Tag: Entebbe

Traveling from Entebbe to Kihihi (Options!)

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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! 

Option #3: Self-drive

A great option if you’re keen to do a self-drive safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park. 

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! 

Is There a Beach in Uganda? (Options!)

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If you’ve chosen the Pearl of Africa for your upcoming safari vacation, you might be wondering – is there a beach in Uganda? 

After all, Kenya is home to the glorious Diani Beach, while Tanzania has Zanzibar – an entire island of beaches! So, in this article, I explain what to expect from beaches in Uganda and offer some options when it comes to relaxing and swimming in the country. 

So, is there a beach in Uganda?

Yes, there is a beach in Uganda. However, Uganda is a landlocked country, and the beaches in Uganda are on the shores of Lake Victoria. There are several beaches in Entebbe, while the Ssese Islands are Uganda’s closest thing to a tropical beach paradise. 

So, while Uganda does have some beaches, it would be wrong to think of the Pearl of Africa as a beach destination! Far from it, actually, as I explain below. 

What are Uganda’s beaches like?

Sunset on Banda Island, the Ssese Islands.

Uganda’s beaches are not suitable for sunbathing and swimming. While some Ugandans do head into Lake Victoria for swimming, it’s not deemed safe to do so. This is due to the presence of a freshwater parasite called Bilharzia, which is present in many water bodies in Uganda, and in East Africa more generally. 

So, as picturesque as Uganda’s beaches might be – particularly those in the Ssese Islands, they’re not in any way comparable to the stunning white sand beaches that are present on Kenya’s East coast or those that surround Zanzibar. If you’re planning to visit a beach in Uganda, keep your clothes on and head for a walk along the sand – don’t venture into the water! 

Beaches in Uganda: Two main options

Even though they’re not good for swimming or sunbathing, you can certainly visit Uganda’s beaches, and they make for some beautiful photo opportunities! With that in mind, you have two main options if you want to visit one of Uganda’s beaches: 

Entebbe

While you’re in Entebbe, heading for a meal at one of the beachside restaurants is a wonderful way to spend a lunchtime, looking out across Lake Victoria in the process. You can also walk down sections of the beach in Entebbe, although it’s not a particularly long stretch of sand. 

There’s an excellent pizzeria on the beach, and you can share a pizza with your partner while sipping a cold bottle of Nile Special beer. While you might not be able to hop into the water, it’s still a lovely way to spend some time while you’re in Entebbe. 

The Ssese Islands

I visited the Ssese Islands with friends in 2015, and it was definitely worth the effort. To reach the Islands, you need to take a ferry from Entebbe, which takes approximately three hours. There are lots of places to stay in the archipelago, which is made up of 84 small islands, but there isn’t much to do when you reach land! 

The stunning white beaches are undoubtedly alluring, but the fact that the water is unsafe makes them tantalizing in many respects. Make sure you book into one of the beachside resorts that has a swimming pool, so you can cool off while enjoying the pace of life on the islands! 

What are the best options for swimming in Uganda?

If you want to go swimming outside in Uganda, Lake Bunyonyi is the best option, which is located in the country’s extreme southwest, not far from the Rwandan border. 

However, most major international hotels in Uganda have swimming pools, so there’s no reason why you can’t head to Entebbe or the Ssese Islands for swimming. You will just need to limit yourself to swimming in the pool, as opposed to the great outdoors! 

I put together this super helpful resource about swimming in Uganda, so you can explore your options and know where it’s safe (and unsafe) to head into the water.

The verdict: Is there a beach in Uganda?

So, the bottom line is that, yes, there are beaches in Uganda. Entebbe beach is the most accessible, being in close proximity to Uganda’s only international airport. However, for paradise beach vibes, you need to head to the Ssese Islands, located within Lake Victoria. 

But remember – Uganda’s beaches are not suitable for sunbathing or swimming. If you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation in East Africa, Diani Beach in Kenya and Zanzibar in Tanzania are much better options! 

Budget Hotels in Entebbe (Options, 2023!)

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Thankfully, there are a number of budget hotels in Entebbe, meaning that you don’t have to opt for one of the expensive international hotels that dominate review sites and booking platforms. 

It’s common to see hotels in Entebbe go for more than $100, and international chains are several hundred dollars per night. I’ve genuinely lost count of how many hotels and guesthouses I’ve stayed in Entebbe, as I like to try different places each time I fly in and out of Uganda. 

