Traveling To Uganda From Abroad

If you hope to come to Uganda this year or in the future, this information is more vital for you. It outlines everything, including the needed travel documents, various entry points, and how to travel to Uganda.

This nation exists with incredible natural wonders, favorable climatic conditions, and friendly locals in the eastern region of the African continent. It is not known to many around the globe, but interesting if you get a chance to get to its various corners.

Below, I highlight the different information which can help you understand what is required to successfully travel to and around Uganda.

 

Travel Documents

To access Uganda through Entebbe Airport and other land borders, you must be with your documents. These are a valid passport that indicates your details, the Visa, yellow fever card, and the Covid-19 vaccination card or negative PCR test. You present these papers at the Airport’s immigration desk.

If you don’t have them, no permission for you to enter Uganda. Be sure to apply for your Visa in advance before your travel date because Airlines require you to present it before boarding. After applying, a Uganda Visa is always ready within three days.

 

Airports & Land Borders – Getting there

You can get to Uganda either through the Airport or land borders. For air travelers, your main entry point is EBB Airport in the central region near Kampala city or Hoima Airport (Kabaale) in the western region near Hoima, the renowned oil city.

Of the two, Entebbe is the oldest and the main international Airport. Many airline companies conduct several flights to and from EBB every year. Follow these steps if you need a victorious trip to Uganda by plane.

Then road transport is possible when you are coming from the border countries like Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. There are multiple borders to use.

Katuna and Cyanika borders are for travelers from Rwanda, Mutukula for those coming from Tanzania, and Elegu is for South Sudan. Bunagana and Mpondwe for visitors from DR Congo, Malaba, and Busia borders are for traffic from Kenya.

All these borders are far from the central region, the main location for Kampala city (the capital of Uganda). Expect to drive for not less than four hours from each border point.

 

Transportation

Transport in Uganda is good and enables locals and foreign visitors to get around this nation without any hustle. From the Airport, you can use a taxi for a transfer to Kampala or any other part of the country.

Getting around Uganda is possible when you use private or public means. For the private option, you either hire a car for self-drive or take it with a driver. Apart from that, public transport is ready for you. It is available in Kampala or any other city and town in Uganda. The transport fares are friendly to everyone.

 

Accommodation

Accommodation is available in all categories. The country’s hospitality industry caters to budget, mid-range, and luxury travelers. Starting from Kampala to any other location in Uganda, you will find a lodge or hotel for your class.

You need to reserve in advance. It is possible to do this through a local operator or online booking platforms like booking, Expedia, and Viator. For those who love camping, there is also a slot for you. When you visit places like National parks for tourists, you find permanent tents for accommodation or camping grounds for those who come with their camping equipment.

 

Major Cities

Uganda has many cities, including the newly declared. You find them in different regions. Of all the cities, Kampala is the oldest.

Kampala

Known globally as the capital city of Uganda, Kampala is the meeting point for people from various parts of the nation. It is about 45 kilometers from the notable Entebbe international Airport. Besides being a fantastic stop for nightlife, it is also a business center and tourist spot with many pretty draws.

A city tour can expose you to a wealth of allures such as the lively local markets, historical sites like Kasubi tombs, Namugongo shrines, and Royal palace of Buganda Kingdom, Uganda museum and monuments, religious sites like the Bahai temple, Gadhafi mosque, and the cathedrals in Rubaga division.

Jinja

To the eastern side, you find Jinja, the main home to the source of the River Nile. This place is about 80 kilometers from Kampala. Getting there by car takes not more than three hours except when the routes are highly congested with cars.

With its business centers, unmatched attractions, and breathtaking activities, Jinja invites many people, including tourists. Jinja is separated from the central region by the River Nile. The Nile Bridge enables motorists and pedestrians to cross from Eastern Uganda to the Central and other parts of the country.

If you are searching for ideal spots to make your itinerary for a holiday tour in Uganda, Jinja should be number one on the list. It features several activities such as white water rafting, tubing the Nile, boat cruise, quad biking, bungee jumping, kayaking, and water sliding. Moreover, it has no shortage of great accommodation and eateries.

Mbale

Mbale is also located in the eastern region. The distance from Jinja to Mbale is about 150 kilometers. It has everything you expect to find in a city. People visit it to carry out various businesses. For tourists, it is a great home if you desire to hike Mount Elgon or the Sipi falls in Kapchorwa.

Fort Portal

Fort portal is one of the cleanest cities in Uganda. It occupies a piece of land in western Uganda. It is near several allures, including Kibale Forest National Park, the primate capital of Uganda. From Fort, you can proceed to Kasese, a base for those who have an interest in the Ruwenzori Mountains and Queen Elizabeth National park.

Mbarara

Mbarara is the biggest city in the western area of Uganda. It’s used as a stopover for travelers who are heading to the far ends of the Western region. From this point, you can reach places like Kisoro, Kabale, Ibanda, Bushenyi, Ntungamo, and more.

Gulu

The northern region has Gulu as its biggest city. From Kampala, you can use Kampala – Masindi – Gulu highway to reach this location. You can also use this place as a stopover if you are heading to places like Adjumani, Elegu, Kidepo, Karenga, Kotido, and Kaboong, to name but a few.

Masaka

Masaka is in the central region along Kampala – Mbarara road. It is 135 kilometers far away from the capital. It is the connecting point for travelers to the Mutukula border, the entry or exit point for visitors from Uganda to Tanzania.

Aside from that, there are other engaging towns like Kisoro, Kasese, Kabale, Moroto, Arua, Hoima, Masindi, and Bushenyi, to mention but a few.

 

Places to Explore

Uganda has plenty of enthralling places to explore. In every region you visit, there is something to appreciate. These include National parks, game reserves, lakes, rivers, mountains, waterfalls, historical sites, cultural centers, cities, and more.

Ask a local tour operator to arrange a fantastic Uganda safari based on your interests. You will have a lot to relish before you board your departure flight from Entebbe Airport.