Are you looking for the best way to travel from Entebbe to Kihihi? If so, you’ve come to the right place.
I actually live around thirty minutes away from Kihihi (pronounced locally chi-hi-hi) and make the journey from Entebbe to Kihihi regularly. I’ve driven, taken a bus, and even flown, so I’ve decided to share my reflections with you to help you plan your trip to this part of Uganda.
You might be aware that Kihihi serves as the southern gateway to Queen Elizabeth National Park and is the closest town to the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha. It’s also around one hour’s drive from Bwindi National Park, the home of gorilla trekking in Uganda.
Therefore, Kihihi is a pretty important town on Uganda’s tourist trail! So, with that in mind, here are four options for your journey from Entebbe to Kihihi, with some advice on how to make the necessary arrangements.
Option #1: Flight
The all-round best option for traveling from Entebbe to Kihihi.
Undoubtedly the best option for tourists planning to travel from Entebbe to Kihihi is to catch a flight. There’s at least one flight every day from Entebbe International Airport to Kihihi airstrip, and the journey takes between 60 and 90 minutes, depending on the weather conditions.
There are two domestic airlines in Uganda that fly this route – Aerolink and Bar Aviation. I tend to fly with Bar Aviation as they offer a generous discount to East African Residents, and I’ve found their service to be exemplary on every journey I’ve taken with them.
In terms of cost, you can expect to pay approximately $250 one-way for a flight from Entebbe to Kihihi, which is undoubtedly expensive when you compare it to certain domestic flights in the US and Europe.
But due to the comfort and efficiency of flying this route, I’d highly recommend it if you’re short on time. I explain everything you need to know about domestic flights in Uganda in this recent article, and it’s a great starting point if you’re planning to book a flight from Entebbe to Kihihi.
Option #2: Private hire
The best option if you’re planning a safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Travel in style and comfort from Entebbe to Kihihi with the AJ Tours team!
If you don’t like the idea of taking a domestic flight, you can arrange a private hire to take you from Entebbe to Kihihi. There are many taxi drivers in and around Entebbe who would be willing to take you, but you will need to negotiate the price directly with them before departure.
But by far the best option if you’re planning for a private hire to take you to Kihihi is to get in touch with a safari company ahead of time, particularly as most tourists head to Kihihi to go on a safari in Queen Elizabeth’s Ishasha sector.
By road, it takes between 7-10 hours to drive to Kihihi, and the length of the journey depends on how many stops you make, as well as the condition of the road from Rukungiri to Kihihi (it’s a murram road, not tarmac!).
You can expect a private hire to cost between $80 and $150 per day (excluding fuel), depending on the type of vehicle that you hire and the company that you hire it from.
I’ve partnered with the good people at AJ Tours to offer you the best rates for private hire in Uganda, and thanks to their fleet of well-maintained safari vehicles, they’re perfectly positioned to take you from Entebbe to Kihihi.
They can also arrange game drives and boat trips in the park, as well as accommodation within Queen Elizabeth National Park. Feel free to get in touch with Andrew and the team to enquire about a private hire from Entebbe to Kihihi, and let them know I sent you!
Another great option for traveling from Entebbe to Kihihi (and for traveling around Uganda more generally) is to hire a car and drive yourself.
The best option for car hire in Uganda is Road Trip Africa, and they have various vehicles for hire to suit different budgets, starting at around $50 per day for a small 4×4. I’ve put together this handy guide to hiring a car in Uganda, which you can read through to learn all about your car hire options if you like the idea of driving yourself.
If you plan to drive to Kihihi yourself, you should allocate an entire day to traveling as it’s never a good idea to drive in Uganda in the dark as a tourist.
Be sure to check out my article on driving in Uganda as a tourist so you know what to expect when you take to the road in your hired car for the first time!
Option #4: Bus
The budget-friendly option – not for the faint-hearted!
The fourth and final option for traveling from Entebbe to Kihihi is to take a bus. You will need to first travel from Entebbe to Kampala’s bus park, where you can find the Star Link coaches booking office.
Star Link runs two buses each day to Kihihi from Kampala, one during the day and one at night. I’ve taken both the day and the night bus, and I don’t recommend either of them!
This is mainly because I’m 6”3, and there isn’t a great deal of space on Ugandan buses, making for an extremely uncomfortable trip across the country.
Due to traffic in Kampala and the poor quality of the roads on the final stretch of the journey to Kihihi, it’s not uncommon for the bus to take between 10-12 hours to reach Kihihi, making it the longest of all of the options.
Perhaps the best thing about taking the bus is the price – it costs between $10 and $20 for a one-way ticket. The price is subject to change and has fluctuated a lot in recent times, but in my experience, the agents in the booking office always quote the actual price, as opposed to trying to rip you off.
So, if you’re keen on the budget option when traveling from Entebbe to Kihihi, the bus is your best bet. You can check out my review of Ugandan buses before making your decision about whether or not this is the best way to travel across the country!
The verdict: How to travel from Entebbe to Kihihi
So, there you have it – four ways to travel from Entebbe to Kihihi. If you’re taking a short vacation in Uganda and time is of the essence, booking a flight with Bar Aviation or Aerolink is by far the best option.
But if you’re planning a safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park upon your arrival in Kihihi and you don’t mind a long road trip, you can either hire a vehicle and a driver or drive yourself.
I would only recommend taking the bus as a last resort, but it’s definitely the best budget-friendly option for a journey from Entebbe to Kihihi!
When it comes to car hire in Uganda, you have several options to consider. However, one thing to mention right away is that hiring a vehicle in Uganda is relatively expensive, particularly when compared to the cost of car hire in the United States.
This is primarily due to the fact that there are fewer firms to choose from, and the cost of maintaining vehicles is much higher, given the poor condition of most Ugandan roads!
Still, if you’re planning a self-drive safari in Uganda, the fact of the matter is that there are several viable options available to you when it comes to renting a vehicle for the duration of your stay. So, with that in mind, this article introduces you to the cost of car hire in Uganda, as well as the options available to you in 2023.
How much is car hire in Uganda?
Car hire in Uganda starts at around $50 per day but can exceed $150 per day, depending on the vehicle that you’re planning to hire. If you’re hoping to take the vehicle outside of Kampala and Entebbe, it’s necessary to opt for a 4×4, as the roads up-country are in poor condition!
In the following section, I introduce you to three car hire options available to you, which will help you choose the ideal vehicle for your Ugandan vacation.
Three options for car hire in Uganda
Here, I introduce you to three companies that offer car hire in Uganda, based on my experience of working with each of them. As an overview:
Option #1: Road Trip Africa – Perfect for self-drive safaris.
Option #2: AJ Tours & Travel – Perfect for car hire with a driver.
Option #3: Car Hire Uganda – Perfect for small vehicle hire.
So, read on to learn more about each of these car hire companies and why you can trust them for your vehicle rental in Uganda.
Option #1: Road Trip Africa
Perfect for self-drive safaris.
Before I owned a car in Uganda, I hired a vehicle with Road Trip Africa on three separate occasions. I was extremely impressed by the service received before each trip, and the vehicle that I received served me well throughout the duration of my time in Uganda. As such, I can’t recommend Road Trip Africa highly enough.
One of the things I like about Road Trip Africa is that you can pick a vehicle to suit your needs and preferences, ranging from small 4x4s to custom safari vehicles. With that in mind, here is what you can expect to pay if you’re looking to hire a car from Road Trip Africa in 2023 for your Ugandan vacation:
Vehicle
Price Per Day (in Euros)
Toyota Rav 4 (3 Door)
39.00 – 59.00
Toyota Rav 4 (5 Door)
49.00 – 69.00
Toyota Landcruiser Troopy with pop-up safari roof
89.00 – 129.00
Toyota Landcruiser Box
79.00 – 119.00
Toyota Hilux Double Cab
99.00 – 139.00
The reason for the variation in price in the table above is due to the fact that Road Trip Africa offers discounted rates for hiring a vehicle during the off-season. Also, you can access a better rate if you borrow the vehicle for more days (i.e., a ten-day rental offers lower daily rates than a 2-day rental).
As you can see, Road Trip Africa isn’t cheap, but the reliability of their vehicles and the quality of their service is what stands them apart, and the last thing you want is to be stuck on the road during your vacation in Uganda!
For more information about the vehicles within the Road Trip Africa fleet and to enquire about car hire in Uganda, you can contact Road Trip here.
Option #2: AJ Tours & Travel
One of the safari vehicles in the AJ Tours & Travel fleet.
Perfect for vehicle hire with a driver.
