Flights to Murchison Falls National Park
A flight to Murchison Falls National Park turns a full day on Uganda’s roads into a single hour above Lake Victoria, the Kafu bridge and the Albertine Rift. For international arrivals at Entebbe, that saved time often means an afternoon boat cruise on the Nile rather than a late check-in after dark on murram tracks near Paraa.
This guide covers the three park airstrips, scheduled and charter operators, 2026 timetables, indicative fares, baggage rules and lodge transfers once you touch down.
Why fly to Murchison Falls?
Murchison sits roughly 305 kilometres north-west of Kampala. By road from Entebbe, allow a realistic five to seven hours once Kampala traffic, fuel stops and the approach through Masindi or Karuma are included. Our Entebbe to Murchison Falls guide breaks down the drive if you are weighing both options.
A domestic flight from Entebbe International Airport covers the Entebbe–Pakuba sector in about 60 minutes — roughly 160 miles (257 km). You trade road scenery for aerial views of the Nile delta and Lake Albert, but you gain a full safari day. Many guests fly in and drive out to balance cost against comfort.
Pakuba, Bugungu and Chobe: choosing your airstrip
Three grass and murram airstrips serve the park, each positioned for a different sector. The Nile divides Murchison into distinct halves, so landing at the wrong strip adds ferry crossings and wasted transfer time.
Pakuba Airstrip sits on the northern bank near Paraa. It is the busiest strip and the default for lodges around Paraa, the Buligi game-drive circuit, Nile boat cruises and delta shoebill trips. The runway stretches roughly 1,760 metres and is managed by the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority.
Bugungu Airstrip lies on the southern boundary near Bugungu Gate, convenient for south-bank lodges such as Baker’s Lodge and Nile Safari Lodge, and for chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest. See our Bugungu Airstrip guide for transfer details.
Chobe Airstrip serves the north-eastern sector near Chobe Safari Lodge and the Chobe Gate approach from Karuma. Our Chobe Airstrip page covers this strip in more detail. Your lodge choice usually decides the airstrip — confirm routing with your operator before booking.
Airlines: Aerolink, Fly Uganda and Bar Aviation
Aerolink Uganda operates the main scheduled network linking Entebbe with Uganda’s national parks. For Murchison, flight A8 121 is the daily inbound service and A8 122 the return, using Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft seating around eight to twelve passengers.
Fly Uganda and Bar Aviation Uganda primarily offer charter and on-demand services from Entebbe or Kajjansi Airfield south of Kampala. Charters suit couples, small groups or anyone needing a departure outside the fixed midday schedule.
International visitors arrive at Entebbe International Airport (EBB), 46 kilometres from Kampala. Most domestic flights depart from the main terminal or a dedicated bush-aircraft area — your ticket confirmation will specify the check-in point.
2026 schedules and Entebbe connections
Aerolink’s published 2026 timetable for Pakuba, Chobe and Bugungu runs as follows: A8 121 departs Entebbe at 13:00 and arrives at 14:00; A8 122 departs the park at 14:20 and reaches Entebbe at 17:15. Check in 60 minutes before departure.
The service runs daily except March, April, May and November, when scheduled flights are suspended and charter is the only air option. Flights require a minimum of four passengers per airstrip — quiet days may see departures rescheduled. Contact Aerolink operations on the morning of your flight for confirmed airstrip timings.
After the 14:20 departure, passengers can connect same-day to Kasese (Queen Elizabeth and Kibale) or Kihihi (Bwindi), arriving around 15:30 — subject to minimum loads. Read our guide on combining Murchison with gorilla trekking for itinerary ideas.
Fares, luggage and check-in
Indicative scheduled fares for foreign non-residents run approximately US$262–284 one way and US$440–474 return for adults, with reduced child rates. Confirm live pricing through Aerolink or your safari operator, as contract rates change.
Charter pricing generally starts around US$1,500–2,500 one way for the aircraft. For groups of four or more, the per-person cost often approaches scheduled fares while guaranteeing departure regardless of load.
Light aircraft limit each passenger to 15 kilograms (33 lb) in soft-sided bags, including hand luggage — hard-shell suitcases will not fit. Excess baggage is charged at US$5 per kilogram, though space is not guaranteed. Passengers with substantial camera gear can pre-book an additional freight seat carrying up to 75 kg. See our Uganda safari packing list for tips on travelling light.
Ground transfers after you land
None of the Murchison airstrips are within walking distance of lodges or park gates. Every fly-in guest needs a pre-arranged vehicle transfer — typically a lodge safari vehicle or your operator’s 4×4.
From Pakuba to Paraa takes about 20 minutes. From Bugungu to the Paraa ferry crossing, expect 30 to 45 minutes depending on lodge location. Chobe transfers to Chobe Safari Lodge are short; reaching Buligi or Paraa adds time. Your lodge should meet you on the apron with a name board.
UWA park entry fees are separate from flight costs. If your first activity is a northern-bank game drive but you landed at Bugungu, the Paraa ferry links the two sides of the Nile. For self-drive alternatives after a one-way flight, see our driving to Murchison Falls guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a flight to Murchison Falls cost?
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Scheduled one-way fares are approximately US$262–284 for adults, with returns around US$440–474. Children travel at reduced rates. Charter costs vary but start around US$1,500 for the aircraft.
- Which airstrip should I book?
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Pakuba for Paraa-area lodges and northern game circuits. Bugungu for south-bank accommodation and Budongo Forest. Chobe for the eastern sector and Chobe Safari Lodge.
- Do flights operate year-round?
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Aerolink scheduled flights to Murchison do not run in March, April, May or November. Charter remains available throughout the year.
- Can I fly to Murchison and connect to Bwindi the same day?
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Yes, subject to minimum passenger loads. The afternoon A8 122 routing from Murchison can connect to Kihihi for Bwindi gorilla trekking, typically arriving around 15:30.
Plan Your Safari
Whether you need a scheduled seat on Aerolink, a private charter from Kajjansi or a fly-drive combination, we handle the full logistics — flights, airstrip meet-and-greets, lodge transfers and park activity bookings. Browse our Murchison Falls safari packages or explore the complete Murchison Falls travel guide.