Entebbe to Bwindi: Distance & Drive Time

Entebbe to Bwindi: Distance & Drive Time

Planning a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda and wondering how long it takes to get from Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest? The drive from Entebbe to Bwindi covers approximately 470 kilometers and takes around 8 to 9 hours by road, depending on traffic and weather conditions. While it’s a long but scenic journey through Uganda’s lush countryside, there are also quicker options available—especially if you’re short on time or prefer to skip the long drive.

Faster Option: Fly from Entebbe to Bwindi

To save time, you can take a domestic flight from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to one of the airstrips near Bwindi. Flights are offered by domestic operators such as AeroLink Uganda and Fly Uganda. Depending on which gorilla trekking region you’re visiting, there are two main flight routes:

1. Fly to Kisoro Airstrip – Visit Rushaga or Nkuringo Sectors (Southern Bwindi)

If you’re trekking gorillas in the Rushaga or Nkuringo sectors, flying to Kisoro Airstrip is the most convenient option.

• Rushaga Sector is home to eight gorilla families, including Rwigi, Muchunguzi, Busingye, Bweza, Nshongi, Mishaya, and Kahungye.

• It’s also the only region in Bwindi that offers the Gorilla Habituation Experience, allowing you to spend up to four hours with a semi-habituated gorilla group.

Bonus tip: If you’re traveling from Kigali, Rwanda, it’s only a 4 to 5-hour drive to the southern sectors of Bwindi, making this route one of the fastest ways to access gorilla trekking in Uganda.

2. Fly to Kihihi Airstrip – Visit Buhoma or Ruhija Sectors (Northern Bwindi)

Alternatively, fly to Kihihi Airstrip for easy access to the Buhoma or Ruhija sectors in northern Bwindi.

• Buhoma Sector was the first area opened to tourism and is home to the famous Mubare Gorilla family, along with Habinyanja, Rushegura, and Katwe groups.

• It’s the most developed and visited part of the park and offers some of the best lodge options and access roads.

Things to Consider When Planning Your Trip from Entebbe to Bwindi

1. Book Your Gorilla Permit in Advance

To trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi, you must secure a gorilla trekking permit issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). Permits are limited and in high demand—especially during the dry season—so early booking is crucial.

Permit prices:

• $800 for Foreign Non-Residents

• $700 for Foreign Residents

• UGX 300,000 for East African Citizens

Each permit allows for a one-hour encounter with a gorilla family. We recommend booking your permit at least 3 to 4 months in advance to guarantee availability, particularly in the more popular sectors like Buhoma and Rushaga. You can secure your permit by paying a deposit of 30%, 70%, or full amount through a trusted tour operator.

2. Choose and Book Accommodation Early

Where you stay in Bwindi can significantly enhance your gorilla trekking experience. Lodges are scattered across the four main trekking sectors—Rushaga, Nkuringo, Buhoma, and Ruhija—so your choice should depend on which region your permit is for.

Recommended Luxury Lodges

• Four Gorillas Lodge (Rushaga)

• Rushaga Gorilla Safari Lodge

• Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge

• Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge (Nkuringo)

Best Budget Options

• Nshongi Camp

• Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge

• Rushaga Gorilla Camp

• Broadbill Forest Camp (Ruhija)

Booking accommodation early ensures you stay close to your trekking starting point, avoiding early morning transfers on rough roads.

Comfortable Travel to Bwindi from Kisoro or Kihihi Airstrip

If you’re planning a gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi and want to avoid the long 8–9 hour drive from Entebbe or Kampala, flying to Kisoro or Kihihi Airstrip is a convenient and time-saving alternative. Once you land, it’s just a short and scenic drive to your lodge in the park.

Flying to Kisoro Airstrip (Best for Rushaga & Nkuringo Sectors)

Kisoro Airstrip is the closest landing point for those trekking gorillas in Rushaga or Nkuringo, the southern sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. From Kisoro, the drive to most lodges in Rushaga takes just 1 to 2 hours, compared to a full day’s drive from Entebbe.

Flights are operated by domestic airlines like AeroLink Uganda, offering both scheduled and charter services. While there’s no direct flight into Bwindi itself, Kisoro is the closest you can get by air. Upon arrival, your guide will meet you at the airstrip and transfer you comfortably to your lodge in a 4×4 safari vehicle, perfect for the bumpy terrain.

Flying to Kihihi Airstrip (Best for Buhoma & Ruhija Sectors)

If your trekking permit is for the northern side of Bwindi, including Buhoma or Ruhija, consider flying into Kihihi Airstrip. The drive from Kihihi to Buhoma takes approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on road conditions and your lodge’s location.

Why Travel in a 4×4 Land Cruiser to Bwindi?

Whether you’re flying into Kisoro or Kihihi or driving from Kampala, using a 4×4 Land Cruiser ensures comfort and reliability on Uganda’s rural roads. These vehicles are well-suited for the uneven, occasionally muddy terrain of the region, especially during the rainy season. They also provide a smoother ride and better views of the countryside and wildlife along the way.

What to Wear for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime experience—but it’s also physically demanding and takes place in thick, humid rainforest. Here’s a practical packing list to help you dress appropriately and comfortably for your trek:

• Long-sleeved shirt or sweater: It can get chilly in the early morning.

• Long trousers (2 pairs): Protects your legs from scratches, insect bites, and vegetation.

• Waterproof hiking boots: Essential for navigating muddy trails and steep slopes.

• Rain jacket or poncho: Bwindi is a tropical rainforest—rain can fall at any time.

• Gardening gloves: Useful for gripping vines and branches as you hike.

• Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses: Optional, but helpful in sunny weather.

• Sunscreen: Protect your skin from sunburn, especially during dry season.

• Mosquito repellent: Keeps biting insects away during the hike.

• Binoculars: Great for spotting birds and other wildlife along the trail.

• Camera with extra batteries: For capturing unforgettable moments (no flash photography).

• Avoid bright colors: Stick to neutral tones like olive, beige, or brown—bright colors can disturb the gorillas.

• Avoid black and blue clothing: These colors attract tsetse flies.

Why Book Your Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Safari with Trek Africa Expeditions?

Trek Africa Expeditions organize unforgettable gorilla trekking tours to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda, as well as to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. With years of experience and a team of knowledgeable local guides, we design trips that are immersive, responsible, and comfortable from start to finish.

Here’s why travelers choose us:

• We offer tailor-made itineraries that match your interests, schedule, and budget.

• Our packages combine gorilla trekking with other experiences like chimpanzee tracking, game drives, boat safaris, mountain hikes, and cultural tours.

• We operate across East and Southern Africa—including Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, and Namibia.

• We are proudly eco-conscious, supporting local communities and conservation efforts.

• Our clients consistently leave us 5-star reviews on TripAdvisor, thanks to our personalized service and expert guidance.

Ready to plan your adventure? Contact us today to learn more about the best ways to travel to Bwindi from Kisoro, Kihihi, or Entebbe and start planning your dream Uganda gorilla safari.