AJ Tous & Travel is a leading tour operator based in Kampala, with a fleet of vehicles available for hire. The team at AJ Tours specializes in organizing affordable safari trips to various national parks in Uganda, but they also offer a competitive car hire with driver service, which is perfect for taking the pressure of driving out of your trip.
Presently, AJ Tours charges $100 per day for car hire (inclusive of driver), and they have several vehicles within their fleet to accommodate small and large groups. Having used AJ Tours on so many occasions in the past, I can’t recommend the team enough. Adam is a particularly great driver – so be sure to recommend him if you’re keen to hire a car from AJ Tours.
Like Road Trip Africa, AJ Tours offers seasonal discounts on the cost of their car hire, so be sure to email them in advance to enquire about the best possible price they can give you before agreeing to hire a vehicle and driver for your trip.
For more information about the vehicles within the AJ Tours and Travel fleet and to enquire about car hire in Uganda, you can contact AJ Tours here.
Option #3: Car Hire Uganda
Perfect for small vehicle hire.
Although you can rent all manner of vehicles from the aptly named Car Hire Uganda, this company is a great choice if you’re looking to hire smaller cars in Uganda and you don’t necessarily need a safari vehicle.
For instance, you can rent a Toyota Vitz for just $40 per day, which is one of the cheapest ways to hire a car for the duration of your holiday. Alternatively, you can also find a 5-Door Toyota Rav 4 for $45 per day and a Land Cruiser TV for $65 per day.
Each of these options represents great value for money and can help you get around Uganda if you plan to spend most of your time on the country’s paved road systems!
For more information about the vehicles within the Car Hire Uganda fleet and to enquire about vehicle hire in the Pearl of Africa, you can contact CH Uganda here.
The verdict: The best options for car hire in Uganda, 2023
So, there you have it – my recommendations for hiring a car in Uganda in 2023. Whether you opt for Roadtrip, AJ Tours, or CH Uganda, you can expect great service and reliable service for the duration of your stay in Uganda. Hiring a vehicle is liberating, as it allows you to see different parts of this beautiful country at your own pace, so it’s definitely something that is worth considering ahead of your vacation!
If you’re planning to hire a vehicle for your vacation in Uganda, please do check out my recent article, where I explain what driving in Uganda is like. I offer some top tips based on experience, and they will help you prepare for your Ugandan self-drive safari.
When you travel to a country on vacation, it’s tempting to try different ways of traveling around while you’re away. When you arrive in Uganda, you will find that motorcycle taxis – known locally as boda-bodas – are a popular way for people to get around. But are boda-bodas safe in Uganda safe?
A 2020 study found that more than half of the surgical budget for Mulago National Referral Hospital – Uganda’s largest public hospital – has been dedicated to treating patients with boda-boda injuries, given the rise in road traffic incidents involving motorcyclists.
Serious incidents involving motorcycle taxis in Uganda are all too common and are caused by a number of factors, including dangerous driving, poor maintenance, inferior roads, and lack of helmet use, among several other factors.
As a result, some safety-conscious Ugandans avoid using boda-bodas altogether, while others only ever hop on a motorcycle taxi with a rider that they trust.
When you’re on vacation in Uganda as a tourist; you might be tempted to jump on a boda-boda when in Entebbe or Kampala, as many people use them every day to get around. If you decide to use a motorcycle taxi, please bear in mind the following five safety tips before scheduling a ride, so you can at least mitigate some of the risks associated with this form of transport in Uganda.
The verdict: Are boda-bodas safe in Uganda?
Using motorcycle taxis (boda-bodas) is generally not advised for tourists, as accident rates are high. However, if you’re sensible and take certain precautions, jumping on a motorcycle taxi to travel short distances isn’t necessarily dangerous.
My wife and I own two motorcycles in Uganda, and we rent them out to friends who use them as motorcycle taxis. We ensure our motorcycles are insured and well maintained, but not everyone is as mindful of the condition of their motorcycles, which contributes to many of road traffic incidents.
So, if you’re planning to take a motorcycle taxi in Uganda, please bear the following five safety tips in mind:
Consider the weather conditions before riding
Photo Credit: Kayla Farmer
Traveling by motorcycle taxi in the rain is a bad idea. Not only is it uncomfortable, but it’s dangerous. Even the best tarmac roads in Uganda become extremely slippery for boda-bodas after heavy downpours, and it’s common for riders to slip on the roads and lose their balance.
And while the weather in Uganda is often unpredictable, try and plan your journeys ahead of time and if it looks like rain is on the horizon, look for an alternative means of transport.
For people traveling on a super tight budget, you can opt for a seat in a shared public taxi to take you to your destination, and for those of you with a little more money to spare, just hire a private taxi to take you where you need to go.
Boda-bodas can be dangerous enough in Uganda without adding bad weather to the mix, so be sensible about whether it’s a good idea to arrange a motorcycle taxi in the first place!
Don’t ride without a helmet
According to the aforementioned study into boda-boda safety in Uganda, less than one in five motorcycle riders wears a helmet. You don’t need me to tell you about the importance of wearing a helmet when riding a motorcycle, but it’s important to mention it here.
Even though many motorcycle taxi riders in Uganda choose not to wear helmets, they usually carry a helmet that is available to their passengers. If you flag a boda-boda driver down to take you somewhere, insist that they provide you with a helmet.
If they don’t have one to offer you (and you haven’t got one yourself), then wait for another boda-boda rider to stop. Given the regular occurrence of boda-boda incidents on the roads, wearing a helmet is a bare minimum requirement when choosing this form of transport.
If you’re not having much luck flagging down a boda-boda rider with a helmet, you can turn to technology to help you, as I explain below.
Use an app to find trusted riders
In Kampala, there is an application called Safe Boda, which is an absolute must-have if you plan on using motorcycle taxis during your vacation in Uganda. Safe Boda is Uganda’s Uber, and it’s a safe and secure way to hail a ride when you’re in the capital city. When you book a rider on Safe Boda, you are guaranteed the following:
The rider is licensed, insured, and vetted.
There is a helmet available for you to wear.
The bike is in sound mechanical condition.
The payment process is cashless and conducted via the app.
Although you sometimes have to wait a little longer for a Safe Boda driver to show up – particularly when compared to flagging down a rider on the road – it’s absolutely worth the wait.
In recent times, the Ugandan government has instituted a clamp down on unlicensed boda-boda riders, and applications like Safe Boda will soon dominate the market. So, if you want to guarantee your ride with a registered and safe motorcycle taxi, Safe Boda is absolutely essential, so be sure to download it to your phone before planning your journey.
Use them only for short distances
When I’m in Kampala, I often use Safe Boda to move around. This is typically because the traffic is so bad in some parts of the city, and it can take an eternity to get to your destination if you travel by car.
However, I try and limit my boda-boda journeys to short distances – typically only a few kilometers at a time – to reduce the risk of being involved in an accident.
If you’re planning a longer journey in and around Uganda’s capital city, it’s safer to brave the jam or to use Google Maps to try and avoid gridlocked streets. While boda-bodas can offer an effective solution for many short journeys, they’re not the best option for longer rides through the city.
Always negotiate the price before agreeing to a ride
Helpfully, if you use an app like Safe Boda to arrange a motorcycle taxi in Uganda, you don’t need to worry about negotiating a price beforehand. The cost of the ride will be indicated on the app, and you deposit the money into the driver’s account following your ride.
However, if you hail a motorcycle taxi from the side of the road, you need to negotiate the price with the rider. This can be extremely difficult if you’re new to Uganda and you don’t know where you’re going!
While some boda-boda drivers will charge you a fair price, others will try and rip you off. If you’re taking a boda-boda from your hotel, ask a member of staff how much you should pay to get to a certain destination before boarding. You can then tell the rider how much you’re willing to pay, and if it’s a fair price, they are likely to accept.
But to avoid this hassle, I recommend downloading the Safe Boda app, so you can find out the exact price to get to your destination without negotiating with the rider.
Recap: Are boda-bodas safe in Uganda?
So, are boda-bodas safe in Uganda? It depends. As a tourist, you need to be careful about accepting a ride from any passing boda-boda, and you should use an app like Safe Boda to ensure that the driver is licensed and the bike is in good mechanical condition.
You should also avoid taking motorcycle taxis in the rain and limit your journeys to short distances while always wearing a helmet. If you follow these tips, you can safely use motorcycle taxis in Uganda, but taking a boda-boda is certainly not without its risks.
If you’re looking for ways to travel from Kampala to Entebbe and aren’t sold on motorcycle taxis, check out this article, where I discuss your options for traveling between the two.
