Flights and Travel Guide to Uganda

"The Pearl of Africa" – Winston Churchill

Situated in the East Africa, Uganda proclaimed as the African Pearl, is a country that is worth visiting. Its varying and intriguing history, political ups and downs and dynamic culture inspired many, including the writer and director of the famous blockbuster, ‘The Last King of Scotland’.

Geography / Neighborhood of Uganda

The neighborhood of Uganda includes Kenya facing its East and Sudan in its North. The Democratic Republic of Congo is located in the west of Uganda and Tanzania is in the South while the Southwest region is bordered with Rwanda.

Climate / Weather in Uganda

Weather conditions in Uganda are ideal in a sense that the climate varies greatly according to the varying terrains. The low lands have high temperature and the highlands have low temperatures. It rains during the months of March to May and than again from October onwards to the last week of November. The dry months are December, January, February, June, July and August. This is the best time to travel as well.

Getting In Uganda

Following is the basic information that you should have while getting in Uganda.

Passport / Visa Information for Uganda

The visa policy of Uganda is simple, that is if the Ugandans need a Visa to enter your country, you will also need a visa to enter theirs. Hence, you can obtain the visit visa for Uganda from your nearest Ugandan consulate or Embassy and contact them for more information. Major African countries are exempted from Uganda Visa on the same policy.

While applying for Visa or if you have a Ugandan Passport, make sure that you have enough blank pages 3-4 for the purpose of stay and that your Passport is valid for the time to enter till the time to exist. Usually a minimum of six month validity remaining on the passport is ideal to travel with.

Capital/Popular City of Uganda

The capital as well as the popular city of Uganda is Entebbe, (IATA code EBB). This city has all basic amenities and a large airport that welcomes International Arrivals into the country. Entebbe is not only a point to get in Uganda but also serves as a connecting airport from some African airlines offering regional flights. One can find good accommodations in Entebbe and then plan on moving forward to explore the rest of Uganda.

Another notable city that is frequented by foreigners is Kampala, Uganda. This city can be accessed by using the domestic flights.

Airports in a Uganda

The major airport of Uganda is situated at the outskirts of the Ugandan capital city, Entebbe. The second important airport is located in Kampala, however International travelers require to book domestic flights to get there.

• Entebbe: Entebbe International Airport (EBB)
• Kampala: Kampala Airport (KLA)

There are also a number of other airports that provide a vast connectivity for domestic travel. The list goes as follows:

• Arua: Arua Airport (RUA)
• Gulu: Gulu Airport (ULU)
• Moyo: Moyo Airport (OYG)
• Kabalega Falls: Kabalega Falls Airport (KBG)
• Jinja: Jinja Airport (JIN)
• Kasese: Kasese Airport (KSE)
• Masindi: Masindi Airport (KCU)
• Mbarara: Mbarara Airport (MBQ)
• Pakuba: Pakuba Airport (PAF)
• Soroti: Soroti Airport (SRT)
• Tororo: Tororo Airport (TRY)

Airlines to / from Uganda

There are many airlines, especially African born airlines that offer cheap flights to Uganda from worldwide airports. Particularly from London, Manchester, Aberdeen, Southampton, New Castle, Gatwick, Heathrow, London City, Glasgow and other airports in and around UK, following carriers offer Uganda Flights:

• British Airways (BA)
• South African Airways (SA)
• Turkish Airlines (TK)
• Brussels Airline (SN)
• Egypt Air (MS)
• Emirates Airline (EK)
• Ethiopian Airline (ET)
• Kenya Airways (KQ)

Hotels and Accommodations in Uganda

The top and popular accommodations in Uganda are as follows:

• Sheraton Kampala Hotel
• Serena Hotel Kampala
• City Royal Resort Hotel Kampala
• Lake Victoria Serena Resort Kampala
• Entebbe Central Inn Entebbe
• Imperial Botanical Beach Hotel Entebbe
• Primates Lodge Kibale Fortportal
• Golf Course Hotel Kampala
• Protea Hotel Kampala
• Gorilla Resort Bwindi NP
• Imperial Royale Hotel Kampala
• Cassia Lodge Kampala

Getting Around In Uganda

Now that you know how and where to get in, all you need to do is to make a list of places to see and things to do in Uganda. Also, keep an eye on the interesting means of transport that you will be utilizing in Uganda.

Transport in Uganda

You can use minibus, tax or mini-bus like taxi cabs to get around in Entebbe or Kampala. However the most talked about transport that one should experience is ‘Boda Boda’. If you haven’t heard this word before, let me tell you that this is kind of a tuk-tuk or auto however instead of an engine, a person pedals the bicycle or motorcycle, to which the cushions are attached. Ask the driver for a slow drive to enjoy yourself.

The rent a car or hired cars in Uganda are equally good however the roads in developing countries are often poorly maintained, if maintained at all and pot holes are a problem for both tourists and locals alike. So have a driver or don’t think about it.

Places to See in Uganda

The wild life safari, gorilla trekking and visits to the historical sites are common attractions indulging tourists in Uganda. Below is a list of the top toured:

• Murchison Falls National Park
• Ajai Game Reserve
• Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park (Gorilla Trekking)
• Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Chamburu Gorge (chimp tracking)
• Sipi Water Falls
• River Nile day trip

Things to Do in Uganda

From lush forest to barren lands and flat dry Savanna, Uganda is all about diversity and diverse, are the things that you can do in a place like Uganda. The list includes:

• Forest Trekking
• Gorilla Tracking
• Chimpanzee Tracking
• Wildlife Safari
• Horse Riding
• River Rafting
• Bird Watching
• Attending local festivals

Travel Advice Uganda

While visiting Uganda stay safe by knowing and following the below mentioned practices.

Travel Tips for Uganda

No place is unsafe for a smart traveler however following precautions may help in making you Uganda Experience better:

• To avoid unwanted attention, dress appropriately.
• Public displays of affection are uncommon.
• LGBT issues are on the rise in Uganda so be careful.
• Flashing expensive cameras, equipment or jewelery can cause trouble.
• Starring at foreigners openly is common and not considered an offense.
• The security presence is visible as armed guards accompany tourist buses to regions outside big cities.
• Get vaccinated for Malaria and Yellow favor and also is recommended to buy travel insurance.

Is it Safe to Travel to Uganda?

According to the latest fco advise as of now, the department has no restriction on travelling to Uganda with an exception of some regions as stated below.

"We advise against all travel to Karamoja region in north eastern Uganda (Kotido, Moroto, Nakapiripirit, Katakwi, Kaabong, Abim, Kapchorwa and Bukwa Distsricts) with the exception of trips to Kidepo Valley National Park, which we recommend should be made by air. See Safety and Security - Local Travel (North East Uganda) and National Parks. We advise against travel by road outside of major towns at night except between Kampala and the airport at Entebbe" - fco.