Kasese Airfield is located in Kasese, a town in Western Region of Uganda nestled at the foot hills of Rwenzori Mountains close to the border of democratic republic of Congo. Managed by the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, the airfield serves general aviation, including charter and private flights, and acts as a gateway for tourists visiting the Rwenzori Mountains and nearby national parks.
Kasese Airport receives daily domestic flights from Murchison Falls National Park, Entebbe International Airport and Kajjansi Airfield, which are frequently used by tourists to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The airport which sits at an altitude of 959 metres above sea level and it has a single grass runway that measures 1,600 metres long and is 30 metres wide. The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority has plans to renovate and improve the airport by lengthening the runway to 2,500 m. The runway will also be widened to 45 m. The surface will be converted to tarmac. A terminal building and aircraft fuel storage facilities will be constructed. A control tower will be erected. Customs and Immigration facilities will also be installed as well as cargo storage warehouses. As of October 2008, the construction plans have been approved and construction will begin as soon as the tenants on the land adjacent to the airport have been relocated. After all the renovations, Kasese Airport will be transformed into the “Kasese International Airport”
Flights To Kasese Airfield
Aerolink Uganda operates daily scheduled domestic flights connecting Entebbe International Airport (EBB) directly to Kasese Airfield (KSE). These regional flights typically utilize small, reliable Cessna Light aircraft and have an average flight duration of 1 hour and 10 minutes. Bar Aviation is also a primary domestic carrier available for scheduled and private charter services along this route.
Domestic flights on this route primarily cater to tourists visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, and the Rwenzori Mountains. The most common daily flight departs Entebbe at 13:00 and lands at Kasese Airfield at 14:10. Return flights generally operate twice a day. Morning departures leave Kasese at 10:15 (arriving 11:25), and afternoon flights depart at 14:30 (arriving 16:15)
Aerolink Uganda also handles short hops from regional airfields like Kihihi (KHX) to Kasese, departing at 09:35 and taking 25 minutes. One-way domestic flights on this route generally range from $300 to $410 USD depending on availability, booking timelines, and seasonal demand. Because flights use light aircraft (like the Cessna Caravan), strict weight limits apply. Passengers are usually capped at 15 kg of luggage, which must be packed in soft-sided duffel bags rather than hard shell suitcases
Attractions In Kasese Town
Top attractions in Kasese include the glaciated peaks of Rwenzori Mountains National Park and the wildlife-rich savannah of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Kiwa Hot springs, katwe salt mine
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most common and biodiverse safari destination, presenting breathtaking landscapes, profuse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. Across the equator, the park features monuments marking the exact spot where it crosses latitude 00, adding to its distinctiveness. Initially founded as Kazinga National Park in 1952, it was renamed in 1954 to commemorate a visit by Queen Elizabeth II of England. Today, it stands as one of Africa’s greatest wildlife havens, home to over 95 mammal species and an astounding 600+ bird species, making it an ecstasy for nature enthusiasts.
The park is Uganda’s second-largest national park. It is famous for tree-climbing lions, large elephant herds, and game drives.
Rwenzori Mountains National Park
The Rwenzori Mountains, usually called the “Mountains of the Moon,” rises majestically in western Uganda along the Uganda-DR Congo border. This 120km-long and 65km-wide mountain range is home to some of the most breathtaking and diverse landscapes in Africa, from equatorial snow-capped peaks to lush montane forests and moorlands.
The park was gazetted in 1991, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, and later designated a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in 2008, highlighting its global ecological significance.
The highest point of the Rwenzori Mountains is Margherita Peak (5,109m) on Mount Stanley, making it Africa’s third-highest peak. Unlike East Africa’s volcanic giants such as Kilimanjaro and Mount Elgon, the Rwenzoris were formed by tectonic activity, with massive rock blocks thrust upward from the Western Rift Valley floor.
Kiwa Hot springs
Kiwa Heritage is a natural and cultural Conservation Area with spectacular Hot springs for tourists to enjoy a warm bath and believed to have healing powers due to the numerous minerals and chemicals such as calcium phosphate, magnesium chloride, lithium sulphate, calcium sulphate, sodium chloride and potassium chloride in the water. While at this place, you don’t have to visit a spa or gym because this site is itself a natural spa. Locals always sit in the water of the Hot spring because they believe it reduces weight besides its healing powers for several ailments especially the skin diseases.
Lake Katwe
Lake Katwe is an ancient, hyper-saline volcanic crater lake situated in Kasese District of western Uganda, found inside Queen Elizabeth National Park. Lake katwe one of the most famous look-out points in Kasese. It is surrounded by the Katwe-Kabatoro community where traditional salt mining has been practiced since the 16th century. The neighbouring Lake Munyanyange is a bird sanctuary and a migratory location for the lesser flamingo from August to November.
kikorongo equator monument
The Kikorongo Equator Monument is a prominent landmark located along the Mbarara–Kasese highway at the gateway to Queen Elizabeth National Park in western Uganda. The monument features a modern stainless-steel globe designed by Eric Prince Ondia, replacing a deteriorating 1952 colonial-era structure that was removed during road expansion in 2019
Ruboni Community
Ruboni Community is a 100% locally owned tourism initiative and village located in the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains in Uganda, serving as a primary gateway to the Rwenzori Mountains National Park. Situated near the Mihunga Park Gate, about 2 km past the Nyakalengijo trading center in Kasese District. Run entirely by the local Bakonzo people, with all profits reinvested into local development and conservation projects.
Kyiriba Kyathumba Hot Spring
Kyiriba Kyathumba Hot Spring, also known as Kibbenge, is a natural geothermal site located in the Kasese District. In the Lukhonzo language, Kyiriba means a pool or pond of water, and Kyathumba means a hot spring. Situated along Kilembe Road in Kasese, near the foothills of Rwenzori Mountains, the site operates as a community cultural heritage site, officially launched and supported with assistance from organizations like the Cross-Cultural Foundation of Uganda to promote local tourism and preserve natural heritage. Their Waters are believed to facilitate the healing of skin diseases, bone related ailments and general body weakness.
Kilembe Mines
Kilembe Mines is Uganda’s historic copper and cobalt mining site located in Kasese District along River Nyamwamba on the foothills of Rwenzori Mountains. Kilembe Mines is Uganda’s largest copper mine, with estimated deposits of copper in excess of 4,000,000 tonnes and an undetermined amount of cobalt ore. In addition, there approximately 2,800 acres (1,100 ha), of unexplored acreage at the site.
Where to Stay in Kasese
The best place to stay in Kasese depends on your budget and whether you want to be in the town center or near the national parks.
Sandton Hotel Kasese
A popular mid-range choice in the heart of town with reliable amenities and easy access to local transport.
Rwenzori International Hotel
Located on Mbogo Road, offering a quiet garden setting, steam room, and business facilities close to the center.
Haven Guest House
A budget-friendly, pet-friendly option in Nyakabingo offering clean rooms and a relaxed environment.
BLT Residence
A serene, highly rated apartment-style stay with kitchen facilities for a home-like feel.
Kamwe Kamwe Hotel & Spa
A modern upscale facility featuring a spa, restaurant, and conference amenities on Mbogoyabo-Kisanga Road.
Ihamba Lakeside Safari Lodge
Great for nature lovers looking for scenic lake views and a swimming pool near Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Kasenyi Lake Retreat & Campsite
An affordable cabin and campground option right by the park boundaries.