Public Transportation in Bwindi – How to Travel to Bwindi National Park

Public transportation in Bwindi can be challenging for foreigners. This is why it is better to make reservations through a trusted travel agent. A travel agent can arrange transportation, meals, accommodation, and visits to tourist destinations. Be careful in crowded places in Uganda, as thieves and fraud are common. Always keep your valuables safe, avoid carrying too much cash in public, and trust only your tour guide.

Your journey to Bwindi can start from Kampala or from Kigali, driving through the Rwanda, Uganda border and connecting to Kabale before reaching Bwindi. Bwindi is often called the capital of primates because it is home to many endangered mountain gorillas, which share about 95% of their DNA with humans and even have unique fingerprints.

The park is divided into four main sectors: Rushaga, Ruhija, Buhoma, and Nkuringo. It takes about eight to ten hours to reach them from Kampala, including stopovers and chances to enjoy the views.

Most public transport is found in Kampala. You can take a taxi from the taxi park at an affordable fee. Taxis use both marram and tarmac roads. Buses are also available, but none go directly into the park. They will drop you at nearby towns, and from there you can use a motorcycle or hire a car to reach Bwindi.

The bus from Kampala usually passes through Mbarara, Kabale, and Kisoro, where you can then board a motorcycle to the park. Some lodges near Bwindi also provide transfers for their guests.

If you are heading to Buhoma or Ruhija sectors, you can pass through Mbarara, Ntungamo, Rukungiri, Kihihi, and Butogota. From there, you can hire a private car to reach Bwindi through the Ishasha region, where you may also see the famous tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Another option is to use a boda boda (motorcycle taxi), which gives you a true local experience.

You can also travel by air from Entebbe International Airport. Aerolink Uganda organizes daily flights from Entebbe or Kajjansi Airfield to Kihihi Airstrip in the north or Kisoro Airstrip in the south. From the airstrips, you will need to book a car to take you to Bwindi or directly to your lodge.

Always follow traffic rules and stay safe to enjoy a smooth trip.

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