Kisoro Airfield

Kisoro Airfield: A Gateway to South Western Uganda

Kisoro Airfield is a small but vital airstrip located in Kisoro Town, in the southwestern region of Uganda. It serves as an important link for air travel between Uganda’s capital, Kampala, and one of the country’s most scenic and remote regions. The airfield plays a crucial role in promoting tourism, trade, and accessibility, particularly for visitors heading to the famous Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Location and Accessibility

Kisoro Airfield is situated in Kisoro District, which borders Rwanda to the south and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to the west. The airfield is approximately 350 kilometers (217 miles) from Kampala, Uganda’s capital, and about 75 kilometers (47 miles) from Kabale, the largest town in the region.

The airfield is strategically positioned near the Kisoro-Kabale Road, allowing easy access for travelers coming from different parts of Uganda. Although Kisoro is well connected by road, the long and winding journey through the mountainous terrain can be time-consuming, making air travel a more convenient option for tourists and business travelers.

Runway and Infrastructure

Kisoro Airfield has a single unpaved runway, which measures about 1,200 meters (3,937 feet) in length. The airstrip is suitable for small aircraft, mainly serving domestic flights operated by private and chartered airlines. Given its location in a hilly and fog-prone region, flights are often scheduled during daylight hours when visibility is optimal.

The airfield does not have sophisticated terminal facilities, but it provides basic services such as a small waiting area for passengers, security personnel, and ground handling for arriving and departing flights. There is no control tower, so pilots rely on visual navigation and coordinate flight operations with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of Uganda.

Importance to Tourism

One of the biggest advantages of Kisoro Airfield is its proximity to some of Uganda’s top tourist attractions.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Located about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Kisoro Airfield, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its mountain gorillas. The park is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining gorilla population, making it a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts and researchers. Tourists flying into Kisoro Airfield for gorilla trekking can take a short road trip to the park, avoiding the long and challenging road journey from Kampala.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Even closer to the airfield, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is only 13 kilometers (8 miles) away. This park is part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area, which extends into Rwanda and the DRC. It is another important gorilla trekking destination and also offers scenic views of the Virunga volcanoes, golden monkey tracking, and rich cultural experiences with the Batwa pygmies.

Lake Mutanda and Other Attractions

Kisoro is also home to the stunning Lake Mutanda, a beautiful crater lake surrounded by rolling hills and small islands. The lake provides opportunities for canoeing, bird watching, and relaxation. Visitors can also explore the nearby caves, hot springs, and nature trails.

Airlines and Flight Services

Kisoro Airfield is mainly served by domestic airlines offering scheduled and chartered flights. Some of the popular airlines that operate flights to Kisoro include:

  • Aerolink Uganda – Offers regular flights between Entebbe and Kisoro.
  • Bar Aviation – Provides charter flights to and from Kisoro for tourists and business travelers.
  • Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) – A non-profit airline that operates humanitarian flights, including medical evacuations and support for remote communities.

Flights to Kisoro typically originate from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield near Kampala. Due to weather conditions and the nature of the airstrip, flights are usually scheduled in the morning when visibility is best.

Challenges and Future Developments

Despite its importance, Kisoro Airfield faces several challenges:

  1. Weather Conditions – The high-altitude location and frequent foggy conditions can lead to flight delays and cancellations.
  2. Unpaved Runway – The gravel runway limits the types of aircraft that can land, making it unsuitable for larger planes.
  3. Limited Infrastructure – The airfield lacks modern passenger facilities, making it less comfortable for travelers.

To improve air transport in the region, the Ugandan government, through the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), has plans to enhance Kisoro Airfield by:

  • Expanding and upgrading the runway to allow for larger aircraft.
  • Improving passenger facilities, including waiting lounges and security services.
  • Enhancing navigation and weather monitoring systems to minimize flight disruptions.

Kisoro Airfield is an essential gateway for travelers visiting southwestern Uganda, particularly those heading for gorilla trekking in Bwindi and Mgahinga. While it currently operates as a small regional airstrip, its strategic importance to tourism and local development makes it a key facility in Uganda’s aviation network. With planned improvements, Kisoro Airfield has the potential to boost economic growth, increase accessibility, and enhance Uganda’s reputation as a top wildlife and adventure tourism destination.