Given that there are so many places to stay in Entebbe, I want to introduce you to five budget hotels in Entebbe that are comfortable, friendly, and excellent value for money, enabling you to save your money for exciting excursions in different parts of the country! 

I’ve personally stayed at all five of the hotels/guesthouses that I introduce in this article, so I am writing from personal experience! All cost less than $100 per night, with most costing in the region of $50 for bed and breakfast, making them considerably cheaper than the international hotels that attract so many tourists. 

So, without further ado, here are five budget guesthouses and hotels in Entebbe to try out during your upcoming vacation. 

ViaVia

Photo Credit: ViaVia

I’ve stayed at ViaVia in Entebbe so many times that I’ve lost count! There are comfortable, self-contained rooms in peaceful gardens, as well as glamping-style tents that offer a unique experience. 

The food at ViaVia is also excellent, with fresh and delicious meals served at all times of the day. ViaVia has a backpacker vibe going on without being pretentious. The staff are super friendly and happy to help you arrange activities in Entebbe and even further afield. 

Oh, and did I mention that they sell delicious draught beer here, too?! 

Given its charm and popularity, ViaVia is often sold out, so make sure you plan ahead to avoid disappointment at this quirky haven just behind Entebbe town. 

Prices from $50 per night for a self-contained double room.

Find out more about ViaVia here. 

Photo Credit: Airport Link Guesthouse.

There are lots of “airport” guesthouses in Entebbe, meaning it can be quite difficult to know which one to pick! My absolute favorite is Airport Link Guesthouse, located around 15 minutes drive from Entebbe International Airport. 

Airport Link Guesthouse is quaint, charming, and extremely comfortable, with lovely staff and a gorgeous restaurant that has a great view across to the airport runway. 

The last few times that I’ve stayed at Airport Link in Entebbe, I’ve arrived at various times in the middle of the night, and they have arranged an airport transfer and checked me in during the middle of the night without issue. 

So, for a super comfortable and affordable guesthouse in close proximity to the airport, look no further than Airport Link. 

Prices from $50 per night for a budget double/twin room. 

Find out more about Airport Link Guesthouse here.

Precious Guesthouse

Photo Credit: Precious Guesthouse.

Located directly across the road from Entebbe’s beautiful botanical gardens, Precious Guesthouse is another lovely owner-run property that is super comfortable and a great place to begin your vacation. 

Although the rooms at Precious are quite small, they’re extremely comfortable, and you can enjoy an excellent night’s sleep here. 

The restaurant at Precious sits above the fence, enabling you to look across into the Botanical Gardens as you’re enjoying your breakfast – be sure to pay attention to the monkeys in the gardens that cause all sorts of problems! 

You can walk from Precious Guesthouse directly to Victoria Mall, too, and it’s just a five-minute walk to Entebbe’s Craft Market, making it a great budget hotel in Entebbe to consider. 

Prices from $95 for a double room. 

Find out more about Precious Guesthouse here. 

Blue Monkey Guesthouse

Photo Credit: Blue Monkey Guesthouse.

Blue Monkey Guesthouse is run by a very friendly German owner who is only too happy to help you arrange activities in and around Entebbe during your stay. 

I thoroughly enjoyed the night I spent at Blue Monkey. I found the room to be incredibly spacious and comfortable, and it had everything that I needed. 

Although there isn’t a restaurant on-site, you can order food in with the help of the hosts. Alternatively, you can hop in a cab and venture out to one of Entebbe’s delightful restaurants! 

The team at Blue Monkey can also arrange an airport transfer from the airport at any time of the day, helping you to arrive in the Pearl of Africa in comfort! 

Prices from $40 for a double room.

Find out more about Blue Monkey Guesthouse here. 

Karibu BB Suites

Photo Credit: Karibu BB Suites

Last but certainly not least on my list of budget hotels in Entebbe is Karibu BB Suites, which isn’t actually a hotel! Rather, it’s a great opportunity to book into an apartment during your short stay in Entebbe, enabling you to prepare your own meals and have a little bit more privacy than afforded by guesthouses. 

I stayed in a gorgeous apartment with my wife during a recent visit to Entebbe, with WiFi available for the duration of our stay, as well as a number of TV channels to kick back and relax after a long day of driving. 

Karibu is also in a great location and is just off the main road as you pass the iconic Lake Victoria Hotel, making it easy to find. 

