They handle all logistics — permits, transfers, accommodation, and park entry — so you can focus on the experience.

Why Travel with Muhiga Safaris

Whether you choose to fly or drive, planning your journey from Entebbe to Bwindi or Mgahinga is much easier with an experienced and reliable safari operator. Muhiga Safaris is one of Uganda’s most trusted travel companies, specializing in customized gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, and cross-country adventures across East Africa.

Here’s why travelers choose Muhiga Safaris:

• Expert route planning: They help you choose the best route and travel option based on your time, budget, and preferences.

• Permit handling: They secure your gorilla and golden monkey permits directly with the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

• Comfortable 4×4 vehicles: Ideal for long drives through Uganda’s hills and dirt roads.

• Professional driver-guides: Experienced, knowledgeable, and passionate about conservation and culture.

• Flexible itineraries: Combine gorilla trekking with wildlife safaris, cultural tours, or lake retreats.

• Seamless coordination: From Entebbe airport pickups to lodge transfers, everything is managed smoothly.

With Muhiga Safaris, you don’t just reach Bwindi or Mgahinga — you embark on a journey that’s beautifully organized, enriching, and unforgettable.

Conclusion

Reaching Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park from Entebbe may take effort, but every mile brings you closer to one of the world’s most awe-inspiring wildlife encounters — standing face to face with a mountain gorilla in its natural habitat.

You can choose a scenic road adventure, a swift flight, or a combination of both — whichever route you take, the journey itself is part of the experience.

When you’re ready to make this remarkable trip effortless and memorable, travel with Muhiga Safaris. Their expertise, comfort, and attention to detail ensure your journey from Entebbe to Uganda’s gorilla heartlands is as breathtaking as the destination itself.