What is the Drive Time to Bwindi National Park? Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is in the southwestern part of Uganda. It is home to half of the mountain gorilla population and 13 other species of primates, along with 120 species of mammals.
If you plan to drive there, which is common for budget gorilla trekking travelers, it is important to know the driving times and distances so you can plan your trip in advance.
What is the Drive Time to Bwindi National Park?
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has four sectors, and the driving time depends on which sector you are visiting. Some sectors are closer than others, and the time also depends on whether you are traveling from Kampala, the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, or Kigali.
From Kampala, Bwindi can be reached by road in about 9-10 hours.
The Buhoma sector is about a 6-7 hour drive from the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors can be reached in 4-5 hours from Kigali, Rwanda.
Driving through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park can be difficult during the rainy season because of poor road conditions.
The road from Kampala is long and tiring, but it offers good views of the countryside and the Rift Valley.
You can make your journey easier by stopping at Lake Mburo National Park or Queen Elizabeth National Park for wildlife viewing.
If you prefer a shorter journey, you can fly to Rwanda and drive a short distance to Bwindi.
Another option, especially for luxury travelers, is to fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Kihihi or Kisoro Airstrip, which are near Bwindi.
Best Time to Drive to Bwindi
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park can be visited all year round, but some months are better for driving. The best time is during the dry season when the roads are in better condition, and the trekking trails are less muddy and slippery.