Kihihi Airstrip also known as Savannah Airstrip, is an important domestic airport located in the small town of Kihihi within the Kanungu District of southwestern Uganda. It serves as the chief air gateway for luxury and time-sensitive travellers heading to the northern sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park; especially Buhoma and Ruhija and the southern Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Flying here cuts a gruelling 8 to 10-hour drive from Kampala down to a swift 1 to 2-hour flight.
The airstrip is found in a small Town of Kihihi in Kanungu district within south-western region of the country. Travelers who wish to embark on gorilla safaris in northern Bwindi Impenetrable National Park by air can undertake domestic flights from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to Kihihi. The official code of the Airstrip is KHX. This small Airstrip simplifies air travel to the sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The main reason to fly to the Airstrip of Kihihi during gorilla safaris is to cut the long distance from Kampala to Bwindi short hence a perfect option for travellers who are limited by time. It takes one hour to drive to Bwindi impenetrable national from kihihi airstrip.
Currently, Aero link is the only domestic airline serving Kihihi Airstrip flying throughout the year to and from Entebbe International Airport. However, direct flights can also be organized from Kihihi to other destinations, with the longest flight being from Kihihi directly to Pakuba Airstrip in Murchison falls National Park. This long flight lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes and is also remarkably organized by Aero link.
Aero link does not operate on international flights departing from Kihihi Airstrip, visitors with plans of getting to kihihi from other countries are required to first make a stopover at Entebbe International Airport, then connect to Kihihi with a domestic flights operator.
Kihihi Airstrip History
The history of Kihihi Airport is indistinguishably associated with the development of tourism in the southwestern part of Uganda, in particular, with the growing acceptance of trekking to see mountain gorillas. Originally, it was a simple dirt filled airstrip created to serve local needs and small private planes. Its alteration into a proper airfield started when it became clear that fast and expedient transport connections with Entebbe Airport were necessary for the development of tourism in the Bwindi National Park region. A key stage in the airport’s history was its large-scale renovation under the management of the Civil Aviation Authority of Uganda (CAA). In the late 2000s, substantial upgrading was carried out and the gravel airstrip was exchanged with a tarmac surface. This allowed the airport to receive small turboprop aircraft, such as the Cessna Grand Caravan and L-410, in any weather. Thanks to this, flights became more regular, safer, and more comfortable for the constantly growing flow of tourists.
One of the interesting facts is that, it can be noted that Kihihi Airport is often called the “Gateway to Bwindi”. Despite its compactness and very simple terminal, it is the starting point for one of the most exhilarating adventures on the earth. The flight itself is already a small excursion with spectacular views of the green hills and lakes of southwestern Uganda. The airport serves as a rich example of how an infrastructure facility can harmoniously fit into the ecosystem and serve the goals of maintainable development.
How to Get to the Kihihi Airstrip
Kihihi Airport is a small airstrip serving mainly tourists heading to Bwindi National Park for gorilla trekking. Given its location in the small town of Kihihi in Uganda, transport options here have their own specifics. The trip from the city center to the airport usually takes no more than 15-20 minutes, as the distance is quite short.
Public transport the main means of transportation for locals are boda-boda (motorcycle taxis) and matatu (minibus taxis). A ride on a boda-boda will be the fastest and cheapest way to get to the airport if you have light luggage. This is an authentic but also somewhat extreme experience. The cost of the trip will be minimal, but always agree on the prices in advance.
Taxis and pre-booked transfers are the most common and convenient option for tourists. You can find a private taxi in town; however, the most reliable way is to book a transfer through your hotel, lodge, or safari operator. Most hotels in the Bwindi and Kihihi area offer airport pick-up. The cost of such a transfer may be included in the accommodation package or paid separately. This eliminates the need to look for transport on the spot and bargain.
Car rental and parking. Renting a car directly in Kihihi for a trip to the airport is unlikely to be possible. Usually, travellers rent a four-wheel-drive vehicle in major cities such as Kampala or Entebbe and drive it to the region. There is no official paid parking at Kihihi Airport, but there is an area where you can leave a car for a short time to drop off or pick up passengers. Leaving a car for a long period is not recommended.
How long does it take from Entebbe to Kihihi Airstrip
The flight from Entebbe International Airport to Kihihi Airstrip takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. This is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, especially for elderly travellers or those who prefer luxury travel to avoid long road trips. Alternatively, traveling by road from Entebbe to Kihihi takes about 8 to 10 hours, covering 450 km via the Masaka, Mbarara, and Kanungu road. The drive is scenic, passing through Uganda’s countryside, lush green forests, tea plantations, and wildlife reserves. Domestic flights to Kihihi Airstrip are operated by local airlines like Aero link Uganda and Bar Aviation with scheduled and chartered flight options. Upon landing in Kihihi, travellers are transferred by vehicle to Buhoma sector of Bwindi, which takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Booking flights in advance is recommended, especially during peak gorilla trekking seasons which run from June to September and December to February).