Uganda Travel Guide: How To Get There, What To Pack, and What To Do

Welcome to the Pearl of Africa

"Kale! Welcome!" - words you'll hear often in Uganda, where hospitality isn't just a custom; it's a way of life. Planning a trip to this equatorial wonderland can feel overwhelming with its diverse climates, multiple ecosystems, and unique requirements. But here's the secret: Uganda is surprisingly accessible and traveler-friendly once you know the essentials.

How to get to Uganda

International Air Travel

Uganda can be accessed via Entebbe from many airports across the world

Primary Gateway: Entebbe International Airport (EBB)

• Location: On shores of Lake Victoria, 40km from Kampala (45-90 minute drive)

• Key Airlines & Routes:

  • Europe: Brussels Airlines (Brussels), KLM (Amsterdam), Turkish Airlines (Istanbul)

  • Middle East: Emirates (Dubai), Qatar Airways (Doha), Ethiopian (Addis Ababa)

  • Regional: Kenya Airways (Nairobi), RwandAir (Kigali), Air Tanzania

• Best Booking Tips:

  • Book 4-6 months ahead for best prices

  • Consider multi-city flights (into EBB, out of KGL in Rwanda)

  • Evening arrivals recommended (better traffic, lodge transfers)

Secondary Option: Fly to Nairobi or Kigali

• Nairobi (NBO): More flight options, then connect via Kenyan airline (1.5 hours)

• Kigali (KGL): Smaller airport, easy Rwanda-Uganda border crossing

Regional Overland Travel

From Kenya:

• Bus: Modern coaches from Nairobi to Kampala (12-14 hours)

• Self-Drive: Possible but requires Carnet de Passage, local insurance

• Border: Malaba or Busia crossings (we arrange meet-and-assist)

From Rwanda:

• Most Popular: Kigali to Kabale/Bwindi (4-5 hours)

• Scenic Route: Through Kisoro with volcano views

• Border: Gatuna/Katuna (simplified process for tourists)

From Tanzania:

• Via Lake Victoria: Ferry from Mwanza to Port Bell (overnight)

• Southern Route: Through Mutukula border (less traveled)

Getting Around Uganda

Domestic Flights:

• Aerolink Uganda: Scheduled charters to Pakuba (Murchison), Kasese (QENP), Kisoro and Kihihi (Bwindi) and many others

• Time-Saving: Replaces 8-10 hour drives

Private Vehicle (Our Recommendation):

• Our Fleet: Customized 4x4 Land Cruisers with pop-up roofs

• Included: Professional driver-guide, water, Wi-Fi, charging ports

• Road Conditions: Major highways paved, park roads rugged

Public Transport:

• Matatus: Minibuses (crowded but authentic)

• Boda Bodas: Motorcycle taxis (use with helmet from reputable companies)

• Special Hire: Private taxis for city travel

What To Pack For a Trip to Uganda

The Core Packing Philosophy

Pack for three climates in one day: cool morning, hot afternoon, chilly evening. And always be ready for rain, even in dry season.

For Safari & Trekking:

• 3-4 moisture-wicking safari shirts (long sleeve for sun protection)

• 2-3 convertible hiking pants (zip-off legs)

• 1 lightweight fleece or sweater (Bwindi mornings are 10-15°C)

• 1 waterproof/windproof jacket (compact)

• 1 wide-brimmed hat with chin strap

• 2-3 buffs or bandanas (dust, sweat, sun protection)

Footwear:

• Primary: Broken-in waterproof hiking boots (gorilla trekking)

• Secondary: Lightweight trail shoes or sandals (camp/lodge)

• Socks: 5-6 moisture-wicking pairs (bring more than you think!)