When you’re arriving in a new country for the first time, it can be helpful to know what to expect when you land at its main international airport. In Uganda, Entebbe International Airport is the gateway to the country, welcoming the vast majority of tourists who make it to the Pearl of Africa every year.
Having flown in and out of Entebbe International Airport more times than I can remember since 2012, I can honestly say that I’ve had overwhelmingly positive experiences at the airport when flying both internationally and domestically.
So, to help you prepare for touchdown, I’ve put together this handy guide to Entebbe International Airport. It will help you prepare for your arrival in Uganda and will provide some helpful tips as you make your way from Entebbe to your next destination.
What’s Entebbe International Airport really like?
Entebbe International Airport is small by international standards and has only one terminal that welcomes international flights. But in my experience, the airport is well-run and easy to navigate, even if it can get a little busy at times.
Upon arrival, you pass through the health screening section, and provided that you have all of your paperwork in order (yellow fever vaccination & Covid-19 papers), you can pass through without issue onto immigration and then to baggage collection.
In my ten years of coming backward and forward to Uganda, from reaching the health screening check to leaving the airport has never taken more than an hour – which is pretty good going when you think of wait times in other parts of the world!
Of course, everyone has different experiences of airports, and I’m sure you can talk to people who have waited for a long time at Entebbe Airport after a long flight. But in my personal experience, things have been plain sailing upon arrival.
When departing, there isn’t a great deal to do in the airport when you’re waiting for your flight – there are a few duty-free shops, a bookstore, a bar, and a cafeteria from which you can buy food and drink before boarding your flight.
But given that you now need to be at the airport 3-4 hours before your departure time, make sure you have a good book to read or something downloaded on your iPad to pass the time, as is the case in all airports!
Arriving
As mentioned, my experiences of arriving at Entebbe Airport have been overwhelmingly positive. After touchdown, your first port of call will be health screening. Here, you must present your yellow fever vaccination card and any other relevant paperwork – Covid-19 vaccination, for instance. Provided that you have your paperwork in order, you are allowed to proceed to the immigration desks.
You need to make sure that you have the correct visa before entering Uganda. You can find all of the information you need about a tourist visa by visiting the official Ugandan immigration portal here.
At the immigration booths, there are several lines – one for Ugandans, one for EA residents and citizens, one for diplomatic passport holders, and one for tourists (those with e-visas). You’re required to submit your fingerprints, and the immigration officer will take a photo of you before stamping your passport and allowing you to pass through to the baggage reclaim area.
Again, I’ve never had an issue with immigration officers in Uganda and have found them to be polite and courteous. Granted, I’ve always had a visa in advance, and I imagine that if you don’t have the right paperwork, you might have an issue! As is the case when traveling to any country for the first time, make sure you check Uganda’s current entry requirements before traveling, so you don’t have any problems with immigration officers on arrival.
Baggage reclaim is the same as it is at any other airport, and in my experience, things move relatively quickly. There’s also a currency exchange alongside the baggage reclaim area, so you can buy enough Ugandan shillings to help you get to your hotel. One thing to note about baggage reclaim in Entebbe is that you are required to place your bags through a scanner before leaving the airport, and the police might ask you to see your baggage tags before permitting you to leave the airport. Just bear this in mind and have the tags to hand, just in case you’re asked for them.
All that’s left to do is to leave the airport and connect with your driver before heading out to explore the Pearl of Africa!
Departing
In the lead-up to your flight home, double-check the departure time with your airline. I’ve had a couple of experiences when flying from Entebbe Airport where the time (and even day!) of my flight has been changed. So, it makes sense to double-check before making any arrangements.
Most airlines require you to be at the airport 3-4 hours before departure, but again, you should check this with your airline.
When you arrive at Entebbe International Airport for your flight, you need to walk up the ramp to the departure area, which is located on the second floor of the airport. There, you will proceed through a tented area, where officials will check your health credentials before allowing you to pass into the check-in area.
As you make your way into the new check-in area, you need to place your bags in a scanner (as is the norm at all airports) before proceeding to the required check-in desk. After checking in and depositing your bags, you make your way to the immigration desks, where officials will check your papers and place an exit stamp on your passport.
All that’s left to do once you’ve cleared immigration is to wait for your flight in the relatively small departures lounge, and your options for shopping and refreshments are somewhat limited, as already explained!
Facilities
Entebbe International Airport isn’t blessed with a great deal of services, and the departure lounge isn’t particularly big. There are a couple of duty-free stores from which you can buy all the usual items, a souvenir store, a bookshop, and a dedicated bar.
There is also a cafeteria that serves hot and cold food, but it’s not the most extensive menu, and the food and drink on offer isn’t the best! It’s also expensive, but that’s often the case when you eat at an airport.
Essentially, if you want to enjoy a hearty meal before getting on an international flight, I’d recommend eating somewhere in Entebbe beforehand. You can grab snacks at the cafeteria before boarding your flight, but I wouldn’t rely on it for a nice meal.
While waiting for your flight to board, you can tune in to TV, which is usually showing Premier League football.
Other than this, there’s not a great deal going on in the Entebbe Airport departure lounge, so make sure you have something to keep you entertained when you’re waiting for your flight to board.
Airline offices at Entebbe Airport
Should you need to speak to a representative of the airline that you’re flying with for whatever reason, you will find the airline offices located just before you enter the tent for pre-departure health screening. This helpful page from Uganda’s Civil Aviation Authority provides you with all of the contact information that you need if you have to contact one of the airlines operating out of Entebbe Airport.
Traveling to/from Entebbe Airport
There is no public transport system connecting Entebbe International Airport to Kampala, so you will need to arrange for private means to take you from Entebbe or Kampala to the airport and vice versa. I’ve put together this handy guide to traveling from Entebbe Airport to Entebbe town and also this piece on traveling from Entebbe to Kampala to help you plan your onward travel when you arrive in Uganda for the first time.
What’s Entebbe Airport famous for?
Many tourists arrive in Uganda having heard of Entebbe International Airport before. Internationally, the airport is known for the infamous “Raid on Entebbe,” – also known as Operation Entebbe, which saw Israeli Defence Forces liberate a hijacked plane in a daring rescue mission. The operation occurred in 1976 after Idi Amin had allowed a hijacked plane to land at Entebbe. Thankfully, the rescue mission was a success.
Is Entebbe the only airport in Uganda?
Entebbe is the only international airport in Uganda and is the primary gateway for tourists visiting the Pearl of Africa for the first time. However, Uganda is connected by a network of domestic airfields, which allow tourists and citizens to travel around the country by air. I put together this helpful guide to domestic flights in Uganda if you’re planning to travel by air during your upcoming vacation.
Recap: What’s Entebbe Airport like?
In my experience, Entebbe Airport is organized and efficient, and although it’s small, it has everything you need as you enter or leave the country. If you have any specific questions about Entebbe International Airport that I haven’t covered in this article, feel free to leave a comment below, and I will get back to you!
It’s a fair question – are Ugandan buses safe for tourists?
If you’re looking to travel to different parts of Uganda on a budget, hopping on a bus is perhaps your best option. Every area of the country is serviced by long-distance coaches, and all routes begin at one of two bus terminals in Uganda.
Given the fact that internal flights are super expensive and that not everyone can afford to hire a safari company to drive them from point a to b, Ugandan buses provide tourists with a budget alternative when traveling up-country and away from Kampala.
But before you board a Ugandan bus for the first time, I want to prepare you for what lies in wait. I’ve traveled on Ugandan buses on numerous occasions, and there are certain things I would have liked to know before buying a ticket.
So, read on to find out everything you need to know about traveling on a Ugandan bus as a tourist.
Are Ugandan buses safe for tourists?
Yes and no. From a personal safety perspective, it’s safe to travel on a Ugandan bus. You’re unlikely to get mugged or into any trouble as a passenger on a bus, as most Ugandans are extremely friendly. While there are isolated incidents of buses being targeted by thieves and bandits, these aren’t common in Uganda and shouldn’t necessarily put you off traveling on a bus from Kampala to a destination up-country.
However, from a road safety perspective, Ugandan buses don’t fill passengers with a great deal of confidence. A 2015 report by the Daily Monitor found that bus accidents were less common than in previous years, but they’re still relatively common. From my personal experience, I’ve found that many Ugandan bus drivers are reckless on the roads, overtaking at speeds and taking unnecessary risks on the road.
Now that I live in Uganda and I’m fortunate enough to own a car, I am pleased that I no longer have to travel by bus due to their poor safety record. But for millions of Ugandans – many of my friends included – the bus is the only way to get around. So, if you’re planning to travel in Uganda by bus as a tourist, here are five things you need to consider before buying a ticket.