So, if you’re someone who prefers staying in apartments as opposed to hotels and guesthouses, Karibu BB Suites is an excellent option to consider during your stay in Entebbe. 

Prices from $48 for an apartment. 

Find out more about Karibu BB Suites here. 

Recap: 5 budget hotels in Entebbe to try this year

Although Entebbe is home to some seriously expensive hotels, you can also find excellent value here without compromising on quality. I would highly recommend all five of the above budget guesthouses in Entebbe, and I will almost certainly stay at them again! 

If you have any questions about any of these budget hotels in Entebbe or if you would like to make any recommendations to your fellow readers, be sure to leave a comment below, and I will get back to you! 

What’s Entebbe Airport Like? (Review!)

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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!

Traveling from Entebbe To Kampala

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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!

Traveling from Entebbe Airport to Your Hotel (Options!)

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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. 

You can also check out my guide to traveling from Entebbe to Kampala for more information about traveling from the Airport to the capital city.

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.

Five Fun Things to Do in Entebbe (On a Budget!)

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Looking for some fun things to do in Entebbe to kill some time before your flight home? You’ve come to the right place!

For most tourists, Entebbe is nothing more than Uganda’s international airport, and it’s a destination that many people leave soon after arriving. 

For others, it’s the site of Operation Entebbe, an infamous 1976 event involving Idi Amin and a plane full of hostages.  

Regardless of how you regard Entebbe before you visit, the reality is that you are likely to be impressed by this quaint town on the banks of Lake Victoria when you visit it for the first time. 

So, whether you visit Entebbe at the start or the end of your trip, here are five budget-friendly activities that will help you make the most of your time in this interesting and often overlooked destination in central Uganda.

5 Things to do in Entebbe without breaking the bank

No matter why you find yourself with some time to kill in Entebbe, there’s a lot to see and do, without spending a great deal of money! Here are five things to do in Entebbe that won’t cost you a fortune and will offer some nice snaps as you start or end your vacation in Uganda:

Visit Entebbe Botanical Gardens

There are lots of beautiful plants on show in Entebbe Botanical Gardens. Photo Credit: Ivan Sabayuki

One of my favorite places in Entebbe is the Botanical Gardens. While the gardens might be a little rough around the edges and unkempt when compared to botanical gardens in different parts of the world, this green oasis on the shores of Lake Victoria is perfect for exploring. 

Initially sculpted toward the end of the nineteenth century, Entebbe Botanical Gardens have stood the test of time and endured, in spite of the problems that Uganda faced with instability for large parts of the twentieth century.

It’s not amiss to say that the Botanical Gardens are the jewel in Entebbe’s crown, and you will see a huge variety of flora and fauna around the site, as well as a troop of monkeys that are equal parts friendly and mischievous. 

For the film buffs among you, part of the first Tarzan movie was filmed here, and it’s a great opportunity to get some snaps for Instagram in a super interesting location!

While you can simply pay to enter the Botanical Gardens and walk around at your leisure, I would highly recommend hiring a local guide to take you around. You can enter the gardens and hire a guide for less than $10, and the guide adds a lot to the experience, particularly as there aren’t many signs or information posts within the park.

Enjoy a sunset boat cruise on Lake Victoria

A source of income for fishermen, Lake Victoria in Entebbe is also a great place to enjoy a sunset cruise. Photo credit: Hennie Stander.

Entebbe is blessed to be on the shores of Lake Victoria, the world’s second-largest freshwater lake. Although Uganda is landlocked, Lake Victoria is more like a sea than a lake, bordering Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania and supporting millions of livelihoods in each of the countries. 

From a tourist’s perspective, Lake Victoria isn’t safe for swimming, but it is an excellent source of other activities. For instance, you can take a fishing trip out onto the lake to catch some tilapia, or you can arrange a boat trip with a number of local guides. 

In 2016, my best friend visited me in Uganda, and we took a sunset boat cruise on Lake Victoria, with a few cold beers in the canoe, to make the experience that little bit more special. It was a wonderful experience, and the fact that our guide stood up to sing the Ugandan national anthem as the sunset was as surreal as it was memorable!

While you can go to town with an expensive boat cruise (inclusive of meal/drinks/guide, etc.), you can also do a boat cruise on the cheap. Most local guides charge less than $20 to take you out on a canoe at sunset, providing you with stunning photo opportunities and a look at Uganda from the surface of the lake. A must when you’re in Entebbe.

