Drive Time to Bwindi Forest National Park and Other Major National Parks in Uganda
Uganda is home to some of Africa’s most iconic national parks, including Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where you can embark on unforgettable gorilla trekking adventures. If you’re planning a safari or a wildlife expedition, knowing the drive time to Bwindi Forest and other national parks is essential for proper trip planning. This guide breaks down the drive times and routes to some of the top parks, helping you organize your visit.
Drive Time to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is famous for its gorilla trekking experiences and is one of Uganda’s top destinations. Reaching this remote location requires careful planning, especially considering the challenging terrain. Here’s what you need to know:
Distance: Approximately 400 to 500 kilometers (250 to 310 miles) from Entebbe
Drive Time: Around 8 to 10 hours depending on your route, road conditions, and the specific Bwindi entrance (Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, or Rushaga).
Routes to Bwindi Forest:
Entebbe to Bwindi (via Kabale):
Drive Time: Around 9 hours
This route passes through Kisoro and offers stunning views of Lake Mburo National Park and the Rwanda border.Entebbe to Bwindi (via Mbarara):
Drive Time: Around 8-9 hours
This route is known for its smoother roads, though some sections can still be bumpy as you get closer to the park.
Kampala to Bwindi (via Mbarara):
Drive Time: Around 7 to 8 hours
Alternative: Domestic Flights to Bwindi For a quicker option, consider flying from Entebbe to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrips, which are closer to Bwindi. These flights take about 1 hour and can save time on a long drive.
Drive Time to Other National Parks from Entebbe
Entebbe is a convenient starting point for reaching various national parks in Uganda. Here’s a breakdown of how long it takes to drive to some of Uganda’s top wildlife destinations:
Murchison Falls National Park
- Distance: Approximately 300 kilometers (186 miles)
- Drive Time: Around 5 to 6 hours
- Route: Travel from Entebbe through Kampala, then head north towards Masindi and onward to the park.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Distance: Approximately 370 kilometers (230 miles)
- Drive Time: Around 6 to 7 hours
- Route: Head south from Entebbe to Mbarara, then continue towards the park.
Kibale National Park
- Distance: Approximately 300 kilometers (186 miles)
- Drive Time: Around 5 to 6 hours
- Route: Drive from Entebbe to Fort Portal and then continue to the park.
Lake Mburo National Park
- Distance: Approximately 240 kilometers (149 miles)
- Drive Time: Around 4 to 5 hours
- Route: Travel from Entebbe through Kampala and then head west towards Mbarara, continuing to the park.
Kidepo Valley National Park
- Distance: Approximately 600 kilometers (373 miles)
- Drive Time: Around 10 to 12 hours
- Route: Travel from Entebbe through Kampala, then proceed through Lira and Kitgum to the park.
Mount Rwenzori National Park
- Distance: Approximately 410 kilometers (255 miles)
- Drive Time: Around 7 to 8 hours
- Route: From Entebbe, head to Kampala, then proceed to Kasese and continue to the park.
Know your tour travel
Whether you a re heading to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for gorilla trekking or exploring other Ugandan gems like Murchison Falls or Queen Elizabeth National Park, understanding the drive times is essential for a smooth journey. While some of these parks are quite far from Entebbe, the scenic views and incredible wildlife make the journey worth the effort. For those who prefer a quicker trip, domestic flights are available to shorten the travel time.