Are Ugandan buses safe? 5 things to consider about Ugandan bus travel as a tourist
If you decide that budget travel is a priority, be sure to consider the following things that will help you decide for yourself if traveling on bus in Uganda is safe and comfortable for you:
They leave when they’re full
Vehicles parked at one of Kampala’s bus parks.
Something that tourists find slightly unusual about public transport in many African countries is that buses, public taxis, and trains don’t necessarily leave at a standard time. Rather, they leave when they’re full.
So, for instance, it’s not uncommon for a bus with a scheduled departure time of 7 pm to set off at 9 pm or even later, depending on the passenger schedule. In fairness to Ugandan operators, I have found that most night buses leave roughly on time (perhaps within 30-60 minutes), but it’s important to be aware of the notion that public transport doesn’t run on strict schedules as it does in the US, UK, and other parts of the world.
This is particularly important to be aware of if you’re sticking to a tight schedule and need to make a connection. If you’re planning to take a bus to Kampala to make your flight out of Uganda, I’d recommend traveling by bus at least a day beforehand, as delays are to be expected on the road.
There are day and night buses
When you’re planning a trip across Uganda on a bus, you should be aware that there are both day and night buses that you can board. They’re the same price, and they take the same route, but there are some important distinctions to be mindful of.
I prefer traveling at night, as the bus stops less frequently and there is less traffic on the road, making journey times quicker. What’s more, Ugandan buses can get really hot and uncomfortable during the day, and it’s much cooler to travel through the night.
Also, traveling at night allows you to get some sleep and may mean that you don’t need to book accommodation for the night, offering further cost savings if budget travel is at the top of your list of priorities!
There’s not a great deal of space
It’s fair to say that Ugandan buses are tightly packed! Most buses have three seats on one side and two on the other when in reality, it would be much more comfortable for everyone if the seats were in 2×2 configurations.
What’s more, the legroom that you get between your chair and the seat in front of you is negligible, and it can be particularly uncomfortable for tall people. I’m 6ft 3in, and I can’t comfortably sit in the space provided, making for uncomfortable journeys.
Of course, everyone is different, but the lack of space between the rows is one of the main reasons why I avoid Ugandan buses. If you’re accustomed to coach travel in the US or Europe, you will find that Ugandan buses are extremely tightly packed, and it might not make for an overly comfortable journey to your destination.
There’s no first class
Having traveled on a night bus from Nairobi to Mombasa in first class, I was expectant of the same option when I first arrived in Uganda. First-class seats are common on Kenyan buses, as they are in other countries. You essentially get twice the amount of space and the ability to recline your seat, which is beneficial for getting some sleep at night.
In Uganda, however, there’s no such option on long-distance buses. I’m not sure why this is, or why a travel company hasn’t decided to offer first-class seats on their buses. But unfortunately, if you wish to travel on a Ugandan bus as a tourist, you have no choice other than to sit in standard seating.
And as mentioned above, the seats on a Ugandan bus are tightly packed, so it’s not particularly comfortable for taller and bigger people!
They stop at random intervals
I’ve never fully understood how Ugandan bus drivers decide where to stop, as there aren’t any bus stops along the side of the road! In fact, it amazes me how they know where to pick people up and drop passengers off.
My wife assures me that Ugandans know instinctively where to wait for specific buses at the side of the road, but given that there are so many pedestrians in towns and villages throughout the country, I have no idea how drivers know that someone is specifically waiting for the bus to collect them!
Anyway – the reason I mention this is that it’s a good idea to board the bus at the bus station itself, as opposed to trying to hop on the bus at one of its unofficial stops. As for getting off the bus, you need to know where you’re planning to disembark. If you’re not sure of a destination, ask the person sitting next to you to tell you when you arrive – you will find that the vast majority of Ugandans are very happy to help.
How much do Ugandan bus journeys cost?
The best thing about Ugandan buses is that they’re cheap. You can buy a ticket for most destinations throughout the country for anywhere between $10 – $20. When you bear in mind that many journeys take the best part of 12 hours to remote towns and cities, this represents decent value for money!
The bottom line: Are Ugandan buses safe for tourists?
The bottom line is that traveling on a Ugandan bus as a tourist can be a safe and viable way to get from Kampala to various destinations up-country, but it’s not for the faint-hearted!
In my experience, bus travel in Uganda is crowded, hot, and not particularly comfortable, which is why I would opt for an alternative means of travel wherever possible.
But if you’re on a budget, traveling by bus as a tourist in Uganda is the most affordable way to traverse the country.
If you’re not sold on Ugandan bus travel, read our guide to find out everything you need to know about driving in Uganda as a tourist!
Domestic flights in Uganda – are they even an option?!
Although Uganda isn’t a huge country by African standards, it can take a considerable amount of time to navigate your way around the country. This is primarily due to the fact that many of the roads outside Kampala and Entebbe are in pretty bad shape, making it difficult to maintain good speeds as you move from place to place.
Therefore, if you’re planning a trip to the Pearl of Africa in the near future, you might be wondering if there are internal flights in Uganda to help you travel between the various fascinating tourist destinations in the country without having to worry about the condition of the roads.
So, are there domestic (internal) flights in Uganda?
Yes, there are internal flights in Uganda. They are operated by two companies – Aerolink and Bar Aviation – and a network of airstrips is connected by the country’s only international airport, Entebbe. As such, you can book flights to visit the national parks in the different parts of the country, slashing your travel time and increasing your convenience in the process.
Domestic flights in Uganda: Two options
An Aerolink plane on the runway at Kisoro Airfield. I took this photo as we were waiting for more passengers to join us on the way to Kihihi.
If you’re traveling to East Africa for the first time from a country like the United States or the United Kingdom, you might expect there to be a reasonable network of airports connecting the points of interest in the region.
But in reality, Uganda only has one international airport, which is, of course, the primary point of entry for most visitors to the country. Entebbe is located approximately one hour’s drive from the chaotic capital city of Kampala, and there are lots of ways to travel from Entebbe to your next destination.
A popular option with tourists is to take a flight, and there are two companies that operate internal flights in Uganda – Aerolink and Bar Aviation.
Aerolink has been running for a long time now and has established routes throughout Uganda, connecting the National Parks in the North, East, and West of the country with ease. Bar Aviation is a much more recent addition to Ugandan airspace, but its presence has made the cost of internal flights cheaper.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Uganda and want to fly between destinations in the country, you can check the operating schedules of both Aerolink and Bar Aviation to discover the best option for you and your trip.
How much do domestic flights in Uganda cost?
Perhaps the biggest downside to domestic flights in Uganda is the cost associated with flying from one location to another. Given that the longest internal flight in the country is around two hours, the costs associated with air travel in Uganda are comparatively high.
At the time of writing, a return flight from Entebbe to Kihihi (the airstrip serving Queen Elizabeth National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest) with Aerolink costs $427.
A return flight from Entebbe to Kidepo National Park in the country’s extreme north would set you back around $880.
One thing to note about domestic flights in Uganda, as is the case with airlines all around the world, is that the cost of flights changes considerably depending on the season and availability.
Also, if you’re an East African Resident or if you live and work in Uganda, you can contact the airlines directly and request a discounted fee, which you will be offered on the provision of your passport and work permit.
What are domestic flights in Uganda like?
I took this photo inside one of Bar Aviation’s airplanes. As you can see, there’s not a great deal of space, but it does the job and is comfortable enough!
Having flown with Bar Aviation on several occasions between Entebbe and Kihihi, I can say that internal flights in Uganda are excellent. Driving from Entebbe to Kihihi takes between 9-12 hours, and it’s a long, tiresome, and difficult journey on the road.
However, the flight from Entebbe to Kihihi is seamless, and it takes just over an hour to reach your destination. What’s more, you only really need to be at the airport/airstrip 30 minutes before your flight, so you don’t need to waste time with a lengthy check-in, enabling you to maximize your time in the country.
Perhaps the most important thing to think about when you take a flight is how you’re going to travel at the other end. When you take a domestic flight in Uganda up country, you need to really organize for a driver to be waiting for you, as the airstrips aren’t served by taxis or any other form of public or private transport.
My good friends over at AJ Tours and Travel can help you arrange travel from one of Uganda’s airstrips to (and around) the national park that it serves, so drop them a line if you’re planning to make the most of internal flights on your upcoming visit to the country.
Alternatives to domestic flights in Uganda?
Although domestic flights in Uganda are time-saving and super convenient, they’re expensive, and they’re not suitable for all independent travelers in this part of the world. The best alternative to taking an internal flight is to hire a driver and a vehicle to take you to where you want to go.
