Chobe Airstrip Guide

Chobe Airstrip Guide

Chobe Airstrip is the quiet shortcut into the eastern end of Murchison Falls National Park, the runway that lets you swap a half-day on the Kampala–Gulu highway for a single scenic hour in the air. It sits on the north bank of the Victoria Nile, effectively at the doorstep of Chobe Safari Lodge, where the river narrows into a run of rapids upstream of the falls.

This guide is about the fly-in specifically, not the Chobe gate on the road or the wider Chobe sector. It covers which airlines serve the strip, how the flight compares with the long drive to the park’s eastern side, the lodges and areas it suits, the strict light-aircraft baggage rules, and how Chobe stacks up against the Pakuba and Bugungu airstrips.

Where Chobe Airstrip Sits

The airstrip lies within the national park, adjacent to Chobe Safari Lodge on the north bank of the Nile, roughly 247 kilometres by air north-west of Entebbe. It is a single murram runway of about 1,555 metres, set at an elevation near 957 metres above sea level, with the rapids of the river running alongside.

Its position defines who uses it. This is the eastern corner of Murchison Falls, closest to the Karuma side of the park and a world away from the busy Paraa hub further west. Guests staying at Chobe Safari Lodge can be at their room within minutes of touching down, which is the whole appeal of landing here rather than at another strip.

Flying In: Airlines and Departure Points

Aerolink Uganda operates scheduled light-aircraft services from Entebbe International Airport to the Murchison strips, with Chobe among the destinations served alongside Pakuba and Bugungu. Seats are shared with other travellers, and these flights typically need a minimum of four passengers to run, so departures follow a fixed daily pattern rather than your own timetable.

Bar Aviation also flies the route, from Entebbe or from Kajjansi Airfield on the edge of Kampala, and Fly Uganda is another operator active on Murchison services. Between scheduled seats and private charters, most itineraries can be accommodated, though a charter costs considerably more and makes most sense for couples, small groups or anyone stitching together a tight multi-park trip.

Booking is straightforward either directly with the airline or through your tour operator, who can hold the seats as part of a wider package. Because the aircraft is small and the load matters, confirm your booking early in peak season.

Flight Time Versus the Drive

The headline number is roughly one hour in the air from Entebbe to Chobe, sometimes stretching towards ninety minutes when the aircraft calls at another airstrip on the way. Against that, the road is a serious commitment.

Chobe Safari Lodge sits about 272 kilometres from Kampala and closer to 311 kilometres from Entebbe, reached by heading north on the tarmac Gulu road, crossing the Nile at Karuma, then turning onto a murram track for the final stretch to the lodge. Depending on traffic out of the city and the state of the road, that drive runs anywhere from about three and a half hours at best to five or six on a slower day.

Flying strips those hours away and, on a clear morning, hands you a low view of the Nile and the northern plains as a bonus. For time-poor travellers on a short safari, the recovered day can be the difference between a rushed arrival and an unhurried first game drive. The trade-off is cost, and the loss of the road journey’s flexibility and roadside stops.

Which Lodges and Areas It Serves Best

Chobe is the natural landing point for the eastern sector of the park and, above all, for Chobe Safari Lodge itself, whose grounds run right up to the runway. Guests booked there gain the shortest transfer of any fly-in option in Murchison, sometimes little more than a stroll and a short vehicle hop.

The strip also suits travellers focused on the Karuma end of the park and the quieter game country between the eastern boundary and Paraa, reached along the Chobe track that runs west towards the ferry. If your safari is built around the eastern side rather than the classic northern Buligi circuits, this is your airstrip. For the wildlife and access on the ground, see our companion guides to the Chobe gate and the Chobe sector.

From Chobe you can also connect onward by air to other parks, with links reported towards Queen Elizabeth, Kibale and Bwindi, which makes the strip a workable hub for a longer Ugandan circuit rather than a dead end.

Baggage Limits and Packing

Light aircraft carry firm weight rules, and Chobe is no exception. The usual allowance is around 15 kilograms per person, packed in soft-sided bags such as a duffel or holdall rather than a rigid suitcase, which will not sit properly in the small holds.

These limits exist for safety and balance, not as paperwork, so pack light and leave the hard-shell cases at home. If you are travelling with camera gear or need extra allowance, raise it with the airline in advance, as additional weight can sometimes be arranged for a fee or by buying an extra seat on a charter.

Chobe Versus Pakuba and Bugungu

Murchison has three main airstrips, and the right one for you is simply the one nearest your bed. Chobe, on the eastern edge, is unbeatable for Chobe Safari Lodge and the Karuma side. Pakuba, further west on the north bank, is the gateway to the prime northern game circuits and north-bank lodges where lions, giraffes and elephants concentrate.

Bugungu, on the south bank near the park headquarters, serves the south-bank lodges, the top-of-the-falls viewpoint and the Budongo Forest connection. Landing at the wrong strip can mean a long transfer or an extra ferry crossing, so match the airstrip to your lodge and let your operator confirm the routing. Our detailed Bugungu Airstrip guide sets out that alternative in full.

Scheduling and Practical Tips

Scheduled flights broadly follow a midday pattern, with a departure from Entebbe around the middle of the day and a return leg from the park in the early afternoon. Exact times shift with routing, load and season, and the four-passenger minimum means a very quiet day can affect a scheduled service, so keep your plans a little flexible and confirm timings a few days ahead.

Leave a comfortable buffer if you are connecting from an international arrival, and arrange your lodge transfer in advance so a vehicle is waiting at the apron. Facilities at Chobe are basic, as you would expect of a bush strip, so carry water, sun protection and essentials in your hand luggage. If flying is not the right fit, our overview of airport transfers to Murchison Falls covers the road options.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the flight from Entebbe to Chobe Airstrip?

Roughly one hour, occasionally nearer ninety minutes if the aircraft calls at another airstrip en route. That compares with a road journey of about three and a half to six hours depending on traffic and conditions.

Which airlines fly to Chobe Airstrip?

Aerolink Uganda runs scheduled services from Entebbe, while Bar Aviation and Fly Uganda operate scheduled and charter flights from Entebbe or Kajjansi. Charters offer flexibility at a higher price.

Where is Chobe Airstrip located?

On the north bank of the Victoria Nile in the eastern part of Murchison Falls National Park, immediately beside Chobe Safari Lodge and near the Karuma side of the park.

What is the baggage limit?

Around 15 kilograms per person in soft-sided bags is typical for these light aircraft, and the limit is enforced. Pack a duffel and leave hard suitcases behind.

Should I fly into Chobe, Pakuba or Bugungu?

Choose the strip nearest your lodge. Chobe serves the eastern sector and Chobe Safari Lodge, Pakuba the northern game circuits, and Bugungu the south bank, the falls viewpoint and Budongo.

Plan Your Safari

A fly-in to Chobe is the easy way to reach the park’s eastern end fresh, with hours to spare for the Nile rather than the road. If you would like us to weave the flight, transfers and lodging into one seamless trip, browse our best Murchison Falls safari packages or a tailored luxury Uganda safari. To fine-tune your timing, our guide to the best time to visit Uganda will help you pick the right season to fly.