DOMESTIC FLIGHTS IN UGANDA THE PEARL OF AFRICA
Domestic Flights in Uganda: Domestic flights in Uganda are some of the most sought-after means of transport, especially for tourists who do not wish to have long journey drives, thus opting for a domestic flight that takes a few hours while enjoying the aerial views of the beautiful country of Uganda.
Uganda’s aviation industry had really developed and this has seen several travelers enjoy both the charter and the scheduled flights to move from one destination to another within Uganda, which has also led to the growth of the tourism sector in the pearl of Africa.
Several airlines operate domestic flights both charter and scheduled flights to various airstrips in different parts of the country. There are, however, two hubs for the domestic flights in Uganda and these include Entebbe international airport which is the only international airport of Uganda and Kajansi airfield.
However, the country has several airstrips and airfields where these domestic flights land, depending on where the tourists are heading to. These airstrips and airfields are located in different districts, including Kisoro, Masindi, Fort Portal, Arua, Gulu and many more.
Some of these airfields are privately owned, while most of the airstrips and airfields are owned and managed by the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA). In fact, Uganda has over 20 airfields/airstrips, out of which 8 are under private ownership and management and 12 are owned by the Aviation.
Some of the airlines that operate these domestic flights in Uganda include;
- Fly Uganda majorly flying upcountry
- Eagle Air flying mainly to the northern parts of Uganda
- Aerolink flying to most of the parks in Uganda including to Bwindi impenetrable national park, Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale forest national park, Kidepo valley national park to mention but a few. Most of the Aerolink flights set off from Kajansi Airstrip.
Of all the airlines in Uganda, Aerolink is the most used airline for travelers who wish to transfer from Entebbe to different airstrips in different parks across Uganda. Aerolink operates both scheduled flights and charter flights.
This helps tourists who do not wish to have long-distance drives from Entebbe to the parks, as they opt to take a flight that enables them to get to the parks hassle-free without having to pass through the troubles of long drives. Some of Uganda’s national parks are located far from the city center, which requires more than 6 hours on the road to get there; thus, some tourists find it difficult to spend so many hours on the road and the solution is none other than taking a scheduled or charter flight to those beautiful destinations.
Some of the domestic flights in to various parks in Uganda;
Here is the basic information about domestic flights to various national parks in Uganda the pearl of Africa:
Domestic flights to Bwindi impenetrable national park (Entebbe to Kihihi);
If you wish to get to Bwindi impenetrable national park by air, the best way is to book your flight with aerolink which offers flights from Entebbe international airport or Kajansi Airstrip to Kihihi airstrip in Kisoro, where tourists then embark on a short-distance drive to the respective sector of Bwindi impenetrable national park for gorilla trekking and many other park activities. It is also very easy to connect from Bwindi impenetrable national park to other parks by domestic flights.
For instance, one can take a flight from Kihihi (Bwindi impenetrable national park) to Mweya airstrip in Queen Elizabeth national park for those planning a flying safari to Bwindi and Queen, this is the best way to do it.
Just inform your tour consultant to organize all domestic flights as per your wish and as per availability and you will greatly enjoy your Uganda safari. There is also an opportunity to connect from Kihihi to Kasese airstrip for those planning to visit Semliki national park, Kibale forest national park as well as Rwenzori mountains national park. Most of these are charter flights.
Domestic flights to Murchison falls national park (Entebbe to Murchison by air);
Aerolink also offers domestic flights from Entebbe/Kajansi to Murchison falls national parks’ different airfields, including Pakuba, Chobe and Bugungu. This depends on which part of the park one wishes to sleep in. From these airstrips, tourists can as well connect to other parks including Kidepo valley national park, Queen Elizabeth national park and Bwindi impenetrable national park.
Domestic flights to Bwindi impenetrable national park (Entebbe to Semliki);
There are also domestic flights from Entebbe to Semliki national park a home to the female and hot springs, primates and birds. From Semliki national park, you can connect to other parks like Bwindi impenetrable national park to Kihihi airstrip, and to Mweya airstrip for Queen Elizabeth national park as well as to Kasese airstrip.
Other domestic flights in Uganda include the flight from Entebbe to Mbarara. However, this flight does not operate during the rainy months of April, May and November.
Domestic flights from Entebbe to Maasai Mara national reserve Kenya;
Apart from Uganda, Aerolink also operates scheduled flights from Uganda, the pearl of Africa, to Maasai Mara national reserve and vice versa. These flights start from Entebbe to Mara. However, one can also have a flight from Bwindi impenetrable national park (Kihihi airstrip) to Maasai mara national reserve. In this case, the flight has to pass through Entebbe for clearances with Immigration offices before exiting Uganda and again in Kisumu for more clearances with immigration to be allowed into Kenya. This makes it easy to enjoy a 5- or 6-day gorilla trekking & Maasai flying safari.
The difference between scheduled and charter flights is that scheduled flights have specific departure times, whereas charter flights can fly at any time since they are basically private flights. The challenge with the charter flights is that they are expensive as compared to scheduled flights.
Taking a flight into the wilderness of Uganda’s parks is such a thrilling and breathtaking experience that any tourists on a Uganda safari wish to enjoy. However, it tends to be abit costly as compared to driving safaris this is usually enjoyed by luxury travelers.
Baggage Policy for domestic flights in Uganda:
While planning to take a domestic flight on your Uganda safari, it is important to know that the maximum weight allowed on board is 15 kg well packed in a soft bag; thus, you need to ensure that you pack only the necessary items for your safari.
Other items like the handbag can be kept with you or placed under the seat. In case you plan to carry extra luggage more than 15 kg, you need to book in advance and probably opt to book an extra seat for your luggage or be ready to add extra 3USD per added kg.
