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Chartered flights to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are unscheduled private flights that operate outside regular airline timetables. These flights offer flexibility, privacy, and convenience for travelers who wish to avoid the long 9–10-hour road trip from Kampala or Entebbe.

Bwindi is served by three domestic airstrips that handle chartered flights:

• Kihihi Airstrip – serving visitors heading to Buhoma Sector (North).

• Kayonza Airstrip – serving visitors going to Ruhija Sector (East).

• Kisoro (Nyakabande) Airstrip – serving those traveling to Rushaga and Nkuringo Sectors (South).

With chartered flights, travelers can fly directly from Entebbe or Kajjansi to these domestic airstrips in about 1½ hours instead of spending hours on the road. These flights are perfect for tourists who value comfort, speed, and privacy.

About Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Located in Southwestern Uganda’s Kanungu District, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park covers 321 square kilometers of rainforest. It was gazetted in 1991 and later recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 because of its rich biodiversity.

The park is home to over 400 mountain gorillas, nearly half of the world’s remaining population. Besides gorillas, Bwindi hosts 11 primate species, 120 mammals, 300 bird species, 200 butterfly species, and more than 300 tree species, making it a haven for wildlife lovers.

Airlines Operating Chartered Flights to Bwindi

Chartered flights can be arranged with local airlines operating from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield. The main carriers offering both scheduled and private flights include:

• Aerolink Uganda

• Fly Uganda

• BAR Aviation

Flying Safaris to Bwindi

At Journeys Uganda, we organize customized fly-in safaris for travelers who prefer quick transfers and exclusivity. Upon arrival at the domestic airstrip, a professional driver-guide will pick you up and transfer you to your lodge in a comfortable 4×4 vehicle.

• Luxury safaris: 4×4 Land Cruiser

• Mid-range safaris: 4×4 Super Custom

• Budget safaris: Tourist van

The drive from the airstrip to the lodges takes 1½ to 2 hours, depending on your chosen sector.

Things to Consider When Booking a Chartered Flight

1. Gorilla Trekking Permit

This is the most essential requirement. Gorilla trekking permits are issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and cost:

• USD 700 – Foreign Non-Residents

• USD 600 – Foreign Residents

• UGX 250,000 – East African Citizens

2. Accommodation Booking

Book your lodge early and ensure it is located within the same sector where you will trek. This helps you attend the early morning briefing without long transfers. Bwindi has excellent lodges across all four sectors.

3. Ground Transfers

After landing, travelers need road transfers to reach the lodges. Depending on the sector:

• Kisoro Airstrip – for Rushaga & Nkuringo (1½ hours by road).

• Kihihi/Kayonza Airstrips – for Buhoma & Ruhija (1½–2 hours by road).

4. Best Time to Travel

The dry seasons (June–August and December–February) are the best times for chartered flights, as the weather is clear and roads are more accessible. Flights may be delayed or canceled during the rainy season due to fog or low visibility.

Activities to Do on a Chartered Flight Safari to Bwindi

🦍 Gorilla Trekking

Bwindi has four trekking sectors—Rushaga, Ruhija, Buhoma, and Nkuringo—each with its own gorilla families. The park has 20 fully habituated gorilla groups, including:
Mubare, Rushegura, Katwe, Muyambi, Nkuringo, Bushaho, Christmas, Nshongi, Bweza, Kahungye, Busingye, Mucunguzi, Mishaya, Bitukura, Oruzogo, and Kyaguliro, among others.

Trekking starts with a morning briefing, followed by a guided forest hike. You can spend one magical hour observing the gorillas once found.

🧭 Gorilla Habituation Experience

This unique experience is only available in Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors, allowing visitors to spend up to four hours with gorillas still undergoing habituation.

• Permit costs:

  • USD 1500 – Foreign Non-Residents

  • USD 1000 – Foreign Residents

  • UGX 750,000 – East African Citizens

🐦 Birdwatching

Bwindi is a birding paradise with over 350 bird species, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics such as:
Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, African Green Broadbill, Bar-tailed Trogon, and Handsome Francolin. The Ruhija sector and Mubwindi Swamp are the best birding spots.

🐾 Wildlife and Primate Viewing

Beyond gorillas, Bwindi hosts 120 mammals, including forest elephants, bushbucks, buffaloes, and warthogs. Primates like chimpanzees, baboons, and colobus monkeys can also be spotted during forest walks.

🌿 Nature Walks and Community Tours

Guided nature walks take you through the lush forest, waterfalls, and scenic trails, while village walks introduce you to the Batwa pygmy community and their traditional lifestyle.

🏕️ Other Activities

Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, canoeing on Lake Mutanda, and cultural experiences in nearby communities.

Accommodation in Bwindi

Bwindi offers lodges and camps for every budget and sector:

• Luxury: Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany Springs, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge

• Mid-range: Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Lake Mutanda Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp

• Budget: Bwindi Backpackers Lodge, Ruhija Community Rest Camp, Nshongi Gorilla Camp

Each option provides comfortable stays close to park headquarters for easy trekking access.