Uganda Travel Information.

Getting There and Away

Uganda has become a very accessible destination which can be reached by air or land.

Airlines

Several airlines fly to Uganda, including  Air Uganda, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Egypt Air, Emirates, Ethiopian Airways, Kenya Airways, KLM, Precision Air, Qatar Airways, Rwanda Air, South African Airways and Turkish Airlines. International flights generally arrive into the modern Entebbe International Airport (EBB) located one hour from the capital of Kampala.

Need help finding flights? Contact one of us to get assistance with your flights and travel packages.

By Road

There are safe, easy but lengthy bus routes into Kampala from Kenya (Nairobi), Tanzania (Bukoba, Dar es Salaam), Rwanda (Kigali) and Burundi (Bujumbura). The borders with South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are more risky - be sure to research the current travel situation as well as visa requirements before attempting travel to or from these countries.

Getting Around

Getting around Uganda has never been easier – flexibility exists in use of private or public transport, with the improved transport network and extended communication facilities to even the remotest National Parks. 
Traveling in Uganda is a true adventure. There are several ways to get around, and the option you choose will depend upon your time constraints and your budget. Travelling by road is the most accessible and cheapest way to travel, and public transport connects all major locations, and ventures far off the beaten track. For those short of time, domestic flights are available to many of the national parks.

 Tour Operators and Public Transportation

Buses, taxis, VIP vans and several touring trucks operated by individual tour operators are available to help travelers reach their destinations. Motorcycle taxis, known as boda-bodas, can always be used for short distances. Safety can be a concern so it's not recommended to travel by boda boda without a helmet. 

Self Drive

Self-drive options are available by contacting This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

We do however recommend that you take a driver guide with you if you are not accustomed to driving in Africa.

Domestic Flights

Eagle Air operate the following flights between Kampala and the national parks:

Scheduled Flights

Murchison Falls National Park – Pakuba Airstrip (daily)

Prices in US $:

• 1 pax: $435 single, $795 return
• 2 pax: $215 single, $395 return
• 3 pax or more: $145 single, $265 return

Charter Flights

Daily charter flights are available to the following destinations. Prices will be quoted on request.

• Queen Elizabeth National Park (Mweya Airstrip)
• Kidepo Valley National Park (Apoka Airstrip)
• Murchison Falls National Park (Pakuba Airstrip)
• Bwindi mIpenetrable National Park (Ishasha Airstrip)
• Semuliki National Park (Semliki Airstrip)
• Rwenzori Mountains National Park (Kasese Airstrip)
• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Kisoro Airstrip)

Before You Leave

• We work with lodges and accommodation options that all have close community links, and many also take measures to avoid harming the environment, such as installing solar power/water systems, composting toilets and recycling.
• Think about what to take. We provide details of hundreds of projects around the world that need donations of anything from books and stationery to clothing and car parts. A small gift will make a huge difference.
• A way of reducing your own environmental impact is to use eco-friendly products such as sun screen, soap and shampoos – particularly important in areas where it is hard to dispose of waste water. These are not readily available in Uganda, so consider bringing them with you.

Respect the Communities

• Respect the local people – don’t take photos of them without asking, dress respectfully and learn how to say please and thank you in the local language (you can learn these and other useful Luganda phrases – politeness is always appreciated.
• Tip guides, porters, drivers and waiting staff as you would back home.
• Haggling over a price is fine – as long as you are prepared to pay a fair amount. Think about the time and craftsmanship that has gone into what you want to buy, and remember the seller is trying to make a living.
• Use local guides where possible, eat at local restaurants, shop at community craft shops and consider spending part of your trip in community-run accommodation – it will be an exciting, authentic experience for you, and worthwhile for the local village.
• Ask where the crafts came from before you buy - in some cases they are imported, and will not support local craftspeople.
• Do not give sweets or money to children as this encourages begging. If you want to give gifts (such as pens or pencils) during a community tour, give them to your guide to distribute afterwards.

Respect the Environment

• Obey park rules at all times – do not approach wildlife, drop litter or stray from designated roads/hiking trails. Keep noise to a minimum and follow your guide’s instructions.
• In many places, fresh water is in short supply, so keep showers short, avoid leaving taps running and reuse towels and linen. In places with solar panels, be aware of your electricity use – turn off lights and all electrical appliances when not in use.
• Never buy crafts or products made from protected or endangered animals, such as ivory, fur or feathers.
• Do not buy meat such as hippo, bushbuck or buffalo. These are obtained only through illegal poaching, which poses one of the greatest threats to Uganda´s wildlife today.
• Recycling facilities are limited in Uganda, but many lodges have bins to collect plastic bottles, and all glass bottles should be returned to the place you bought them to be reused.
• Take all batteries home with you – they cannot be safely disposed of in Uganda. If possible, use rechargeable batteries to reduce toxic waste.

Give Something Back

• Many communities offer short or long term volunteer placements – in a school, nursery, clinic, reforestation project, or even helping the community work on their tourism business. If you have some time to spare,   you are sure to get as much out of it as the people you are there to help!