Bugungu Airstrip is located in Bugungu Wildlife Reserve in Buliisa District, within the boundaries of Murchison Falls National Park. It offers an easy way for tourists to reach the natural beauty of the area.
The airstrip’s geographical coordinates are 02°12’10″N and 31°33’16.0″E. Bugungu Airstrip is about 260 km by air and 330 km by road from Entebbe International Airport.
It serves as a main entry point for tourists, conservationists, and researchers visiting Murchison Falls National Park and nearby communities.
The airstrip is managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority with oversight from the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority. It meets safety and security standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization.
Most of the flights to Bugungu are chartered from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield. These are usually booked by tour operators or lodges on behalf of their guests.
Aerolink Uganda is the most well-known airline operating regular flights to and from Bugungu. The flight leaves Entebbe at 12:00 noon and arrives at Bugungu at 1:00 p.m., with a small number of passengers on board.
Other airlines that offer private charter services include Eagle Air and Fly Uganda, flying from Kajjansi Airfield to Bugungu.
Bugungu Airstrip is simple but functional. It has a well-leveled runway that is about 1.8 km long, suitable for small and medium-sized aircraft. There is also a terminal building with check-in points, baggage handling, security screening, and a waiting lounge.
The airstrip handles between 5,000 to 7,000 passengers each year, most of whom are tourists visiting Murchison Falls.
As a key entry point to the park, Bugungu Airstrip plays an important role in supporting tourism. Murchison Falls National Park is one of Uganda’s most protected areas, home to animals like lions, leopards, elephants, and giraffes. Revenue from tourism helps support development in nearby communities.
Even though it is in a remote area, the airstrip aims to reduce its impact on the environment. For example, it uses solar power to operate some of its facilities.
Bugungu Airstrip is a convenient and useful travel point for those visiting Murchison Falls National Park.
