Flight Travel from Entebbe to Kisoro and Kihihi
Including Top Tourist Attractions Near Each Airstrip
Introduction
Flying from Entebbe to Uganda’s southwestern airstrips—Kisoro and Kihihi—is the fastest and most scenic way to begin a gorilla trekking or wildlife safari. These flights offer dramatic aerial views of crater lakes, rolling hills, terraced landscapes, and lush forests. Once on the ground, each airstrip places travelers close to some of Uganda’s most extraordinary attractions, from mountain gorillas and golden monkeys to crater lakes, Batwa communities, and scenic viewpoints. This comprehensive guide explains the flight experience and highlights the top attractions you can explore near Kisoro and Kihihi.
Flying from Entebbe to Kisoro
The journey from Entebbe to Kisoro is among Uganda’s most beautiful domestic flight routes. The aircraft crosses Lake Victoria before slicing through a patchwork of hills and valleys, eventually approaching the towering Virunga Volcanoes. Kisoro Airstrip sits in a dramatic highland setting close to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and southern Bwindi.
Tourist Attractions Near Kisoro
Kisoro is an excellent base for adventure, primates, and culture.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: Home to the Nyakagezi mountain gorilla family, this park offers one of Uganda’s most scenic gorilla trekking experiences amid volcanic slopes and bamboo forests.
Golden Monkey Trekking: A lively and energetic experience where visitors track the playful golden monkeys found only in the Virunga region.
Batwa Cultural Encounter: A guided experience where travelers meet the Batwa Indigenous community, known as the original inhabitants of the forest.
Mount Sabinyo, Gahinga, and Muhabura Volcano Hikes: These rugged volcanic climbs lead to panoramic views over Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC.
Lake Mutanda: A beautiful crater lake ideal for canoeing, birdwatching, photography, and peaceful relaxation, with the volcanoes forming a dramatic backdrop.
Bwindi (Rushaga & Nkuringo Sectors): Kisoro is the gateway to the southern sectors of Bwindi, famous for gorilla trekking and the Gorilla Habituation Experience.
Kisoro offers a combination of adventure, cultural heritage, and breathtaking scenery that appeals to both primate trekkers and nature lovers.
Flying from Entebbe to Kihihi
Flights to Kihihi offer a smoother and more predictable schedule, descending over green savannahs and fertile highlands before reaching the northern boundary of Bwindi. Kihihi is the primary access point for travelers heading to the Buhoma and Ruhija sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Tourist Attractions Near Kihihi
Kihihi provides easy access to some of Uganda’s most beloved attractions.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Buhoma & Ruhija): This ancient rainforest hosts several gorilla families and offers lush trekking routes, forest walks, village tours, and nature trails. Buhoma is famous for its scenic waterfalls, while Ruhija is known for beautiful ridge views and incredible bird life.
Queen Elizabeth National Park (Ishasha Sector): Just a short drive from Kihihi, Ishasha is renowned for its rare tree-climbing lions, wandering elephants, and remote wilderness atmosphere.
Buhoma Community Walks: Travelers can enjoy village visits, craft workshops, traditional healing tours, and local coffee-making experiences.
Munyaga Waterfalls Trail: A beautiful forest walk ideal for acclimatization before gorilla trekking.
Birdwatching in Bwindi: Ruhija is a hotspot for bird lovers, with species such as the African green broadbill and numerous Albertine Rift endemics.
Kihihi is the perfect gateway for combining gorilla trekking with big-game safaris or community and cultural encounters.
Comparing Kisoro and Kihihi
The two airstrips serve different sides of Bwindi and Mgahinga, making each ideal depending on your gorilla trekking location.
Kisoro is best for:
Travelers trekking in Rushaga and Nkuringo
Golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga
Cultural experiences with the Batwa
Lake Mutanda exploration
Volcano hiking
Kihihi is best for:
Trekkers heading to Buhoma and Ruhija
Travelers combining gorillas with Queen Elizabeth National Park
Visitors seeking easier road access and more lodge options
Birdwatchers and nature lovers
Your gorilla permit location will always determine the correct airstrip to fly into.
What to Expect During the Flight
Flights typically last 1 to 1.5 hours, operated by small aircraft such as Aerolink. Passengers enjoy window views of Uganda’s dramatic landscapes. Soft luggage with weight limits (usually 15 kg) is required. Morning flights are common, especially to Kisoro due to mountain weather patterns.
Transfers from the Airstrips
Upon landing, safari guides meet travelers for transfers ranging from 30 minutes to 2 hours. Scenic drives include terraced hillsides, local villages, mist-covered forests, and wildlife corridors.
The convenience of flying saves 7–10 hours of road travel, providing more time to relax, acclimatize, and enjoy the surroundings.
Planning Your Itinerary
Travelers can choose to:
Fly into Kisoro for southern Bwindi or Mgahinga
Fly out of Kihihi after trekking in northern Bwindi
Combine both airstrips on a multi-region gorilla safari
Add Queen Elizabeth National Park or Lake Bunyonyi to extend the journey
Flights should be booked early during peak seasons, and schedules must align with gorilla permit dates.
Final Thoughts
Flying from Entebbe to Kisoro or Kihihi is the perfect start to a gorilla trekking or wildlife safari in Uganda. These scenic air routes save time, offer breathtaking views, and position travelers close to some of the country’s top attractions. Whether you explore volcanoes, golden monkeys, crater lakes, or dense mountain forests, your adventure begins in the sky—soaring over one of Africa’s most beautiful regions before stepping into the heart of Uganda’s wilderness.