For Evenings & Lodges:

• 1 smart-casual outfit (some lodges have dress codes for dinner)

• Lightweight scarf or shawl

• Comfortable shoes (not worn on safari)

Equipment & Gear

• Quality binoculars (8x42 or 10x42 recommended)

• Camera with zoom lens (70-300mm minimum for wildlife)

• Waterproof dry bags or packing cubes

• Headlamp with red light (for night drives/nature calls)

• Reusable water bottle (we provide purified water)

Highly Recommended:

• Power bank (20,000mAh+)

• Universal adapter (UK Type G plugs in Uganda)

• Small backpack for day trips

• Zip-lock bags (multiple uses)

• Travel towel (quick-dry)

Health & Safety:

• Personal medication (in original containers)

• Malaria prophylaxis (consult doctor 4-6 weeks before)

• Hand sanitizer and wet wipes

• Basic first aid kit (we carry comprehensive kits)

Seasonal Additions

Dry Season (Jun-Aug, Dec-Feb):

• Lip balm with SPF

• Saline nasal spray (dust)

• Lightweight gloves (cold morning game drives)

Wet Season (Mar-May, Sep-Nov):

• Extra socks (3 pairs per day possible)

• Quick-dry everything

• Umbrella (compact)

• Waterproof camera cover

Gorilla Trekking Specific:

• Gardening gloves (for grabbing vegetation)

• Gaiters (we provide but bring if you have)

• Trekking poles (we provide)

What Not To Bring

• Camouflage clothing (illegal for civilians in Uganda)

• Single-use plastics (Uganda is reducing plastic waste)

• Expensive jewelry (keep it simple)

• Hairdryers (most lodges provide)

• Too many clothes (many lodges offer laundry)

Pre Travel Essentials

Visas & Documentation

Uganda Visa:

• Apply Online: https://visas.immigration.go.ug/

• Cost: $50 single entry (6 months), $100 East African Tourist Visa (Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya)

• Processing: 3-5 business days

• Required: Passport (6+ months validity), yellow fever certificate, return ticket

East African Tourist Visa:

• Best Option: If visiting multiple countries

• Valid: 90 days across Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya

• Apply: Through first country of entry

Passport Requirements:

• Minimum 6 months validity

• At least 2 blank pages

• Copy stored separately/cloud

Health Preparations

Required:

• Yellow Fever vaccination (certificate required)

• COVID-19 vaccination (check current requirements)

Highly Recommended:

• Malaria prophylaxis (start before travel)

• Typhoid vaccine

• Hepatitis A & B

• Tetanus booster

Consult Your Doctor About:

• Altitude sickness medication (Rwenzori/Bwindi)

• Traveler's diarrhea antibiotics

• Motion sickness medication (bumpy roads)

Travel Insurance:

• Recommended for our safaris

• Must cover emergency evacuation (nearest facilities: Nairobi or South Africa)

• Recommended: World Nomads or SafetyWing

Money Matters

For your trip around Uganda, we advise you to carry some cash both local and USD currencies.

Currency: Ugandan Shilling (UGX)

Current Rate: Check Current USD to UGX Rate

• USD Cash: New bills (2013 or newer), no tears or marks

• Amount: $500-1,000 in $50s and $100s for major expenses

• Credit Cards: Visa/MasterCard accepted at larger lodges

• ATM Cards: Available in major towns (withdrawal limits)

Budgeting Guide (Per Day):

• Budget: $100-150 (camping, public transport)

• Mid-Range: $200-350 (lodges, private transport)

• Luxury: $400-600+ (premium lodges, fly-in safaris)

• Gorilla Permit: $800 additional

• Chimp Permit: $250 additional

Recommended Tipping Guidelines:

• Driver-guide: $15-25 per day

• Lodge staff: $10-20 per stay

• Gorilla trekking porters: $20-25

• Restaurant: 5-10% if service charge not included

What to do in Uganda

While not limited to these experiences, while in Uganda these are the most sought after activities

1. Gorilla Trekking (The Iconic)

• Where: Bwindi Impenetrable or Mgahinga

• Time: 2-8 hours depending on family location

• Fitness: Moderate to challenging

• Our Tip: Hire a porter ($20) - supports community and helps you

2. Chimpanzee Trekking

• Where: Kibale Forest (best), Budongo, Kyambura Gorge

• Options: Standard (3 hours) or Habituation (full day)

• Magic Moment: Morning chorus at dawn

3. Classic Game Drives

• Queen Elizabeth National Park: Tree-climbing lions, Kazinga Channel

• Murchison Falls National Park: Nile delta, Rothschild's giraffe

• Kidepo Valley National Park: Wilderness experience, cheetah possible

• Lake Mburo National Park: Compact savannah experience, impalas & zebras abundant

