From Kampala and Entebbe to Bwindi
Bwindi has no single entrance. Each of the four sectors has its own trailhead, and the roads to them approach from different sides. The route you pick depends on the sector of your permit, so start with that and then choose how to get there. If you want a ready-made plan, compare the Bwindi gorilla safari tours, which usually include the transfer.
There are three ways in: drive from Kampala, fly from Entebbe to a bush airstrip, or come overland from Kigali. All three end on winding hill roads, so allow time for the last stretch.
Kihihi airstrip, Kisoro and the flight option
Which landing place fits which sector.
Entebbe to Bwindi
Domestic flights run from Entebbe to Kihihi and Kisoro. Kihihi serves the northern side of the park, and Kisoro serves Rushaga and Nkuringo in the south. The flight and the road transfer are separate steps, and the transfer after landing runs on winding murram roads. See gorilla trekking from Entebbe for timetable examples.
Kigali to Bwindi
From Rwanda you cross the border by road and continue toward Rushaga and Nkuringo. Plan the border day without a trek. See gorilla trekking from Kigali for visas and the crossing.
Overland from Kisoro
The sectors in the south are reached from Muko and Kisoro. Kisoro to Nkuringo is about 35 km and takes roughly 1 to 1.5 hours.
Overland from Kabale
Kabale to Nkuringo is about 105 km and takes roughly 4 hours. Kabale to Buhoma via Ruhija is about 95 km, roughly 4 hours for the whole route, not for each part.
Our pick: a trip with a domestic flight
A domestic flight is part of this itinerary, which cuts out most of the drive.
Hand-picked tours, booked through Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Gorilla trips with transfers to Bwindi
Gorilla treks and multi-day safaris that include the road or flight to Bwindi, with live prices and availability. Check whether the permit, park fees and transfers are included.
Taxi and transfer from Entebbe Airport (EBB)
The first 42 km, before the long drive.
Distance and time
The road from the airport to Kampala is 42 km and usually takes about 40 minutes. The expressway is faster, and rush hour can slow you down.
Airport taxi
Airport taxis carry a yellow plate marked Airport Taxi. A ride is often quoted at around $40 or UGX 100,000. Prices change, so agree the price before you get in.
Pre-booked transfer
Safari operators can meet you at arrivals and drive you straight on. If your trip includes an overnight in Kampala or Entebbe, ask whether the transfer is part of the price.
Airport to the south
If you drive on the same day, start early. The road from Kampala to Kabale takes about 6 hours, and the rest of the way is slower still.
| Route | Distance | Approximate time |
|---|---|---|
| Entebbe airport to Kampala | 42 km | About 40 minutes |
| Kampala to Kabale | 414 km | About 6 hours |
| Kabale to Buhoma | About 120 km | About 5 hours |
| Kabale to Nkuringo | 105 km | About 4 hours |
| Kisoro to Nkuringo | 35 km | 1 to 1.5 hours |
| Kampala to Kisoro | Varies by route | About 9 hours |
For most travelers, a pre-booked transfer or a package with a driver is the calmer choice for the long stretches. Self-drive suits people who are used to hill roads and left-hand traffic.
Car rental and parking
Rules for driving yourself in 2026.
Licence and traffic
Uganda drives on the left. Germany's foreign office advises carrying an international driving permit in addition to your national licence.
Four-wheel drive
The park authority recommends four-wheel drive on the access roads to Bwindi. Much of the last stretch is winding murram road.
Vehicle entry fee
Per 24 hours, the fee is $40 for a foreign-registered car and UGX 20,000 for a Ugandan-registered car. For a 4WD or tour vehicle the fee is $150 for foreign-registered and UGX 30,000 for Ugandan-registered vehicles. This is separate from the person fee and from any parking charge.
Night driving
The UK advice discourages driving outside larger towns after dark, with the airport to Kampala road as an exception. Do not plan to reach Bwindi at night.
Parking at the trailhead
Ask your lodge or operator where to leave the vehicle on the trek morning. A self-drive trip does not replace the guided trek: you still need the permit and the UWA guides.
The four sectors
Trailheads and access compared.
Lodges by sector
Where to sleep near each trailhead.
Best time to visit
Wet and dry months for the roads.
If you drive on to the Ishasha side of Queen Elizabeth National Park, see getting there for Queen Elizabeth.
Getting to Bwindi: frequently asked questions
How far is Bwindi from Kampala?
Via Ntungamo and Rukungiri the route to Buhoma is 390 km of paved road to Rukungiri plus 82 km of murram. Via Kabale it is 414 km to Kabale, about 6 hours, then about 120 km and 5 hours to Buhoma. These are guide values.
Can I fly to Bwindi?
You fly to a bush airstrip near the park: Kihihi for the northern side, Kisoro for Rushaga and Nkuringo. After landing you continue by road, usually in a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
How long does the taxi from Entebbe airport to Kampala take?
Usually about 40 minutes for the 42 km, faster on the expressway and slower in rush hour. Agree the price before you set off.
Do I need a four-wheel-drive car?
The park authority recommends it for the access roads to Bwindi. Vehicle entry fees are higher for a 4WD or tour vehicle than for a car.
Is it safe to drive at night?
The UK advice discourages driving outside larger towns after dark, with the airport to Kampala road as an exception. Plan to arrive in daylight.
Is there a public bus to the trailhead?
Bus lines and timetables change, and you should not plan around a fixed schedule. Ask your lodge or operator how to reach the trailhead on the morning of the trek.