Embarking on a Ugandan safari is an unforgettable adventure, but the long road trips can sometimes dampen the excitement. Fortunately, there’s a more efficient and enjoyable way to explore this breathtaking country: flying safaris.
Flying safaris offer a significant advantage by drastically reducing travel time. Instead of enduring hours on the road, you can soar above the stunning landscapes, reaching your destination in a fraction of the time. This means more precious moments to relax, unwind, and immerse yourself in the beauty of Uganda before embarking on your safari adventures.
Uganda’s extensive network of airstrips makes flying safaris accessible to almost all of its national parks and other popular safari destinations.
Whether you’re eager to track mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or witness the iconic tree-climbing lions of Queen Elizabeth National Park, there’s a flying safari tailored to your desires.
Two primary local airlines, Aerolink Uganda and Fly Uganda, operate daily flights to major national parks and scheduled flights to other safari destinations. Booking your flight in advance is crucial to ensure availability, especially during peak seasons.
Packing light is essential for flying safaris. A duffle bag is ideal, as most airlines impose a luggage weight limit of 30 pounds. While it may be challenging to limit your belongings, you can always store excess baggage at your first hotel or have it transported to your safari destination by road.
Here’s a breakdown of popular flying safari destinations in Uganda:
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Home to half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, Bwindi is accessible via Kihihi and Kisoro airstrips. Flights typically take around 1 hour and 50 minutes from Entebbe.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: Located near Bwindi, Mgahinga is served by Kisoro airstrip, with a similar flight time.
Queen Elizabeth National Park: This diverse park offers various safari activities. It can be reached through Mweya, Kasese, or Kihihi airstrips, depending on the sector you’re visiting.
Murchison Falls National Park: Choose from Bugungu, Pakuba, or Chobe airstrips for your Murchison Falls adventure. Flights take approximately 1.5 hours from Entebbe.
Kibale National Park and Rwenzori Mountains National Park: Kasese airstrip is the closest option for these parks, with a flight time of around 1 hour and 50 minutes.
Kidepo Valley National Park: This remote park is accessible via Apoka airstrip, with flights taking approximately 2.5 hours.
Semuliki National Park: Semuliki airfield serves this park, with daily flights requiring a minimum of four passengers.
Lake Mburo National Park: Nyakisharara airstrip is located about 1.5 hours from Lake Mburo.
By opting for a flying safari, you can maximize your time in Uganda’s stunning national parks and experience the thrill of wildlife encounters without the fatigue of long road journeys. So, pack your bags, book your flight, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure through the skies of Uganda.