4. Boat Safaris

• Kazinga Channel: Hippo capital of the world

• Nile River: Murchison Falls to Lake

• Lake Mburo: Birding paradise

5. Batwa Cultural Experience

• Former forest dwellers of Bwindi

• Learn traditional hunting, medicine

• Cultural performances

6. Karamojong Manyatta Visit

• Northern Uganda pastoralists

• Authentic village life

• Traditional dancing and crafts

7. Kampala Cultural Tour

• Ndere Cultural Centre: Traditional performances

• Kasubi Tombs: UNESCO World Heritage site

• Local Markets: Owino and Nakasero

8. White Water Rafting

• Where: Jinja (Source of the Nile)

• Grade: 3-5 rapids

• Options: Half day, full day, or family float

9. Hiking & Trekking

• Rwenzori Mountains: 7-12 day summits

• Mount Elgon: 4-5 day circuits

• Volcanoes: Mgahinga's three peaks

10. Zip-lining & Quad Biking

• Jinja: Multiple adventure operators

• Lake Bunyonyi: Scenic zip lines

11. Lake Bunyonyi

• "Place of little birds"

• Canoeing, swimming (bilharzia-free)

• Relaxation between activities

12. Sipi Falls

• Three-tiered waterfall

• Coffee plantation tours

• Abseiling available

13. Equator Experience

• Photo opportunity

• Water demonstration

• Craft markets

SAMPLE ITINERARIES

7-Day Highlights Tour

Day 1: Arrive Entebbe, transfer to Lake Mburo
Day 2: Morning walking safari, transfer to Bwindi
Day 3: Gorilla trekking
Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth, evening boat cruise
Day 5: Morning game drive, transfer to Kibale
Day 6: Chimpanzee tracking, Bigodi Swamp walk
Day 7: Return to Entebbe, depart

10-Day Complete Uganda

Day 1-2: Murchison Falls (game drives, Nile cruise)
Day 3-4: Kibale Forest (chimps, Bigodi)
Day 5-6: Queen Elizabeth (Ishasha lions, Kazinga)
Day 7-8: Bwindi (gorilla trekking)
Day 9: Lake Bunyonyi (relaxation)
Day 10: Return to Entebbe

14-Day Ultimate Adventure

Day 1-3: Kidepo Valley (wilderness safari)
Day 4-6: Murchison Falls (including rhino sanctuary)
Day 7-8: Kibale (chimp habituation experience)
Day 9-10: Queen Elizabeth (tree-climbing lions)
Day 11-12: Bwindi (gorilla trekking)
Day 13: Lake Bunyonyi
Day 14: Depart

PRACTICAL TIPS & CULTURAL INSIGHTS

Cultural Etiquette

Greetings:

• Handshakes are common (right hand only)

• Elders respected first

• "How are you?" expected before business

Photography:

• Always ask before photographing people

• Some cultures believe photos capture soul

• Offer small tip if taking portraits

Dress Code:

• Conservative dress appreciated

• Swimwear only at pools/lakes

Language:

• English: Official language, widely spoken

• Swahili: Growing in usage

• Luganda: Central region

• Helpful Phrases:

  • Hello: "Oli otya?" (Or "Hello" is fine)

  • Thank you: "Webale"

  • How much?: "Sente mmeka?"

Health

• Drink only bottled or purified water

• We provide unlimited purified water

• Avoid ice in drinks unless at premium lodges

• Delicious and generally safe

• Eat cooked foods hot

• Fruit you can peel is safest

Safety:

• Uganda is generally very safe for tourists

• Exercise normal city precautions in Kampala

• Leave valuables in lodge safes

• Our guides are trained in first aid and safety

Communication:

• SIM Cards: MTN or Airtel at airport ($5-10)

• Wi-Fi: Available at lodges (variable speed)

• Our Vehicles: Equipped with Wi-Fi hotspots

Responsible Travel

Our Commitment:

• 100% Ugandan staff

• Community tourism projects

• Conservation contributions from each safari

• Plastic-free operations where possible

Your Role:

• Respect wildlife viewing distances

• Support local artisans (fair prices)

• Conserve water and energy at lodges

• Follow guide instructions at all times

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