Uganda Flying Safaris offer the most distinctive and convenient means to explore the diverse terrains, avian life, and wildlife of Uganda, the Pearl of Africa. Many of Uganda’s renowned safari destinations are quite distant from the capital and the main international airport in Entebbe, making road travel arduous and time-consuming.
Opting for a domestic flight transfer allows seamless access to national parks and remote sites, saving valuable time and energy for immersive experiences throughout your Ugandan safari. Moreover, these safaris provide travelers with the opportunity to easily fly between various destinations, savor breathtaking aerial vistas, and indulge in luxurious accommodations such as lodges and camps.
Flying between national parks is particularly advantageous for solo travelers, couples, or small groups of up to four individuals, optimizing both time and transport costs. While larger groups may find road trips enjoyable and economical, aerial transfers offer unparalleled efficiency for those with limited time and budget considerations, justifying the investment.
Aerolink dominates Uganda’s domestic flight sector, offering dependable scheduled and chartered flights connecting the country’s key national parks. Their comprehensive network, although active mostly in the western Uganda safari circuit, extends connections as far as Masai Mara in Kenya. BAR Aviation which was recently established also offers flying tours and others such as Eagle Air charter flights to aid travelers’ movement between safari destinations.
Why opt for Uganda Flying Safaris?
Unparalleled Scenery
Uganda flying safaris allow travelers to enjoy breathtaking aerial views of Uganda’s varied landscapes, including lush forests, expansive savannahs, winding rivers, shimmering lakes, and rolling hills. The bird’s eye perspective offers a unique appreciation of the country’s natural beauty.
Time-Saving
Most of Uganda’s national parks and wildlife reserves are spread across the country, and road travel between them can be time-consuming and physically exhausting. A flying safari would significantly reduce travel time, allowing travelers to cover long distances quickly and efficiently, maximizing their time for wildlife viewing and exploration.
Access to Remote Areas
Some of Uganda’s most pristine and remote wilderness areas such as Kidepo Valley National Park are best accessed by air. Uganda flying safaris enable travelers to reach these secluded destinations with ease, opening up opportunities to encounter rare and elusive wildlife in their varied natural habitats.
Comfort and Convenience
Traveling by charter flight provides a comfortable and scenic journey, with experienced pilots ensuring safety and smooth transitions between safari destinations. It’s a hassle-free way to experience Uganda’s top attractions without the constraints of long road journeys.
Top Ugandan Destinations to Go for Uganda Flying Safaris
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks
Protecting Uganda’s population of mountain gorillas, Bwind Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are Uganda’s sought-after safari destinations located in the remote southwestern region of Uganda. These parks lie approximately 500 kilometers (310 miles) from Entebbe International Airport, requiring between 9 to 10 hours of driving. However, if the thought of a lengthy drive on mountainous roads is daunting, an alternative option is to take a one-hour flight instead.
All domestic flights to Uganda’s national parks launch from either Kajjansi Airstrip in Kampala or Entebbe International Airport. Flights to Bwindi and Mgahinga are often scheduled for day-flights allowing travelers to reach their forest lodges quickly and prepare for their gorilla trek. Depending on which trailhead you choose (Rushaga, Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Mgahinga’s Ntebeko), flights to Bwindi and Mgahinga are about two hours and land at either Kihihi or Kisoro Airstrips. From the respective airstrip, it is about a one-and-a-half-hour drive to the gorilla parks. A flying safari to Bwindi or Mgahinga provides an incredible aerial perspective of Uganda’s rugged southwest terrain, reminiscent of Nepal’s renowned highlands, with rolling terraced hills and jungles.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park stands out as Uganda’s premier tourist attraction, drawing wildlife enthusiasts and independent travelers seeking unforgettable experiences. The Park is well known for harboring incredible wildlife species including the famous tree-climbing lions and Uganda’s largest population of birds. Queen Elizabeth National Park is located in western Uganda about 6 to 7 hours’ drive which can be time-consuming. Luckily there are daily flights from Entebbe to several airstrips including Kasese and Mweya. Kasese Airstrip is about a few minutes from the park while Mweya is inside the park. The flight from Entebbe International Airport to Mweya Airstrip is about an hour. However, the Ishasha sector of the park is often served by the Kihihi airstrip.
Furthermore, Kasese and Mweya Airstrips also serve flying safaris to Kibale Forest National Park – Uganda’s prime destination for chimpanzee trekking. The Park is about one and a half hours from Kasese.
Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest national park and the home to the mighty Murchison Falls on the Victoria Nile. The Park is located in the north-western region of Uganda in Masindi district, about 250 kilometers, a 5-hour drive from Kampala. Fly-in safaris to this incredible parkland at either Pakuba airstrip in the heart of the park, Chobe in the eastern part of the park, or Bugungu airstrip south of the park.
Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park, situated in the northeastern region bordering Kenya and South Sudan, is the country’s most remote national park. Nonetheless, its magnificent attractiveness makes it a must-visit Ugandan safari destination. Kidepo Valley National Park lies about 520 kilometers from Kampala which requires about 10 to 11 hours on the road. Thus, flying to the park is the most convenient way to access it and travelers to Kidepo will land at Apoka Airfield, located within the park, and then proceed to connect to the safari lodge via road. Flights to and from Kidepo Valley National Park typically last two and a half hours and are currently scheduled for Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.