Uganda Fly-in Safaris and Tours

Uganda Fly-in Safaris

Do you want to add more excitement to your safari in Uganda? Maybe a little comfort and style too? And of course, more time for wildlife viewing on your Uganda safari holiday? Then a fly-in safari is the perfect choice! Flying safaris make your Uganda adventure extra special. Instead of spending long hours on the road, you’ll take a short flight from Entebbe straight into the heart of Uganda’s national parks.  From the air, you can enjoy amazing views of forests, rivers, lakes, mountains, and wide-open savannahs. With our Uganda fly-in safaris, you can easily explore Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Murchison Falls, and the remote Kidepo Valley National Park.

Unique UGANDA Fly-IN SAFARIS & tOURS

Luxury Uganda Safaris

Your Uganda Fly-in Safari

We will pick you up from your hotel (or any place you choose) and take you to Entebbe International Airport. Your flight price is already included in your safari package, so you can simply relax and enjoy the journey. Our team will make sure you are comfortable on board your safari plane — nothing to worry about, just the adventure ahead. As the plane takes off, you’ll see the morning sun shining over Uganda’s beautiful landscapes — forests, rivers, lakes, mountains, and wide-open savannahs. Look to the horizon and you may spot the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains, Africa’s tallest mountain range, rising above the clouds. And that’s only the beginning of the many wonders waiting for you on this magical flying safari.

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Make the Most of Your Uganda Fly-in Safari

Flying straight into the national parks saves you many hours on the road. That means more time for wildlife and adventure. While others are still driving for 8 hours or more, you could already be on your second game drive — or relaxing with a refreshing sundowner as the sun sets over the savannah. At Choose Uganda Safaris, we created our fly-in safaris for travelers who want to make every moment count. These safaris are designed for those who value comfort, time, and unforgettable experiences.

Final Approach: Landing on Your Safari Airstrip

As your plane begins its descent, you will see the airstrip stretching across the wilderness like a ribbon cut into the fields. The aircraft touches down softly and comes to a gentle stop.  Waiting nearby is your driver-guide, ready with a warm welcome and to take care of your bags before ushering you to your private 4×4 safari vehicle. From this moment, your adventure is completely in your hands. You may choose to drive straight to your lodge or tented camp to freshen up, or you might prefer to head right into the nearby park and begin your wildlife adventure at once. Whatever you decide, your fly-in safari promises comfort, freedom, and unforgettable moments. Be sure to explore our special safari listings below to find the flight package that will bring your dream safari to life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gorilla Trekking

The best choice depends on how you want to experience Uganda. Your available time, preferred pace, comfort level, and desire for adventure all play an important role.

Choosing to Fly

Domestic flights are a great option when you want to save time and spend more hours enjoying your destination. For example, flying to Bwindi can save almost a full day of road travel, giving you more time to relax or focus on experiences such as gorilla trekking. However, there are a few things to consider:

  • Flights are more expensive than traveling by road.
  • Luggage allowances are usually limited.
  • Flights depend on availability and offer less flexibility.
  • Additional time is needed for transfers, check-in, and airport procedures.
  • You miss much of the beautiful scenery and local life along the way.

Choosing to Travel by Land

Traveling by land offers a deeper connection with Uganda. The journey itself becomes part of the adventure. As the landscapes change, you pass through local villages, lively markets, and beautiful areas that many visitors would otherwise miss.

Your guide also plays an important role in making the journey special. Along the way, they share stories about Uganda’s nature, culture, traditions, and daily life. A travel day becomes more than just reaching your next destination—it becomes part of the experience. Road travel also offers greater flexibility. You can stop along the way, enjoy the scenery, and experience Uganda at a more natural pace.

The main consideration is time. Some journeys can be long, and on certain days, you may spend four to seven hours on the road.

Our Approach

Every traveler is different, so we always consider your interests, available time, and preferred travel style. In many cases, the best option is a combination of both. For example, you may choose to fly part of the journey to save valuable time and travel by road for the rest, allowing you to experience the landscapes, people, and hidden gems that make Uganda so special.

Within Uganda, some routes can be covered by domestic flight. This can be a great way to reduce long travel days and give you more time to enjoy your destinations. For every itinerary, we carefully consider where flying adds real value. Not every route is suitable, but for certain journeys, especially towards western Uganda—a domestic flight can make a significant difference in both travel time and comfort.

Some of the most common flight routes include:

  • Entebbe → Murchison Falls National Park
  • Entebbe → Queen Elizabeth National Park (Kasese)
  • Entebbe → Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Kihihi or Kisoro)

Flights to Bwindi are especially popular and are often combined with visits to Queen Elizabeth National Park and/or Kibale Forest National Park. This allows you to save valuable time while still enjoying some of Uganda’s most iconic safari experiences.

For more remote destinations such as Kidepo Valley National Park, mainly charter flights are available. Due to the limited number of visitors to this region, these flights are usually more expensive.

In many cases, we recommend a combination of flying and traveling by road. For example, you can fly one way and return by road. This gives you the advantage of saving time while still experiencing Uganda’s changing landscapes, local communities, and hidden gems along the journey.

Domestic flights are operated with small aircraft and depart from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield. Upon arrival, your safari guide will be ready to continue your adventure without unnecessary delays.

Important Things to Know

  • Luggage allowance is usually around 15 kg per person and should be packed in soft-sided bags.
  • Additional luggage may be possible for an extra fee, depending on availability.
  • In some cases, extra luggage can travel by road with your safari vehicle.
  • Flight schedules depend on availability and offer less flexibility than road travel.
  • Flying is generally more expensive than traveling by land.