For those on a tight budget, you might consider taking the bus from Kampala to your destination, but Ugandan buses aren’t particularly comfortable (or safe) and aren’t appealing to most tourists who visit Uganda.
Domestic flights in Uganda are a great option for many tourists, but you have limited choices when it comes to booking them. To help you get the best value, use the following tips to your advantage:
Check both Aerolink and Bar Aviation before settling on which airline to travel with, as they both run flights across Uganda and offer different rates.
It’s worth sending both companies an email before booking your ticket, as they might offer a seasonal discount that is not publicized on their website. After all, everything in Uganda is negotiable!
When you’re traveling as a large group (6+ people), you might be entitled to a discount when booking your tickets. So, again, drop both companies a message to find out the best price they can offer on their internal flights.
Bar Aviation flies to both Kampala and Entebbe, not just the latter. So, if you’re staying in Uganda’s capital, you can save yourself a transfer and fly directly to an airstrip in the city.
Recap: Are there domestic flights in Uganda?
Ultimately, domestic flights in Uganda are a great way to travel from Entebbe to any of the national parks up-country. They’re safe and reliable and provide a great alternative to road travel.
The only issue with domestic flights in Uganda is that they’re expensive – but you get what you pay for! If you don’t want to spend a day traveling across Uganda to your destination, an internal flight is a good option for you.
Welcome to my guide to traveling from Entebbe to Kampala!
Kampala is around 45km from Entebbe, but it can take anywhere from 40 minutes to several hours to reach your destination, depending on how you travel and where in the capital city you’re going.
I’ve lost count of the number of times that I’ve traveled between Entebbe and Kampala, which is why I decided to put together this handy guide for all incoming travelers.
You basically have five options when it comes to traveling from Entebbe to Kampala – private taxi, public taxi, motorcycle taxi (boda-boda), self-drive, or hotel pickup, and your choice will be largely dependent on your budget.
In what remains of this article, I explain the different modes of transport available to you to help you plan correctly before traveling from Entebbe to Kampala.
Traveling from Entebbe to Kampala: 5 options
The good news is that there are five options for traveling from Entebbe to Kampala, and you can make your decision based on your budget and desired comfort levels! So, let’s take a look at your options:
Option #1: Private taxi
Approximate price: $30 – $40
As is the case in most parts of the world, one of the easiest ways to travel from Entebbe to Kampala is to hire a private taxi. There is a taxi hub at Entebbe International Airport, and you can easily hop in a cab that will take you directly to wherever you want to go in Kampala.
A private taxi from Entebbe airport to Kampala will cost approximately 115,000 to 150,000 UGX ($30 – $40), but it really depends on where in Kampala you’re going, as it’s a big place!
If you’re in Entebbe town, the best place to get a taxi to Kampala is immediately outside Victoria Mall, where taxis wait throughout the day.
It’s always better to have an exact destination in mind when you’re hopping in a cab from Entebbe to Kampala, as this will help you to negotiate the best possible price. Also, make sure that the taxi driver knows the destination!
If you’re staying at an Airbnb or a small, relatively unknown hotel, you will need to tell your taxi driver which area it’s in and what landmarks are nearby.
Ultimately, private taxis from Entebbe to Kampala are safe and affordable and are perhaps the best way to travel between the two destinations.
Option #2: Public taxi
Approximate price: $3 – $4
If you’re traveling in Uganda on a budget, the best way to get from Entebbe to Kampala is via a public taxi. Known as matatus in some parts of East Africa, public taxis are white minivans that shuttle passengers between destinations by following pre-determined routes.
A public taxi from Entebbe to Kampala should cost no more than 15,000 UGX ($3 – $4), but again, it depends on where you’re going in town.
One thing you should be aware of about getting in a public taxi is that you really need to know where you’re going for this mode of transport to be viable. Most public taxis take the old Entebbe road into Kampala (as opposed to the new toll road), and as soon as the urban sprawl of Kampala starts, it can be difficult to know where you are and where you need to get off!
If you’re determined to travel in a public taxi to save money and you don’t know Kampala, I recommend speaking to the driver before boarding. You can ask the driver if he can inform you when you get to your destination, which they have done for me in the past.
The best place to pick up a public taxi from Entebbe to Kampala is across from Victoria Mall at the Entebbe taxi stage. Failing that, you will see taxis hurtling along the main road at all hours, and you can easily get them to stop to pick you up.
There’s very limited space in public taxis, and they’re not particularly comfortable if you have lots of luggage with you. But still, public taxi is the cheapest way to travel from Entebbe to Kampala, so it makes sense if you’re on a tight budget.
Option #3: Motorcycle taxi (Boda-Boda)
Approximate price: $13 – $24
Motorbikes ferry people and goods around in Uganda. Known locally as Boda-Bodas, they can be effective for moving short distances and beating traffic. Photo Credit: Antoine Pluss.
One of the primary means of transport in urban areas in Uganda is the boda-boda, also known as a motorcycle taxi. You can hop on the back of a boda-boda to move short distances, and it can be a viable method of transport for negotiating your way through Kampala’s notorious traffic jams.
The cost of a motorcycle taxi from Kampala to Entebbe depends on various factors, but you should plan for between 50,000 – 90,000 UGX ($13 – $24), depending on where you’re going.
While they can seem like a lot of fun, boda-bodas don’t have the best safety record, and you need to take some precautions if you decide to travel from Entebbe to Kampala on the back of a motorcycle.
The best way to travel via boda-boda from Entebbe to Kampala is to download an app called SafeBoda. SafeBoda riders adhere to much higher safety standards than unregistered boda drivers, and the app works just like Uber.
This also takes the element of negotiation out of your trip, as you can see how much you’re going to be charged for the proposed trip before boarding.
So, it is possible to travel from Entebbe to Kampala via boda-boda, but it’s best to download the SafeBoda app for iOS or Android if you plan on traveling to the capital city in this way. You can then use the app as you move around Kampala during your stay.
Option #4: Self-drive
Approximate price: $40 (plus fuel)
Depending on your itinerary in Uganda, you might want to hire a car and drive from Entebbe to Kampala yourself. This is a particularly good option if you’re planning to go on safari or wish to travel to other destinations outside of Kampala.
Although you don’t have a great deal of choice when it comes to car hire in Uganda, I highly recommend the guys over at Road Trip Africa, having used them several times in the past.
Their car hire starts at around $40 per day for a Rav4, which is the ideal car for traveling from Entebbe to Kampala.
If you’ve never driven independently in East Africa, proceed with caution if you choose to get behind the wheel in Uganda! Many of the road rules that you’re familiar with don’t seem to apply in Kampala, and you need to be on full alert when driving through the city!
You should also make sure that you have your license with you at all times while in the car, as you might be stopped by police for a document check.
Option #5: Hotel pickup
Approximate price: $30 – $40 (Similar to a private taxi, but depends on the location of your hotel)
Last but not least, a good option is to arrange a transfer with the hotel that you’re staying at. Lots of hotels in Kampala can arrange a transfer from Entebbe to the city for a fee, and it can take a lot of the hassle out of trying to arrange transport when you arrive in Uganda.
As is the case when hopping in a private taxi, make sure you agree to the price of the transfer in advance, and be sure to arrange a pickup point if you want to take your transfer anywhere other than the airport.
Recap: Traveling from Entebbe to Kampala as a tourist
As you can see, there are several ways to travel from Entebbe to Kampala, and the option that you take largely depends on your budget.
The cheapest option is to use a public taxi, but it’s not the most comfortable! In my experience, taking a private taxi from Entebbe to Kampala is the best option, and it’s the one I would recommend above all others.
Wondering how to get from Entebbe International Airport to your hotel? Read our handy guide to the best ways to travel from Entebbe airport to your temporary accommodation!
If you’re in the process of preparing for your vacation in Uganda, you might be wondering if driving in Uganda is safe for tourists.
After all, it’s a perfectly legitimate concern to have, given that roads in Uganda have a pretty bad reputation, whether or not it’s justified.
To answer this question, I introduce some very basic statistics about the safety of driving on Ugandan roads, but I also explain what driving is like based on my own experiences.
I first drove in Uganda in 2015, and as I now live here, I have my own car and regularly drive from point A to B. The purpose of this article is to prepare you for driving in Uganda, and to show that, provided that you’re responsible and sensible, driving in Uganda as a tourist can be safe.
Is driving in Uganda safe for tourists?
If you plan on driving in Uganda, a 4WD is essential. My Land Cruiser does the business, particularly in and around Bwindi where roads are poor!
