Tag: flights

Are There Domestic Flights in Uganda? (Options!)

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Domestic flights in Uganda – are they even an option?!

Although Uganda isn’t a huge country by African standards, it can take a considerable amount of time to navigate your way around the country. This is primarily due to the fact that many of the roads outside Kampala and Entebbe are in pretty bad shape, making it difficult to maintain good speeds as you move from place to place. 

Therefore, if you’re planning a trip to the Pearl of Africa in the near future, you might be wondering if there are internal flights in Uganda to help you travel between the various fascinating tourist destinations in the country without having to worry about the condition of the roads.

So, are there domestic (internal) flights in Uganda?

Yes, there are internal flights in Uganda. They are operated by two companies – Aerolink and Bar Aviation – and a network of airstrips is connected by the country’s only international airport, Entebbe. As such, you can book flights to visit the national parks in the different parts of the country, slashing your travel time and increasing your convenience in the process.

Domestic flights in Uganda: Two options

An Aerolink plane on the runway at Kisoro Airfield. I took this photo as we were waiting for more passengers to join us on the way to Kihihi.

If you’re traveling to East Africa for the first time from a country like the United States or the United Kingdom, you might expect there to be a reasonable network of airports connecting the points of interest in the region. 

But in reality, Uganda only has one international airport, which is, of course, the primary point of entry for most visitors to the country. Entebbe is located approximately one hour’s drive from the chaotic capital city of Kampala, and there are lots of ways to travel from Entebbe to your next destination.

A popular option with tourists is to take a flight, and there are two companies that operate internal flights in Uganda – Aerolink and Bar Aviation. 

Aerolink has been running for a long time now and has established routes throughout Uganda, connecting the National Parks in the North, East, and West of the country with ease. Bar Aviation is a much more recent addition to Ugandan airspace, but its presence has made the cost of internal flights cheaper. 

So, if you’re planning a trip to Uganda and want to fly between destinations in the country, you can check the operating schedules of both Aerolink and Bar Aviation to discover the best option for you and your trip.

How much do domestic flights in Uganda cost?

Perhaps the biggest downside to domestic flights in Uganda is the cost associated with flying from one location to another. Given that the longest internal flight in the country is around two hours, the costs associated with air travel in Uganda are comparatively high. 

At the time of writing, a return flight from Entebbe to Kihihi (the airstrip serving Queen Elizabeth National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest) with Aerolink costs $427.

A return flight from Entebbe to Kidepo National Park in the country’s extreme north would set you back around $880. 

One thing to note about domestic flights in Uganda, as is the case with airlines all around the world, is that the cost of flights changes considerably depending on the season and availability. 

Also, if you’re an East African Resident or if you live and work in Uganda, you can contact the airlines directly and request a discounted fee, which you will be offered on the provision of your passport and work permit.

What are domestic flights in Uganda like?

I took this photo inside one of Bar Aviation’s airplanes. As you can see, there’s not a great deal of space, but it does the job and is comfortable enough!

Having flown with Bar Aviation on several occasions between Entebbe and Kihihi, I can say that internal flights in Uganda are excellent. Driving from Entebbe to Kihihi takes between 9-12 hours, and it’s a long, tiresome, and difficult journey on the road. 

However, the flight from Entebbe to Kihihi is seamless, and it takes just over an hour to reach your destination. What’s more, you only really need to be at the airport/airstrip 30 minutes before your flight, so you don’t need to waste time with a lengthy check-in, enabling you to maximize your time in the country.

Perhaps the most important thing to think about when you take a flight is how you’re going to travel at the other end. When you take a domestic flight in Uganda up country, you need to really organize for a driver to be waiting for you, as the airstrips aren’t served by taxis or any other form of public or private transport.

My good friends over at AJ Tours and Travel can help you arrange travel from one of Uganda’s airstrips to (and around) the national park that it serves, so drop them a line if you’re planning to make the most of internal flights on your upcoming visit to the country.

Alternatives to domestic flights in Uganda?

Although domestic flights in Uganda are time-saving and super convenient, they’re expensive, and they’re not suitable for all independent travelers in this part of the world. The best alternative to taking an internal flight is to hire a driver and a vehicle to take you to where you want to go. 

For those on a tight budget, you might consider taking the bus from Kampala to your destination, but Ugandan buses aren’t particularly comfortable (or safe) and aren’t appealing to most tourists who visit Uganda. 

I recently put together this comprehensive guide to the cost of traveling independently in Uganda, which will help you decide which is the best form of transport for you if you don’t wish to take an internal flight to your destination.

Tips for booking domestic flights in Uganda

Domestic flights in Uganda are a great option for many tourists, but you have limited choices when it comes to booking them. To help you get the best value, use the following tips to your advantage:

  • Check both Aerolink and Bar Aviation before settling on which airline to travel with, as they both run flights across Uganda and offer different rates. 
  • It’s worth sending both companies an email before booking your ticket, as they might offer a seasonal discount that is not publicized on their website. After all, everything in Uganda is negotiable! 
  • When you’re traveling as a large group (6+ people), you might be entitled to a discount when booking your tickets. So, again, drop both companies a message to find out the best price they can offer on their internal flights.
  • Bar Aviation flies to both Kampala and Entebbe, not just the latter. So, if you’re staying in Uganda’s capital, you can save yourself a transfer and fly directly to an airstrip in the city.

Recap: Are there domestic flights in Uganda?

Ultimately, domestic flights in Uganda are a great way to travel from Entebbe to any of the national parks up-country. They’re safe and reliable and provide a great alternative to road travel. 

The only issue with domestic flights in Uganda is that they’re expensive – but you get what you pay for! If you don’t want to spend a day traveling across Uganda to your destination, an internal flight is a good option for you.