Searching for Airstrips and flight routes near Mgahinga National Park? Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in the far southwestern part of Uganda. Its rugged landscape makes it a beautiful but hard-to-reach destination for international visitors. Travelers can either take a long, scenic 9 to 10-hour drive from Kampala or choose a faster domestic flight.
The nearest airstrip to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is Kisoro Airstrip. It is located near Kisoro town, about 45 minutes to one hour from the park headquarters at Ntebeko Gate, depending on road conditions. Its close distance to the park makes it the most convenient choice for visitors who prefer less time on the road.
Kisoro Airstrip serves domestic and light aircraft. It has a single asphalt runway about 1,130 to 1,200 meters long, suitable for small passenger planes such as light turboprops used on safari routes. Because of the area’s high altitude and mountainous surroundings near the Virunga volcanoes, flights are usually scheduled in the morning when weather conditions are better. Fog and strong winds are common later in the day, so flexible travel plans and skilled pilots are important.
The main airlines that fly to Kisoro are Aerolink Uganda and BAR Aviation Uganda. These companies operate small aircraft, usually seating between 4 and 12 passengers, such as the Cessna Grand Caravan. Flights run daily, often with two morning departures. For example, a flight leaving Entebbe around 7:00 a.m. arrives in Kisoro before 8:30 a.m., allowing travelers enough time to reach their lodge and prepare for the next day’s gorilla trekking.
Another popular option for reaching Mgahinga is flying into Kigali International Airport in Rwanda. Although it is in another country, Kigali is much closer to Mgahinga than Entebbe. The drive from Kigali to Kisoro town is about 135 kilometers and takes about 3 to 4 hours by private car.
This route requires crossing the international border at Cyanika (also spelled Kyanika). It has become a favorite for travelers with limited time, especially those who want to combine gorilla trekking in Uganda with other experiences in Rwanda or avoid a long road trip within Uganda.