Depending on how you look at it, driving in Uganda can be safe for tourists. For instance, I have driven in Uganda since around 2015, and I now have my own car that I use to drive across the country (often from Bwindi to Kampala – a journey that takes 8-10 hours).
As such, I can offer an anecdotal look into whether driving in Uganda is safe for tourists, which I will do shortly. But first, I want to introduce you to some statistics.
Statistics from 2016 show that approximately 25,700 crashes occurred on Ugandan roads in that year, with more than 7,500 reported fatalities. What’s more, research shows that the road traffic death rate in Uganda is equal to 29 deaths per 100,000 population, which is higher than the global average of 18 per 100,000.
Therefore, when compared to roads in other parts of the world, it’s fair to say that driving in Uganda is more dangerous. So, why is this the case? From my experiences of driving in Uganda, here are some things you ought to know before getting behind the wheel:
Car maintenance issues
In Uganda, cars are often poorly maintained. This is because there aren’t the same required standards for car maintenance in the country as there are in other parts of the world (the British MOT, for instance).
As a result, some drivers get behind the wheel in vehicles that have old, faulty parts that can cause serious issues when driving on the roads. If you’re hiring a car in Uganda, it’s so important to check its mechanical condition before setting out.
Taking it for a spin around Entebbe is a good idea before heading up-country, so you can get a feel for how well the vehicle is maintained.
Road issues
The main tarmac roads that run throughout Uganda are generally in good condition. However, potholes do exist, and you need to be mindful of the speed bumps that appear as if from nowhere when you enter towns and pass through trading centers.
The problem with Uganda roads becomes more pronounced when you travel to rural areas, and tarmac roads give way to murram. Murram roads change in condition with the season, and many become impassable during the rains.
Therefore, when driving outside of urban areas in Uganda, you need to take things slowly, for more reasons than one, as I explain below.
Animals on the road
Something that many tourists will be unfamiliar with is the presence of animals on the road. In Uganda, it’s perfectly normal for cows, goats, chickens, ducks, and other farm yard animals to amble across the road, no matter where in the country you find yourself.
Of course, in national parks, you also need to be mindful of wild animals, as they can appear out of the bush with practically no warning before entering the road.
On several occasions driving from Kasese to Kihihi through Queen Elizabeth, I’ve had to pull over to one side to allow elephants to pass before proceeding with my journey!
Again, the presence of animals on the road is only a hazard if you drive too quickly. Be mindful that animals and pedestrians might appear out of nowhere on the road, and you can at least prepare for their appearance when you head up-country!
Erratic driving
I don’t think it’s fair to single Ugandans out over erratic driving, as I’ve seen my fair share of it in the UK and other parts of Europe. However, one thing that Ugandans seem to do frequently is overtake other vehicles when they absolutely shouldn’t!
Be it on hairpin bends or when there’s an oncoming car in close proximity, some Ugandan drivers are incredibly impatient and will simply pull out and expect you (the oncoming car) to move out of their way.
There’s no room for stubbornness here – if someone does this to you, just move to one side, as they’re not likely to back down!
Be especially careful with taxi and bus drivers, as they tend to be the worst culprits when it comes to overtaking when it’s not safe to do so.
Driving in the dark
It’s not a good idea to drive in Uganda after dark for several reasons, so make sure you plan your journey so that you reach your destination before 7 pm. From my experience, the most dangerous thing about driving in the dark is the way that Ugandan drivers use their lights.
Some vehicles don’t switch them on at all (honestly!), which is common practice in urban areas, for reasons I’m yet to understand fully.
Other drivers – and this is more common – leave their full beams on for the entire time, essentially blinding you when they’re hurtling toward you on the highway.
Neither of these situations is ideal, so if you’re planning to drive in Uganda as a tourist, make sure you do so during the hours of daylight to make your life easier (7 am – 7 pm).
Variable speed limits
This isn’t unique to Ugandan roads, but you should be mindful that the speed limit changes quite often on the highway. For instance, the maximum speed you can drive is 100 kph, while some areas of the highway restrict you to 80 kph.
When you’re passing through built-up areas like trading centers, you should reduce your speed to 50 kph. While Ugandan roads don’t have speed cameras, there are police on the road at various junctures with speed guns, as explained below.
What about police on the road?
Photo credit: Max Fleischman
Another thing that might seem a little strange to European and North American drivers is that Uganda traffic police are positioned on the road at various intervals throughout the country.
They put up checkpoints and block one-half of the road, meaning that all drivers have to slow down to pass through. In most instances, provided that your car is in good condition and you haven’t been speeding, you can pass through without issue.
However, sometimes, the police will wave at you to ask you to pull over. In practically all of my experiences on Ugandan roads when I have been stopped by the police, I’ve had zero issues.
The officer asks to see a permit and checks that the vehicle is insured before sending you on your way. As long as you have a valid permit and are polite in your interactions, you shouldn’t have any problems.
If you’ve been speeding or contravening traffic laws, you will be issued a ticket, which you are required to pay at a local bank.
What about driving in national parks?
Most tourists who hire a vehicle in Uganda tend to do so in order to go on self-drive safaris in Queen Elizabeth NP, Murchison Falls NP, Lake Mburo NP (link), or Kidepo NP.
Self-drive safaris are incredibly fun and liberating, and it’s an awesome way to see the wildlife that Uganda is famed for. But when you’re driving in a national park, you need to go slowly, as the roads are in poor condition and animals can appear out of nowhere.
You should also fill up on supplies and fuel, as your options are limited when you arrive at the entrance of all national parks in Uganda.
If you’re planning to do a self-drive safari, it’s imperative that you hire a 4WD. Heading into a national park without the ability to shift the car into 4WD will almost certainly result in you getting stuck!
What documents do you need to drive in Uganda as a tourist?
Of course, you will need a full driver’s license to drive in Uganda. I have an International Driving Permit, which is a good investment if you’re planning to drive here, but you can also use your permit from your home country if you’re only in Uganda for a short period of time.
As foreign nationals may differ in terms of required documentation, you should check with your government’s travel advice before arriving in Uganda, and you can always reach out to a hire company if you’re not sure.
As well as a permit, the vehicle that you’re driving must be insured, and the certificate must be affixed to the front windshield for verification by the police.
The verdict: Is driving in Uganda safe for tourists?
As is the case with driving in all countries, you need to be super careful when driving as a tourist in Uganda. You should stick to the speed limit at all times and make sure your vehicle is in sound mechanical condition.
You also need to be mindful of the changing road conditions throughout the different seasons, as this can make a big difference to the safety of a particular road.
But provided that you’re sensible, hiring a car and driving around Uganda as a tourist can be a memorable experience for all the right reasons. Having used them several times before, I highly recommend Road Trip Africa if you’re looking to hire a 4WD for your upcoming African adventure.
Wondering about traveling from Entebbe Airport to your hotel? Read on!
Arriving in a new country for the first time can be daunting, particularly when you’re traveling independently. One of the biggest problems that all tourists face in a new destination is how to get from the airport to their hotel or guesthouse.
Although Entebbe International Airport is by no means big, it does welcome a fair amount of international flights, mainly through Ethiopia, UAE, Qatar, and Amsterdam. Also, most of the international flights that arrive in Entebbe do so in the early morning (2 am or 3 am), for instance.
So, if you’re planning to arrive at Entebbe airport for the first time in the near future, you’ve come to the right place. Having been going in and out of Entebbe Airport for the best part of a decade, I want to articulate your transfer choices when you arrive in Entebbe for the first time.
Hopefully, this advice will help you navigate a potentially tricky start to your vacation in Uganda and help you get your trip off to a dream start!
Traveling from Entebbe Airport to your hotel: 2 Options
When you arrive in Uganda on a flight, there are two main ways of traveling from Entebbe Airport to your hotel – hotel transfer and private taxi. I introduce both of these options in detail below.
Option #1: Hotel transfer
Assuming that you have arranged your trip to Uganda independently, you don’t necessarily have the luxury of arranging for a safari tour company to pick you up at the airport in the middle of the night.
But the second best option is to arrange a hotel transfer. I’ve lost count of how many hotels and guesthouses I’ve stayed at in Entebbe (I like to mix things up and stay in different places every time), but all of them have provided a reliable and fairly priced transfer to and from the airport on my behalf.
Presently, the going rate for a transfer from practically every hotel to the airport (and vice versa) is $11.00, which equates to around 40,000UGX.
No matter what time of the day or night you arrive at Entebbe airport, send an email in advance to your guesthouse arranging an airport pickup. They will send a driver with a sign with your name on it, and they will be waiting outside the terminal building for you.
In most instances, you will then pay the hotel for the transfer, but some do require you to pay the driver, so it’s best to confirm this via email in advance.