To book a sunset cruise on Lake Victoria, simply ask the staff at your hotel or guesthouse, and they will be more than happy to make the arrangements on your behalf.

Go swimming at Lake Victoria Hotel

The vast majority of guesthouses in Entebbe don’t have a swimming pool, but that’s not a problem thanks to the presence of the Lake Victoria Hotel. LVH is on the main road and is unmissable as you travel from the airport to the center of Entebbe.

The hotel itself predates independence, and it’s a charming, colonial-style hotel that is part of the fabric of Entebbe town. The problem with LVH is that it’s expensive to stay at, with rooms anywhere between $150 and $250. But the good news is that you don’t need to stay there to take advantage of the hotel’s star attraction – the swimming pool.

You can pay 25,000 UGX (around $7) for a day-guest pass at Lake Victoria Hotel, which provides you with a towel and unlimited access to what is undoubtedly the best swimming pool in Entebbe.

There are three diving boards and a kids’ pool, as well as a poolside bar and restaurant that serves up delicious international fayre. Every time I’ve been to LVH for swimming, there’s been a nice mixture of locals and tourists, as well as kids enjoying the outdoor swimming pool. 

The bottom line is that spending an afternoon at the Lake Victoria Hotel’s poolside is an incredible way to start your holiday or round things off as you prepare to fly home. It’s a truly excellent way to spend your time in Entebbe while getting some respite from the Ugandan sun.

Shop for souvenirs at the Craft Market

While I’m not a huge fan of shopping, my wife loves spending time at Entebbe’s craft market. There are lots of places to buy crafts in Uganda, but leaving your shopping until the end of your trip is a smart move. 

You can visit Entebbe craft market on your last day in Uganda and stock up on souvenirs and gifts for people back home. It’s located directly opposite Victoria Mall, so you can’t miss it when you’re in Entebbe town. 

Having been to craft shops in different parts of the country, I can say that the Entebbe Craft Market has practically everything you could possibly want, from t-shirts to household ornaments and fabrics.

In terms of price, you need to be prepared to haggle when you visit Entebbe Craft Market. As a general rule of thumb, if a vendor tells you that something is 50,000 UGX, offer 25,000. You can then proceed with your negotiations and meet somewhere in the middle. 

This isn’t to say that people are trying to rip you off. Rather, they know that tourists always negotiate when trying to buy souvenirs, so retailers suggest an initial price in the knowledge that they’re going to have to sell their products for a lower price.

Sip rooftop cocktails @ K Hotels

Entebbe isn’t short of bars and restaurants, but the rooftop bar at K Hotels is an excellent place to enjoy dinner and drinks. You can order cocktails, local beers, and international spirits while enjoying an incredible view across Entebbe, out to Lake Victoria, and back toward the airport. 

The food at K Hotels is also delicious, with Asian-infused dishes to choose from on the in-house menu. The last time I spent a Friday night at K Hotels, dancers provided entertainment as the sun set behind the building. 

Even if you don’t want to eat there, the rooftop bar at K Hotels offers an excellent option for pre-or post-dinner drinks, and enjoying cocktails as the sunsets across Entebbe is a wonderful way to start or end your vacation.

And one to avoid…

Everyone is different, but I personally have a thing against zoos. I would never visit a zoo in the UK, and I avoid them wherever I am in the world. Entebbe has a zoo – or at least a Wildlife Education Centre – and I’ve never actually been to it, so I can’t tell you what it’s like. 

What I will say, however, is that you’re visiting a country in which wildlife abounds in the natural world, from the monkeys in Entebbe Botanical Garden to the tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

As such, there’s not really any reason to visit Entebbe’s Zoo, as you can see animals in their natural habitat in this beautiful country. Regardless of your opinion of zoos and animal captivity, there’s no reason to visit a zoo in Uganda when you have an abundance of wildlife opportunities at your fingertips in the country’s national parks.

Recap: Five fun things to do in Entebbe

Although many tourists regard Entebbe as the gateway to the rest of Uganda and nothing more, the reality is that this leafy town that houses Uganda’s only international airport actually has a lot of interesting things to see and do. 

So, while you might not be planning to visit Uganda to explore Entebbe, the above activities are great options to consider as you arrive or just before you leave, ensuring that you make the most out of your time spent in Uganda’s main point of entry.