How to reach Bwindi’s impenetrable national park?

How to reach Bwindi’s impenetrable national park? Reaching Bwindi Impenetrable National Park requires careful planning due to its remote location in southwestern Uganda. Here’s a detailed guide:

1. By Air

Bwindi can be accessed by flying into one of the nearby airstrips and then traveling by road.

• Step 1: Fly to Entebbe International Airport (EBB): Most international visitors arrive at Entebbe.
• Step 2: Book a domestic flight:
  Domestic flights are available from Entebbe or Kajjansi Airstrip to either of these two airstrips near Bwindi:
  • Kihihi Airstrip: Serves the northern sector, especially Buhoma.
  • Kisoro Airstrip: Serves the southern sectors, including Nkuringo and Rushaga.

Flights are operated by companies like Aerolink and Fly Uganda.

• Step 3: Transfer by road:
  • From Kihihi to Buhoma: approximately 1–2 hours.
  • From Kisoro to Rushaga/Nkuringo: approximately 1 hour.

2. By road,  

 Bwindi is accessible by road from various points in Uganda and neighboring countries.

From Kampala or Entebbe (Uganda)

• Route 1: Kampala-Kabale-Bwindi (via Buhoma):
  • Distance: ~520 km (323 miles).
  • Time: ~8-10 hours by car.
  • Route: Kampala > Masaka > Mbarara > Kabale > Buhoma.
• Route 2: Kampala-Mbarara-Ishasha – Bwindi (via Buhoma):
  • Distance: ~550 km (342 miles).
  • Time: ~10 hours.
  • Includes a scenic drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Ishasha sector (famous for tree-climbing lions).

From Kigali (Rwanda)

Many visitors combine gorilla trekking in Rwanda with a trip to Bwindi due to the proximity.

• Route: Kigali – Cyanika border (to Kisoro) or Katuna border (to Kabale) – Bwindi:
  • Distance: ~170 km (106 miles).
  • Time: ~4–5 hours.

Entry via Cyanika is closer to southern Bwindi sectors (Rushaga/Nkuringo).

From Queen Elizabeth National Park (Uganda)

• Route: Ishasha sector – Buhoma:
  • Distance: ~64 km (40 miles).
  • Time: ~2–3 hours.
    This is an ideal option if you’re combining Bwindi with a wildlife safari in Queen Elizabeth NP.

3. By Public Transport

How to reach Bwindi’s impenetrable national park? Public transportation is less reliable but can be an option for budget travelers.

• From Kampala: Take a bus to Kabale or Kisoro, then hire a local taxi or boda-boda (motorcycle taxi) to your accommodation.
• Note: These options may require flexibility as schedules can vary.

1. Book Transfers in Advance: If you’re traveling
   

   Tips for a Smooth Journey

   Traveling by road, arrange for a 4×4 vehicle as roads can be rough, especially during the rainy season.

2. Work with a Tour Operator: Many tour operators offer packaged safaris, including transport, accommodation, and permits.
3. Carry Essentials: Snacks, water, and personal items are crucial, as facilities are limited en route.
4. Check border requirements: If traveling via Rwanda, ensure you have the necessary visas for both Uganda and Rwanda.
5. Plan for Permits: Gorilla trekking permits are mandatory and should be booked months in advance through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or a trusted operator.

How to reach Bwindi’s impenetrable national park? Would you like additional guidance? Contact us at Adventure in Wild Safaris to arrange the safari for you.