Fly-in Safaris in Uganda – Explore the Pearl of Africa by Air with Animal View Safaris
When it comes to experiencing the vast beauty and untamed wilderness of Uganda, nothing rivals the convenience, speed, and aerial spectacle of a fly-in safari. For travelers seeking a luxurious and time-saving way to explore Uganda’s national parks, Animal View Safaris offers expertly crafted fly-in safari packages that take you directly into the heart of the action, without the long, bumpy road journeys. Whether you’re heading for the misty mountain forests of Bwindi to track gorillas, or the remote, golden savannahs of Kidepo to spot lions, a fly-in safari allows you to maximize your adventure and minimize your travel fatigue.
What is a Fly-in Safari in Uganda?
A fly-in safari is a travel experience where you take a domestic flight from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi airfield directly to an airstrip located near a national park or private reserve. Instead of driving 8 to 12 hours on sometimes rugged terrain, you soar over Uganda’s breathtaking landscapes in under two hours — arriving fresh, excited, and ready to explore.
These light aircraft flights typically serve up to 11 passengers, operated by reputable charter companies like Aerolink, Bar Aviation, and Eagle Air. Once you land, our guide and 4×4 vehicle are ready to whisk you off to your lodge or straight into a game drive.
Why Choose a Fly-in Safari with Animal View Safaris?
As a trusted Uganda-based tour operator, Animal View Safaris specializes in crafting personalized and seamless fly-in experiences that cater to luxury, comfort, and adventure. Here’s why our fly-in safaris stand out:
-
Save Time: Skip 6–12 hours of road travel and arrive at your destination in just 1–2 hours.
-
See More: Spend more time on gorilla treks, game drives, and cultural visits instead of in transit.
-
Luxury & Comfort: Perfect for honeymooners, families, photographers, and senior travelers.
-
Access Remote Parks: Reach isolated gems like Kidepo Valley National Park with ease.
-
Customized Itineraries: We build fly-in safari routes based on your schedule, budget, and interests.
Top Fly-in Safari Destinations in Uganda
1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (via Kihihi or Kisoro Airstrip)
-
Attraction: Mountain Gorilla Trekking & Habituation Experience
-
Flight Time: 1h 20min from Entebbe
-
Experience: Avoid the 9-hour drive from Kampala and land near the northern (Kihihi Airfield) or southern (Kisoro Airstrip) sectors of Bwindi. Trek endangered gorillas through pristine rainforest and return to a luxury forest lodge.
2. Kidepo Valley National Park (via Apoka Airstrip)
-
Attraction: True African Wilderness, Big Cats, Cheetahs, Ostriches
-
Flight Time: 2h from Entebbe
-
Experience: One of Africa’s most remote and wild parks. A fly-in safari is the only efficient way to reach it. Enjoy uncrowded game drives in a Serengeti-like setting.
3. Queen Elizabeth National Park (via Mweya or Kasese Airstrip)
-
Attraction: Tree-climbing lions, boat cruises on Kazinga Channel, crater lakes
-
Flight Time: 1h 10min
-
Experience: Easily connect with Bwindi or Kibale in a multi-park itinerary. Perfect for big game lovers and birders.
4. Kibale Forest National Park (via Kasese or Fort Portal Airstrip)
-
Attraction: Chimpanzee Tracking & Habituation
-
Flight Time: ~1 hour
-
Experience: Pair chimp trekking with a visit to Bigodi Swamp and nearby crater lakes.
5. Murchison Falls National Park (via Pakuba or Chobe Airstrip)
-
Attraction: Nile River Cruise, Powerful Waterfalls, Big Five Safaris
-
Flight Time: ~1h 20min
-
Experience: View the majestic falls from the air, then cruise below them by boat. Game drives in the northern sector offer rich wildlife sightings.
6. Semuliki National Park or Toro-Semuliki Reserve
-
Attraction: Sempaya Hot Springs, forest elephants, rare birds
-
Experience: Ideal for birders, nature lovers, and off-the-beaten-path explorers.
Sample Fly-in Safari Itinerary (7 Days)
Day 1: Arrive Entebbe, overnight stay
Day 2: Fly to Bwindi, gorilla trekking
Day 3: Optional second trek or community tour
Day 4: Fly to Queen Elizabeth NP, game drive
Day 5: Boat safari, crater lake tour
Day 6: Fly to Kidepo, evening game drive
Day 7: Morning safari, fly back to Entebbe
All our customized include permits, luxury lodges, guides and all flights.
What’s Included in Our Fly-in Safari Packages?
With Animal View Safaris, your fly-in safari includes:
-
Domestic chartered flights between destinations
-
Airport pickups at airstrips
-
4×4 vehicle and professional safari guide
-
Park entrance fees and permits (e.g., gorilla, chimpanzee)
-
Full-board accommodation in luxury safari lodges
-
All internal transfers and excursions
-
24/7 support from our Uganda-based team
Fly-in vs. Road Safari – Which is Best for You?
Feature | Fly-in Safari | Road Safari |
---|---|---|
Travel Time | 1–2 hrs between parks | 6–12 hrs, depending on location |
Comfort | High (fast & scenic) | Moderate (bumpy roads) |
Cost | Higher (includes flight cost) | Lower, but more time-consuming |
Ideal For | Luxury, limited time, seniors | Budget-conscious, slow travelers |
Best For | Gorilla/Kidepo/Combo safaris | Short distance trips |
Uganda Domestic Airstrips (Access Points)
-
Bwindi: Kihihi & Kisoro
-
Queen Elizabeth: Mweya, Kasese
-
Kidepo: Apoka
-
Murchison Falls: Pakuba, Bugungu, Chobe
-
Semuliki/Kibale: Kasese, Fort Portal
Animal View Safaris handles all logistics, from booking your flight to greeting you at the airstrip.
Book Your Fly-in Safari with Animal View Safaris
Take the skies and discover Uganda in comfort and style. Whether it’s your dream to see gorillas, witness the Big Five, or simply avoid the long drives, a fly-in safari is the ultimate way to elevate your safari experience.