This is, without a doubt, a convenient and reliable option, and it ensures you don’t need to negotiate with taxi drivers after a seriously long flight! Which brings me nicely to option number 2…
Option #2: Private taxi
Hopping in a private taxi is one of the best ways to travel from Entebbe Airport to your hotel. Photo credit: Waldemar Brandt.
If you haven’t been able (or willing) to negotiate a transfer with your guesthouse or hotel in advance, you will need to arrange a lift to your accommodation with a private taxi.
There are dozens of taxi drivers outside the main terminal at Entebbe Airport, many of whom will try and engage you as soon as you leave the building.
While they’re not as aggressive or as in your face as taxi drivers are at some airports, you need to proceed with caution!
When I arrived at Entebbe Airport on a flight from Nairobi last month, I forgot to pre-arrange a transfer with my hotel. I wasn’t particularly bothered, as I knew I could grab a ride from one of the taxi drivers out front.
After collecting my bag, I asked the first taxi driver I saw how much for a ride to one of the guesthouses in town. He quoted 80,000UGX ($22), which was twice the price I had paid to get there before my flight out!
I laughed, exchanged a few greetings in the local language, and he immediately accepted my offer of 40,000UGX when he realized that this wasn’t my first time taking a taxi from the airport to the town center.
I can’t say for sure whether this guy was just trying it on or whether it is standard practice for taxi drivers at the airport to do this. Either way, you need to be prepared to negotiate if you’re planning to hop in a cab at the airport!
Know that the standard fare to a hotel or guesthouse in Entebbe town should be 40,000UGX, but if you end up paying slightly more, it’s not the end of the world.
Wait – are there no other options for traveling from Entebbe Airport to your hotel?!
That’s pretty much it as far as your transfer options are concerned, I’m afraid! There is no train or metro service that can take you from Entebbe airport to the town center, and there isn’t any form of public transport that leaves directly from the airport to take you to your guesthouse.
But given that you can get a ride into town for $11, it’s not going to break the bank, and you don’t really need to rely on public transport for this short stretch of your journey.
Now, if you’re transiting from Entebbe town to Kampala, Uganda’s capital, there are a few more options to consider, as I explain below.
What about traveling from Entebbe Airport to Kampala?
Again, you can arrange a transfer from Entebbe to your accommodation in Kampala through your hotel directly. Although it’s further away, every Kampala hotel that I’ve stayed in has been willing to arrange a transfer to the airport.
In terms of price, Kampala is a big place and the fare quoted depends on where you’re going. However, you can reasonably expect to pay anywhere between 95,000 and 150,000 UGX ($25 – $40) for a private transfer to your Kampala hotel.
It’s much better to arrange this transfer in advance, but you can hop in a cap when you arrive in Entebbe. Just be mindful of some drivers’ creative approaches to pricing, as explained above!
For those of you on a budget, you can hop in a shared taxi from Entebbe town to Kampala city. These shared taxis are essentially minivans that run throughout the day and until late at night, leaving from just across from the Victoria Mall in Entebbe.
The price for a seat in a shared taxi is between 5,000 – 15,000UGX ($1.50 – $4), but again, it depends on where in Kampala you’re going. Bear in mind that if you have lots of luggage, it will be strapped to the top of the taxi!
Also, these shared taxis aren’t super comfortable, and they take quite a while, as they frequently stop to pick up and let off passengers. Also, if you don’t know exactly where you’re going in Kampala, it can be difficult to know when you should disembark.
Another option is to take a boda-boda (motorcycle taxi) from Entebbe to Kampala, which is likely to cost slightly less than a private taxi, but considerably more than a shared taxi. The issue with boda-bodas is that their pricing depends on various factors (time of day and weather, for instance), so the price you pay will depend on your negotiating skills.
Equally, a boda boda isn’t the safest option to travel between Entebbe and Kampala, particularly if it’s your first time in Uganda.
Therefore, if you’re traveling from Entebbe to Kampala, your best bet is to book a private transfer with your hotel or to hop into an airport taxi with the above guide price in mind.
Recap: Traveling from Entebbe Airport to your hotel
Traveling from Entebbe International Airport to your hotel or guesthouse in town is incredibly simple. The best way to go about it is to book a private transfer in advance with your hotel, but you can also jump in a cab stationed at the arrivals terminal.
Provided that you know the going rate of taxi fares in Uganda – as introduced above – and are willing to negotiate with your driver, you shouldn’t encounter any issues when you arrive in the Pearl of Africa for the very first time.
Is traveling in Uganda expensive in 2023? Allow me to explain.
If you’re planning a trip to Uganda in 2023, you might be wondering if traveling in Uganda is expensive for tourists.
The great news is I’m going to talk you through everything you need to know about how much travel costs in Uganda so you can budget for your upcoming trip without getting any unwelcome surprises when you arrive!
According to BudgetYourTrip, Uganda is the fourteenth most expensive country in Africa to travel in, and they recommend a budget of $49.00 per day.
While this might be a decent place to start, it’s important to recognize one important truth: Travel in Uganda is as cheap, or as expensive, as you want it to be.
As such, traveling in Uganda is a delicate balancing act. You need to think about comfort and safety, but equally, you might not want to pay over the odds for exclusive travel when there’s a budget option available.
This post is fairly comprehensive, so I’ve decided to break it down into several sections to make your life that little bit easier. I hope you find this guide useful, and if you have any questions, you can leave a comment at the end, and I’ll get back to you!
What is the currency in Uganda?
Before I start talking about costs, you should be aware that the currency used in Uganda is Ugandan Shillings. Many hotels are willing to accept payment in US Dollars, but GBP and Euros are less commonly accepted.
When paying for transport and generally moving up and down the country, you will need to pay in Shillings.
You won’t be able to get shillings before you arrive in Entebbe, so make sure you have some money to change at the airport or in Entebbe town. You can also withdraw money from an ATM if you prefer.
At the time of writing this post [November 2022], the currency rate was as follows:
$1.00 = 3,800 UGX
Note that the value of the Shilling changes a lot, so make sure you double-check the current exchange rate before arriving.
I’m going to list all prices in this post in USD just to make things easier. Please note these prices are all subject to change.
In your experience, you may even find markedly different prices to those I list here. If you do, please make a note of this in the comments.
I will provide links to my sources where possible unless the costs are from my personal experience. And in that case, you’ll just have to trust me!
So, without further ado, let’s dive in and answer the question – is traveling in Uganda expensive for tourists in 2023?
Is traveling in Uganda expensive? The cost of travel in Uganda 2023
I’m not going to get into international flights, visas, or inoculation prices; those will be covered in a separate post. Here I’m only concerned with the cost of travel when you actually arrive in Uganda.
Internal flights
Many tourists seek out internal flights to take them from Entebbe to their desired destinations, ‘up country.’ This is fair enough, as many of the national parks in Uganda are located at the extreme ends of the country [Bwindi & Kidepo being prime examples].
Internal flights within Uganda are operated by Aerolink, and if you’re traveling independently, you should make your reservation through their website. The booking process is incredibly straightforward.
Here’s a link to Aerolink’s flight timetable, and you can see how often they fly to each tourist destination. They don’t publish the cost of their flights on their website, and you will have to complete a search to find out the prices.
But to give you a rough idea of what to expect here’s an example:
To fly from Entebbe to Kihihi [the airstrip that serves both Queen Elizabeth NP and Bwindi] in March 2021, it would cost me $236.00 each way. So, for a round trip, I’d be looking at $472.00.
The flight takes just over an hour and is an excellent way of seeing the country from above. I took my first flight with the recently established Bar Aviation, and I was super impressed with their service. They have emerged as competition to Aerolink, which will hopefully drive down the cost of flights in the near future.
Buses
If flying is out of your price range, you could consider taking a long-distance bus from Kampala to your destination up-country. I’ve taken many buses in Uganda on various routes, and I’m not a huge fan.
This is because I’m 6ft3 and heavy-set, so they’re pretty uncomfortable for me! Here’s a brief summary of what to expect from Uganda’s buses:
[Please note, I haven’t traveled on a bus in Uganda since COVID-19, so some of the SOPs might have affected the overall bus experience!]
They leave when they’re full, regardless of whether they tell you they will leave at a specific time.
You won’t have much legroom at all, as seats are tightly packed together.
There is no toilet on board.
It can take hours to leave Kampala. [On my most recent night bus journey from Kampala to Kanungu, the bus left the station at 8 pm and was still in Kampala’s infamous jam at midnight].
