Domestic Flights to Uganda National Parks: Fast, Scenic, and Efficient Access

Uganda’s domestic air network provides a highly efficient alternative to long road transfers, allowing safari travelers to reach key national parks quickly and comfortably. Instead of enduring hours on sometimes rough roads, flying into park airstrips from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield can save significant time and reduce travel fatigue, especially for multi-destination itineraries. Domestic flights are particularly valuable for travelers with limited time or those on premium safari packages.

Main Domestic Airlines and Operating Hubs

The primary carriers offering domestic flights in Uganda are Aerolink Uganda, Bar Aviation Uganda, and Eagle Air Uganda. These airlines operate mainly from Entebbe International Airport and Kajjansi Airfield near Kampala, serving airstrips close to major safari destinations. Aerolink specializes in fly-in safari routes connecting Entebbe with national parks, Bar Aviation offers both scheduled and chartered services linking multiple parks, and Eagle Air provides charter flights to remote airstrips, especially in northern and western Uganda.

Popular Airstrips and Destinations

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest / Mgahinga Gorilla National Park:
Flights operate to Kihihi Airstrip and Kisoro Airstrip, both serving gorilla trekking zones. Kisoro is convenient for Mgahinga and southern Bwindi sectors, while Kihihi is ideal for northern Buhoma sector. Flight time from Entebbe is about 1–1.5 hours.

Queen Elizabeth National Park:
Flights land at Kasese Airstrip or Mweya Airstrip, offering close access to park lodges and wildlife zones. Flights from Entebbe typically take 1–1.5 hours.

Murchison Falls National Park:
Airstrips such as Pakuba, Bugungu, and Chobe provide access to different park sectors, enabling game drives and boat safaris without long road transfers.

Kidepo Valley National Park:
Scheduled flights are available to Apoka Airstrip, reducing travel time from Entebbe to a few hours instead of long overland journeys.

Other Airstrips:
Airstrips such as Semuliki, Mbarara, and Arua serve smaller parks and regional connections, providing convenient access to more remote safari locations.

Flight Patterns and Convenience

Domestic flights generally depart in the morning, allowing visitors to reach the park by mid-day for immediate safari activities. Scheduled flights typically return in the late morning or afternoon. Charter flights provide flexibility, enabling travelers to move directly between airstrips without returning to Entebbe.

Benefits of Domestic Flights

Flying domestically in Uganda offers multiple advantages:

• Time savings: Avoid long road journeys, which can take 6–10 hours depending on the destination and road conditions.

• Reduced fatigue: Ideal for travelers with tight itineraries involving gorilla trekking, big game drives, or multiple park visits.

• Scenic aerial views: Offers unique perspectives of forests, savannas, rivers, and lakes.

• Simplified logistics: Many tour operators coordinate flights, lodge transfers, and park entry permits for seamless travel.

Practical Considerations

Baggage allowances are limited (usually around 15 kilograms), so soft-sided luggage is recommended. Booking in advance is important, especially during peak safari months like the dry season or year-end holidays. While scheduled flights connect major airstrips regularly, charter flights provide custom itineraries but at a higher cost.

Summary

Domestic flights from Entebbe or Kajjansi to airstrips such as Kisoro, Kihihi, Kasese, Mweya, Pakuba, Bugungu, and Apoka offer a fast, comfortable, and efficient way to access Uganda’s top safari destinations. These flights save time, reduce travel fatigue, and provide scenic views of Uganda’s landscapes, making them ideal for travelers looking to maximize their safari experience.