Travel Guide by Uganda Horizon Safaris

Uganda is a land of breathtaking landscapes, rich biodiversity, and some of the most iconic national parks in Africa. From the misty mountains of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to the roaring falls of Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda offers unforgettable experiences for wildlife lovers, adventure seekers, and cultural explorers alike.

At Uganda Horizon Safaris, we believe that your journey through Uganda should be just as enjoyable and stress-free as your destination. That’s why we’ve created this complete guide on how to reach Uganda’s top national parks—whether by road, air, or a combination of both.

This guide includes insider tips, travel times, and highlights to help you plan the perfect safari with ease and confidence.

Getting Around Uganda – Road vs. Air

Uganda’s transport network has improved significantly in recent years, with well-maintained tarmac roads leading to many of the country’s most visited parks. For travelers looking to experience Uganda at ground level, road trips offer scenic views, cultural stops, and photographic opportunities.

For those short on time or seeking maximum comfort, domestic flights are available to key airstrips near the parks. At Uganda Horizon Safaris, we offer both private and group safaris with optional domestic flights for convenience.

Luggage Restrictions

On all services, the maximum luggage weight is 15 kgs /33lbs in soft-sided bags. Also, standard checked luggage has three dimensions 24 inches (60cm) in height, 18 inches (45cm) in length and 13 inches (33cm) in width.

For hand luggage, 12 inches (30cm) height, by 21 inches (53cm) length, by 9 inches (23cm) width.

How to Reach Uganda’s Top National Parks

1. Murchison Falls National Park – Wildlife, Waterfalls & The Nile

📍Distance from Kampala: ~300 km | 🕒 Travel Time: 5–6 hours by road
🛩️ Nearest Airstrip: Pakuba or Chobe Airstrip (1-hour flight from Entebbe)

Best Access: Most travelers reach Murchison Falls by road via Masindi. The drive includes a visit to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, making it ideal for a Big Five safari experience.

🟡 Optional activities: Rhino tracking, boat safari to the falls, top-of-the-falls hike.

2. Queen Elizabeth National Park – Classic Safari & Tree-Climbing Lions

📍Distance from Kampala: ~410 km | 🕒 Travel Time: 6–7 hours
🛩️ Nearest Airstrip: Mweya or Kasese Airstrip (1-hour flight from Entebbe)

Best Access: Road via Mbarara or Fort Portal, offering scenic views of tea plantations and crater lakes.

🟡 Optional activities: Kazinga Channel boat cruise, game drives, chimp trekking in Kyambura Gorge.

3. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Gorilla Trekking Paradise

📍Distance from Kampala: ~500 km | 🕒 Travel Time: 8–10 hours
🛩️ Nearest Airstrip: Kihihi or Kisoro (1.5 hours from Entebbe)

Best Access: Fly or drive via Queen Elizabeth Park. The southern sections (Rushaga & Nkuringo) are more easily accessed via Kisoro, while Buhoma is best reached via Kihihi.

🟡 Optional activities: Gorilla trekking, Batwa cultural visits, nature walks.

4. Kibale Forest National Park – Chimpanzee Tracking Capital

📍Distance from Kampala: ~320 km | 🕒 Travel Time: 5–6 hours
🛩️ Nearest Airstrip: Kasese (then 2-hour drive to Kibale)

Best Access: Road via Fort Portal. The road is tarmacked and offers scenic landscapes of the Rwenzori Mountains.

🟡 Optional activities: Chimp tracking, Bigodi swamp walk, birdwatching tours.

5. Kidepo Valley National Park – Remote Wilderness & Raw Beauty

📍Distance from Kampala: ~600 km | 🕒 Travel Time: 10–12 hours
🛩️ Nearest Airstrip: Apoka Airstrip (2-hour flight from Entebbe)

Best Access: By air for most travelers due to the remote location. Road access is possible via Gulu or Moroto, recommended only on multi-day overland trips.

🟡 Optional activities: Game drives, cultural visits to the Ik and Karamojong communities, hot springs.

6. Lake Mburo National Park – Short Safari from Kampala

📍Distance from Kampala: ~230 km | 🕒 Travel Time: 4 hours
🛩️ No direct flights – Road access only

Best Access: A great stopover park on the way to or from Queen Elizabeth or Bwindi. Ideal for short wildlife experiences.

🟡 Optional activities: Walking safaris, horseback riding, boat cruise.

7. Mount Elgon National Park – Hiking Adventures in Eastern Uganda

📍Distance from Kampala: ~250 km | 🕒 Travel Time: 4–5 hours
🛩️ No airstrip – Road only via Mbale

Best Access: Scenic road trip through Jinja and Mbale towns, with great hiking opportunities en route.

🟡 Optional activities: Sipi Falls hikes, rock climbing, mountain climbing.

8. Semuliki National Park & Toro-Semuliki Wildlife Reserve

📍Distance from Kampala: ~360 km | 🕒 Travel Time: 6–7 hours
🛩️ Nearest Airstrip: Semuliki Airstrip or Kasese

Best Access: Via Fort Portal, making it easy to combine with Kibale and Queen Elizabeth parks.

🟡 Optional activities: Hot springs, nature walks, birding safaris.

Why Travel with Uganda Horizon Safaris?

At Uganda Horizon Safaris, we specialize in organizing reliable, comfortable, and well-paced journeys to Uganda’s national parks. Our experienced guides, modern safari vehicles, and strong local partnerships allow us to offer door-to-door transfers, scheduled flights, and customizable itineraries to suit your style.

Whether you prefer scenic road trips, quick domestic flights, or overland camping safaris, we’ll ensure you reach your destination safely and smoothly—without missing the magic in between.

Let’s Plan Your Safari Together

Are you ready to discover Uganda’s wild beauty? Contact Uganda Horizon Safaris today and let us design a travel experience that’s tailored to your needs—from the moment you land in Entebbe to your last sunset in the wild.

📍 We turn travel into storytelling, one national park at a time.