Getting to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Travel Guide

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, located in southwestern Uganda, is one of Africa’s top wildlife destinations, famous for its mountain gorilla trekking. Before you embark on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure, it is important to know the best ways of getting to the park. Travelers can reach Bwindi by both road and air, depending on budget, time, and preferred level of comfort.

Getting to Bwindi by Road

Traveling to Bwindi by road is the most common option. From Kampala or Entebbe, the drive takes between 8 to 10 hours, depending on the gorilla trekking sector you are heading to. The journey passes through scenic landscapes, rolling hills, and vibrant towns, offering travelers a chance to enjoy Uganda’s countryside.

• From Kampala/Entebbe via Masaka, Mbarara, and Kabale, travelers can access the Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, or Nkuringo trekking sectors.

• From Queen Elizabeth National Park, it takes about 2–3 hours to reach Buhoma, making it easy to combine a savannah safari with gorilla trekking.

• From Lake Mburo National Park, the journey to Bwindi is approximately 6–7 hours.

Road conditions vary, with paved highways in some sections and rough terrain in others. A 4×4 vehicle is recommended, especially during the rainy season when roads can be muddy and slippery.

Getting to Bwindi by Air

Flying to Bwindi is the fastest and most comfortable option. Domestic flights operate from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to airstrips near Bwindi. Aerolink Uganda and other charter services offer daily flights.

• Kisoro Airstrip serves the southern sectors of Rushaga and Nkuringo.

• Kihihi Airstrip is ideal for accessing the northern Buhoma sector.

From the airstrips, road transfers of 1–2 hours are required to reach the park headquarters.

Crossing from Rwanda

Bwindi can also be accessed via Rwanda. Travelers arriving in Kigali can drive through Cyanika or Katuna border posts into Uganda. The drive from Kigali to Bwindi takes 4–5 hours, making this route popular for tourists who prefer shorter travel times compared to driving from Kampala. This option is ideal for combining gorilla trekking in Uganda with other experiences in Rwanda, such as Kigali city tours or Volcanoes National Park visits.

Getting Around Bwindi

Bwindi’s four trekking sectors—Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo—are located in different corners of the park. Road connections between these sectors can be long and challenging, so travelers are advised to book accommodation in the same sector as their gorilla permit. This minimizes travel time and ensures timely arrival for the early morning briefing before trekking.

Why Travel to Bwindi

Reaching Bwindi may require effort, but the reward is unmatched. The journey through Uganda’s countryside or a scenic flight over the Albertine Rift adds to the adventure. Whether you choose to travel by road or air, the experience of encountering gorillas in Bwindi’s misty rainforest makes the trip worthwhile.