Uganda doesn’t have the best road safety record in the world, and bus accidents are relatively common. That being said, the Daily Monitor reported in 2015 that incidents were declining thanks to improved road safety.
Prepare to have your personal space invaded by other people and their luggage.
Don’t make any plans for the day or night of your intended arrival, as you are likely to be late. And you will need to rest and recover from the journey.
There’s no such thing as first class on a Ugandan bus.
With all this considered, buses in Uganda are cheap and the best way to travel if you’re on a budget. To use the same example as the Aerolink flight, if I wanted to travel from Kampala to Kihihi [8-12 hours travel time depending on traffic and mechanical issues], it would cost approximately $11.00.
When public transport returned after the COVID-19 lockdown, the cost of the same bus ticket doubled and was $22.00, as buses were running at half capacity.
So if you’re planning on taking this bus in 2021, expect to pay somewhere between $11.00 and $22.00 for your ticket!
All buses are run by private companies with names like Savannah, Global, and Star Link. The best way to book a bus is to head to the bus park in Kampala and buy a ticket directly from the relevant office.
Just tell someone when you arrive at the park where you’re traveling to, and they will point you to the relevant booking office. Although it’s organized chaos, you’ll find what you’re looking for with a bit of patience.
Private hire
Traffic in Kampala, Uganda’s capital, is nothing if not chaotic. Prepare yourself for a jam! Photo credit: Prince Beguin, Unsplash.
If you’re traveling independently in Uganda [i.e., your trip isn’t being arranged by a tour company], you can hire a driver to take you to your desired location for a pre-determined price.
Here’s an important point: everything in Uganda is subject to negotiation, particularly when it’s related to travel.
When you first approach a driver and ask him/her to take you to a specific location, be prepared to negotiate. Some cars in Uganda are in horrendous mechanical condition, so you need to make sure you trust the driver that you hire.
If you’ve never been to Uganda before, the best thing to do if you’re interested in organizing a private hire is to book it through your hotel or hostel.
Failing that, you could book through a tour company. I would personally recommend AJ Tours and Travel, a small-medium-sized tour company based in Kampala.
They’re super friendly, and the manager, Andrew, actually helped me buy a car earlier this year. They can arrange a private hire to take you anywhere in Uganda at a reasonable price.
Again, using the same example of a journey from Kampala to Kihihi, AJ Tours could arrange a private hire for you for $100.00 per day, which includes a vehicle and driver. Be aware that you have to pay for your fuel on top of this price and will need to fuel the vehicle to return to KLA.
While this is an expensive option if you’re on your own, if there’s a group of you, it actually works out as a good deal and is much more comfortable than the bus.
In 2020, a new app was launched called SafariShare, which is essentially a platform where you can request a ride from one location to another for a small fee. I’ve seen it advertised on Ugandan TV a few times, but I’ve never used it.
The premise is certainly a good one, and it could be worth downloading to check it out if you’re looking to share a ride while in Uganda.
Self-drive/Car rental
For those of you that fancy an adventure, renting a car in Uganda is exactly that.
It takes a brave soul to get behind the wheel in Kampala. In fact, I think the first time I drove in Kampala was in 2016, and I still have nightmares about it.
However, if you avoid Kampala and hit the highway, driving in Uganda is great fun. You just need to be careful, as I’ve already mentioned that road safety in Uganda isn’t the best.
But before I give you some tips for driving in Uganda, let’s talk about the cost.
I’ve rented a Rav4 from RoadTripAfrica on several occasions, and I couldn’t recommend them highly enough.
Their service is incredible, and I’ve genuinely never had a mechanical problem with a car that I’ve rented from them. They have lots of different vehicles you rent, starting with a Rav4 and going all the way up to a Land Cruiser.
The cheapest deal they currently have offers a Rav4 at $46.00 per day, which includes roadside assistance and insurance.
Petrol in Uganda is currently about $1.80 – $2.00 per liter.
Renting a vehicle is an excellent way of seeing the country and gives you the chance to arrange your own safari [which saves you a heap of money and is generally amazing]. I’ll write about this in detail in a future post.
Don’t speed. Even though you will be presented with vast swathes of empty roads when you’re out of Kampala, don’t be tempted to break the speed limit. Here’s why:
Potholes. Trust me; they’re like craters.
Cows and other animals regularly saunter into the middle of the road.
The traffic police utilize speed guns and are good at hiding.
The speed bumps are enormous, and if you don’t see them, you could wreck your car.
Buses travel faster than the speed of sound [they don’t, but they go way too fast].
People overtake recklessly, even on blind bends.
Trucks are a nuisance and are either driving too slow or too fast. And they’re commonly overloaded.
You get the point – the roads are tricky if you’re not used to them. Stick to the speed limit.
Regularly check your oil and water. Get into the habit of doing this every time you stop for fuel. Also, check your tire pressure every time you refuel.
Carry your permit at all times when driving. It’s common in Uganda for the traffic police to pull you over just to check your license. Make sure you have it on you, or you’ll get fined.
If you’re up for it, driving yourself would be my recommendation, but you need to be careful. It’s not for the faint-hearted.
Public taxis and boda-bodas
A Boda Boda rider in Kampala taking a rest between passengers. Photo Credit: Social Income, Unsplash,
If you spend any time at all in Kampala, the chances are you will need to take either a taxi or a boda-boda.
What on earth is a boda-boda, I hear you ask?
It’s basically just a motorbike taxi. You hop on the back, and the driver takes you where you want to go [usually]. They are notoriously dangerous in Kampala, but initiatives like SafeBoda have improved safety in recent times.
It’s basically just a motorbike taxi. You hop on the back, and the driver takes you where you want to go [usually]. They are notoriously dangerous in Kampala, but initiatives like SafeBoda have improved safety in recent times.
Boda-bodas are more expensive than public taxis, but they’re more convenient, too, and get you to where you need to go more quickly.
People don’t tend to use boda-bodas for long journeys and usually just go short distances within the city. They’re also a common way of getting around in rural areas and provincial towns and are useful if you don’t have a vehicle.
It’s really hard to tell you the price of a boda-boda journey because they vary enormously. However, for a journey of up to 5km, you could expect to pay somewhere between $2.00-5.00, depending on how good you are at negotiating.
As for public taxis, I prefer not to use them.
I should note that taxis in Uganda are shared minibusses that leave when they’re full. I don’t really understand their pricing structure, but it seems to depend on where you go.
Taxis shuttle people around Kampala, but they also take you to various locations outside the city.
I remember taking a taxi from Kampala to Jinja one time and regretting it immensely. It was just too hot and crowded for my liking, but it was super cheap, which was one positive.
For taxis in and around Kampala, don’t expect to pay more than $2.00 for short distances. If you’re heading out of the city, be sure to ask the price before you board.
I regularly use boda-bodas, as I find them much more comfortable than taxis, but I know lots of people don’t use them because of their dubious safety record.
If you’re using a boda-boda, bear the following in mind:
If you can, book through an app like SafeBoda. You will get a better price and a better quality motorcycle.
Always wear a helmet. If your driver doesn’t give you one, find another rider. If you’re around for a while, it’s a good idea to buy one for yourself and carry it with you.
If you’re negotiating on the street, check the quality of the boda before you get on. If it looks like it could collapse at any minute, find another driver.
You need to negotiate the price. Never accept the first price they give you. It’s always going to be considerably less than they quote initially.
Avoid traveling on bodas in the rain. Obviously, you will get wet, but the roads are extremely dangerous when slippery. I’ve fallen off a boda once, and it was after a heavy rain storm.
Generally speaking, only use taxis and boda-bodas in and around towns and cities. For traveling further afield, use one of the other options I’ve listed.
Is traveling in Uganda expensive? Summaries and recommendations
So, is traveling in Uganda expensive for tourists in 2023?
I would say it’s as expensive or as cheap as you would like it to be.
For instance, you can get from Kampala to Bwindi for $20.00 or less using the bus. The same trip would cost you more than $200.00 on an internal flight.
Here are my recommendations:
For budget travelers: Uganda provides a range of cheap transport options for budget travelers. If you utilize taxis in towns and cities and travel on buses from place to place, your dollars can go a long way.
For mid-range travelers: If you have a little more money to spend, I’d recommend hiring a car for the duration [or at least part] of your trip. Fuel isn’t too expensive, and you have the freedom a car affords you; just be careful not to speed.
For you lucky people who don’t need to worry about money: If money isn’t an issue, hop on an internal flight and see the beauty of the country from above. You can then hire a private car and driver to take you from place to place.
So, there you have it, your ultimate guide to the cost of travel in Uganda in 2023!
If you have any comments or recommendations for other travelers, please do let me know in the comment section below.
