Mbarara Airstrip is one of the 12 airports managed by the Civil Aviation Authority of Uganda. It is found in Mbarara town, in the Ankole sub-region, in western Uganda.
The airstrip was previously known as Nyakisharara Airport. It was built after Uganda got independence to help improve travel to upcountry areas.
It is located about 9 to 11 kilometres northwest of Mbarara town. The runway is made of murram and is 1,660 metres long.
Mbarara is the main business center in western Uganda. The airstrip helps with business activities and also supports tourism. It serves nearby places like Lake Mburo National Park, which is known for zebras, impalas, hippos, leopards, boat rides, and over 350 bird species. This helps support eco-tourism in the Ankole area.
Visitors who want to reach Lake Mburo National Park by air can fly with Aerolink Uganda from Entebbe International Airport to Mbarara Airstrip. From the airstrip, a lodge or tour operator will pick you up and drive you to the park. The drive takes about one hour.
If you want to drive yourself, it is best to use a 4×4 vehicle. Air travel is the fastest way to reach the park, but it costs more. The flight from Entebbe to Mbarara takes just over one hour. Since there are very few vehicles at the airstrip, it is important to plan your transfer in advance.
Some lodges offer airport pickups from Mbarara Airstrip to Lake Mburo National Park. These include Mihingo Lodge (luxury), Rwakobo Rock (mid-range), and Eagle’s Nest (budget).
There are other places near Mbarara Airstrip that visitors can explore, such as the Igongo Cultural Centre, where you can learn about Ankole culture. You can also visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking or Queen Elizabeth National Park to see tree-climbing lions. These places can be reached by scheduled flights.
Alternatively, you can reach Lake Mburo National Park by road from Kampala. The journey takes 3 to 4 hours and is about 228 kilometres, depending on road conditions and stopovers. A 4×4 vehicle is highly recommended.
Along the road, you can stop at Igongo Cultural Centre for lunch and to learn about Ankole history. You can also visit the Equator at Kayabwe or stop at Mpambire to see how local drums are made before continuing to the park.
Mbarara Airstrip is suitable for small planes only because it has limited infrastructure. It does not have customs, immigration, or fuel services.
It is useful for travelers heading to Mbarara town and nearby tourist sites like Lake Mburo National Park.