We always include the option of domestic flights in our travel proposals and provide honest advice on where flying truly adds value. This allows you to make the best choice based on your available time, comfort preferences, and budget.

Safari flights are usually on small, light aircraft, so strict luggage rules apply. 

The standard allowance is 15 kg (33 lb) per person, including hand luggage. Passengers are usually asked to pack in soft bags, like duffel bags, which fit more easily into the limited storage space on board. Extra luggage can often be left with your tour operator or at a city hotel. 

To help with these limits, most safari lodges offer same-day laundry services, and many luxury lodges do this free of charge. Luggage restrictions can be challenging for photographers carrying heavy camera equipment, so it’s best to check with your tour operator in advance. 

If needed, you can also book an extra seat for additional baggage.

Are the small aircraft used in Uganda safe and reliable?

Fly-in safaris in Uganda are very safe and reliable. 

The companies operating these flights have excellent safety records, and many of the pilots have decades of experience. The aircraft used are modern, well-maintained, and regularly serviced. 

Tourism is a major part of Uganda’s economy, so everyone in the industry is committed to maintaining the country’s reputation as one of Africa’s safest safari destinations. 

While no form of travel can ever be completely risk-free, flying between parks in Uganda is both highly reliable and an incredibly scenic way to experience the country’s landscapes and wildlife.

On a Uganda fly-in safari, you can experience wildlife like never before. In the dense forests of Bwindi, you may trek to see mountain gorillas up close, and in Kibale Forest, you can track playful chimpanzees swinging through the trees. 

On the wide savannahs of Queen Elizabeth and Kidepo Valley, watch for lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, zebras, hippos, and many kinds of antelopes. 

Rivers and lakes are home to crocodiles and hippos, while the skies are filled with hundreds of colorful bird species. Each park has its own unique wildlife and surprises, so no two days are ever the same. 

With a fly-in safari, you can reach more parks quickly, giving you more chances to spot incredible animals during your adventure.

A Uganda fly-in safari lets you see the country’s most stunning natural landmarks from a bird’s-eye view. From lush forests to wide-open plains, and from sparkling lakes to towering mountains, every destination is a new adventure. You can soar over the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to mountain gorillas, or follow the path of the mighty River Nile as it winds through the countryside. 

Gaze at the snow-capped peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains, Africa’s tallest range, and admire the vast expanse of Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa. Explore the open Karamoja Plains, climb the slopes of Mount Elgon, or witness the thundering Murchison Falls where the Nile crashes through a narrow gorge.

Flying between these incredible landmarks not only saves time but also gives you panoramic views you can’t get on the ground. At Choose Uganda Safaris, we can create a personalized itinerary that takes you to these iconic sites and more, making your safari truly unforgettable.

Yes, you can definitely take photos from the air on a fly-in safari, and the results can be stunning. 

Make sure to have your camera or phone ready in your hand when boarding, as it’s easy to forget it in your luggage and miss the perfect shot. 

Most small safari planes in Uganda do not have assigned seating, so you can usually choose the best available window seat. Before boarding, ask the pilot which side of the aircraft offers the best views and try to avoid seats directly above the wing, as this can block your view. 

Keep in mind that plane windows cannot be opened, so try to sit by a relatively clean window to get clear shots. With a little planning, aerial photography on a fly-in safari can capture amazing landscapes and wildlife from above.

Yes! Our Uganda fly-in safari packages include all domestic flights between safari parks, making your journey smooth and hassle-free. This means you can travel quickly between parks and spend more time enjoying wildlife. 

However, international flights to Uganda are not included. We leave that choice up to you, so you can pick the airline and departure city that works best for your travel plans.

Convenient domestic flights to Ugandan safari parks are included

When you book a fly-in safari with us, all domestic flights between Uganda’s safari parks are included. 

These flights are carefully planned to save you time and make your journey smooth, so you can focus on the adventure ahead. Whether you are heading to the famous Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Valley, or any other incredible wildlife reserve, we’ll get you there comfortably and quickly.

With our fly-in safari packages, your journey from the moment you arrive in Uganda until the end of your adventure is seamless, stress-free, and full of amazing wildlife experiences. Enjoy the stunning landscapes, meet Africa’s magnificent animals, and create memories that will last a lifetime with Choose Uganda Safaris.

Flying between Uganda’s national parks saves you time and gives you stunning views of the country’s diverse landscapes. Here are the approximate flight times from Entebbe International Airport to key safari destinations:

  • Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. Flights typically land at Kisoro or Kihihi airstrips.
  • Queen Elizabeth National Park: Approximately 1 hour. Flights land at Kasese or Mweya airstrips.
  • Kidepo Valley National Park: Approximately 2 hours. Flights land at Apoka airstrip.
  • Murchison Falls National Park: Approximately 1 hour. Flights land at Pakuba, Bugungu, or Chobe airstrips.
  • Kibale National Park: Approximately 45 minutes. Flights land at Kasese or Mweya airstrips.

These flight times are approximate and can vary depending on weather conditions and specific flight routes. Choose Uganda Safaris ensures your fly-in safari is smooth and stress-free, giving you more time to explore the national parks and enjoy your adventure.

You will stay in the most beautiful places

On our Uganda fly-in safaris, you stay in the most beautiful places. Most safari lodges features a swimming pool and wellness area for your use. So you can always enjoy a relaxing massage before heading to your next tour destination.