Located in the northwestern part of Uganda, inside Murchison Falls National Park, Pakuba Airstrip serves as a gateway for tourists, researchers, and conservationists visiting the park.
Pakuba Airstrip lies within the park boundaries in the northern region, close to the Nile River. Its coordinates are approximately 2.1956°N latitude and 31.5833°E longitude.
The airstrip is about 15 km northeast of Paraa, which is the main tourism and administrative center of the park.
Pakuba Airstrip allows easy access to major attractions such as the Nile River delta and Murchison Falls.
This small facility is built to handle light aircraft arriving from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield.
Key Features of Pakuba Airstrip
- Runway: About 1.2 km long, suitable for small aircraft.
- Terminal Building: Includes a waiting area and a briefing point for passengers.
- Parking Area: A small space for aircraft parking.
- Basic Amenities: Includes restrooms and offices for airstrip staff.
Although it is a small facility, Pakuba Airstrip is well maintained to ensure comfort and safety for passengers, especially tourists.
Most flights to Pakuba are chartered and scheduled based on tourist demand. Tour operators and lodges often organize private flights for guests.
A flight from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Pakuba Airstrip takes about 1.5 hours.
Only daytime flights operate at Pakuba Airstrip, as it lacks night landing facilities.
Flights are more frequent during the dry seasons (June to August and December to February), when more tourists visit Murchison Falls National Park.
The airstrip is managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, which works together with tour operators, lodges, and airlines to ensure safe and smooth travel for visitors.
Importance of Pakuba Airstrip
- Tourism Development: Pakuba Airstrip serves as a key entry point for tourists visiting the northern part of the park, helping them reach major attractions like the Nile River and the falls.
- Support for Conservation: By bringing in both tourists and conservation experts, the airstrip helps generate funds to support wildlife protection and conservation projects.
- Emergency Services: The airstrip can also be used for evacuations in case of medical emergencies or wildlife-related incidents.
Airlines Operating at Pakuba Airstrip
There are three main airlines that operate charter flights to and from Pakuba:
- AeroLink Uganda
- Fly Uganda
- Bar Aviation Uganda
Pakuba Airstrip is a valuable part of Murchison Falls National Park. It supports tourism, helps in conservation, and provides a safe travel option for visitors, creating lasting and memorable experiences in the wild.
