If your dream is to trek with mountain gorillas, Kisoro Airstrip is the main gateway to Uganda’s southwestern region. This guide gives you all the key information to help you plan a flight to Kisoro, saving time and adding comfort to your gorilla trekking adventure.
Kisoro Airstrip is well-located and provides easy access to popular primate destinations. It mainly serves the Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Although it operates only as a domestic airstrip, the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority has recognized its importance and recently improved the asphalt runway to make it safer and more reliable.
It is also the closest airstrip to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, a park known for both gorilla and golden monkey trekking. Flying to Kisoro saves you from the long 9 to 10-hour drive from Entebbe or Kampala, making it a favorite choice for many safari travelers.
The flight is short and enjoyable, usually lasting between 1 and 1.5 hours. Most flights are scheduled for early morning because of the mountainous terrain and the changing weather conditions that can reduce visibility later in the day.
The main airlines that fly to Kisoro are Aerolink Uganda and Bar Aviation Uganda. They use small aircraft such as the Cessna Grand Caravan.
One important thing to know is that these flights have strict luggage rules. The planes allow only about 15 kilograms of checked baggage per person.
Your bag must be soft-sided, like a duffel bag, so it can fit easily in the plane’s storage compartment. Try to pack light. If you have extra luggage, you should arrange storage ahead of time or pay an extra fee, depending on space availability.
When you land at Kisoro Airstrip, make sure you have arranged transport in advance to reach the parks. The airstrip is in a remote area, and public transport is not practical.
The drive to the main entrance of Mgahinga National Park (Ntebeko Gate) takes about one hour. To reach the Rushaga sector of Bwindi, the drive takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. Most tour operators organize all the transfers from the airstrip to your lodge.
Finally, keep in mind that flights can sometimes experience small delays or diversions because of weather changes in the mountains. This is not common, but if it happens, your tour operator will manage all the arrangements for you.
