Incredibly, there are more than fifty crater lakes in Uganda, all with their unique stories to share with visitors.
The oldest crater lakes in Uganda can be traced back to volcanic activity that occurred more than 8,000 years ago, and over time, the areas surrounding these lakes have become verdant and beautiful, making them perfect retreats for tourists.
The best crater lakes to visit are in western Uganda, which is ideal if you’re planning a safari in this wildlife-rich part of the country. So, without further ado, here are four of the best crater lakes in Uganda to visit, with an explanation as to why you should include them on your upcoming itinerary.
Bunyonyi
Located in the southwest of the country, not far from Rwanda, Lake Bunyonyi is one of my favorite places in the whole of Uganda, and it’s one of the most breathtakingly beautiful crater lakes in East Africa.
The rolling hills that surround the lake – as well as the hundreds of islands that exist within the lake itself – make Bunyonyi such a wonderful place to explore.
The name “Bunyonyi” literally translates to the place of many little birds, and you will see countless species during any visit to this serene part of Uganda.
However, one of the main reasons why so many tourists plan a visit to Lake Bunyonyi is that it’s safe for swimming, which isn’t the case with most water bodies in the country.
If you’re planning a trip to Bunyonyi, be sure to check out my recent piece, where I introduce ten reasons why you should visit. I also explain why, in my humble opinion, Bunyonyi Birdnest is the best place to stay on the lake’s shores.
Katwe
The Katwe Crater in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The Katwe Crater lake sits on the Mweya Peninsula in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and it’s one of the most aesthetically stunning lakes in the whole of Uganda. The lake itself is said to be 996 meters deep, making it one of the deepest in East Africa.
However, you shouldn’t think about swimming in Lake Katwe, as it’s too close for comfort to the National Park, even though it is said to be free of dangerous animals.
When you plan a trip to the Katwe Crater lake, you should also be sure to stop at the close-by Katwe salt plains, which is one of the star attractions in this part of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Local people have mined salt from the Katwe plains for decades before exporting it to neighboring DR Congo and Rwanda. That being said, salt mining at Katwe has lost much of its economic allure, and it’s not as prominent as it once was.
Still, should you plan a visit to Katwe during your upcoming Queen Elizabeth safari, you can take stunning pictures down across the salt plains, and there’s also a well-stocked craft market on-site, where you can buy handmade souvenirs from some of the locals.
Kasenda craters
One of Uganda’s best-kept secrets is the chain of crater lakes in Ndali, also known as the Kasenda craters. The craters are situated close to Fort Portal, a town in the west of Uganda, which is relatively close to Kibale Forest National Park.
Over a 10km stretch, there are a number of crater lakes for you to explore, and you can even arrange a ‘Top of the World’ crater trail tour, which I would highly recommend if you want to see some of the best crater lakes in Uganda.
What makes the Kasenda crater lakes so special is the fact that they’re unspoiled, and there are very few tourists here. As you hike, you have incredible views across the tea plantations, eventually reaching the Rwenzori Mountains or Mountains of the Moon.
Specifically, you can see Lake Nkuruba, Lake Lyantonde, Lake Nyabikere, and Lake Kifuruka, among others, should you add the Kasenda Craters to your itinerary.
If you need additional motivation to visit this part of Uganda, you can tie in your trip to the Kasenda craters with a chimpanzee trekking experience in Kibale National Forest – something that is high on the list of many tourists who make it to the Pearl of Africa on vacation.
Bunyaruguru Craters
Like the craters at Kasenda, there are several crater lakes in Uganda that make up the chain of water bodies at Bunyaruguru. In fact, there are more than twenty crater lakes here, located to the west of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Most people head to the Nkugute Crater Lake, located in Rubirizi, as it has many ancient tales associated with its formation. Local folklore has it that the lake actually swallows one boy and one girl every year, which is why it is named as such – Nkugute is derived from a local word meaning swallow.
While visiting Bunyaruguru, it’s also worth visiting Kyema and Kamweru – twin crater lakes that provide stunning picture opportunities, making them well worth your time.
If you’re planning a safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park, be sure to ask your guide to take you to Bunyaruguru and Katwe, as they are two of the most stunning crater lakes in Uganda and provide you with the opportunity to see evidence of the unique historical geological activity that has shaped present-day Uganda.
Recap: Visiting the best crater lakes in Uganda
As is the case with many of the country’s tourist attractions, the most beautiful crater lakes in Uganda are in the west of the country.
If you only select one crater lake in Uganda to visit, my recommendation would be Lake Bunyonyi, near Kabale. This is because Lake Bunyonyi is perfect for swimming, has a huge amount of birdlife, and has so many stunning accommodation options to choose from.
That being said, if you can incorporate trips to multiple crater lakes during your time in Uganda, you certainly won’t be disappointed.
Just make sure you have charged your camera because you certainly won’t want to miss out on the incredible views offered up at these pristine sites in the Pearl of Africa.
Birdnest Bunyonyi Resort is one of my favorite hotels in the whole of East Africa!
Quite a claim, I hear you say.
The reason I like Birdnest so much is due to the extremely friendly staff and the extraordinary views out across the lake. Also, Lake Bunyonyi is perhaps my favorite holiday destination, so maybe I can’t help liking the place so much!
Given that there are so many places to stay in and around Lake Bunyonyi, I’ve decided to write this complete guide to Bunyonyi Birdnest to help you decide if it’s the right accommodation option for you.
So, without further ado, here’s why I rank Birdnest Bunyonyi so highly on my list of must-stay-at Ugandan hotels.
What’s it like to stay at Birdnest Bunyonyi?
Birdnest Resort is one of the oldest and most prestigious hotels at Lake Bunyonyi, and it has long been popular with domestic and international travelers alike.
I’ve stayed at Bunyonyi Birdnest on three separate occasions with my family, and I’m of the opinion that it’s the best place to stay in the vicinity of the lake.
I have lots of points of reference, too, having stayed at the likes of Overland, Arcadia Cottages, Hawk’s Eye Lodge, and Byoona Amagara, to name just a few of the other spots I’ve stayed at Bunyonyi.
After a wonderful pre-Christmas weekend at Lake Bunyonyi with my family, I’ve decided to write this complete review of Birdnest so you know what you can expect if you decide to stay at this most charming hotel on the banks of one of Uganda’s most stunning lakes.
A complete review of Birdnest Bunyonyi Resort
To help you dip in and out of this Birdnest Bunyonyi review as and when you need it, I’ve split it into several helpful sections. I also provide a score out of five based on my own experiences of staying here.
Location
The view from Birdnest out onto Lake Bunyonyi – things don’t get much better than this!
In terms of location, it doesn’t get much better than the position that Birdnest takes up on the shores of Lake Bunyonyi. It’s actually one of the first hotels that you reach as you travel from the town of Kabale to the lake itself, and it’s unmistakable as you approach from the road.
The hotel is tiered, with a swimming deck, pool, and bar area at lake level for afternoon relaxing by the lakeside. Then, the restaurant and bar area is on the next level up, providing exceptional views across the lake.
Finally, the hotel itself has several floors, boasting rooms with balconies and incredible lake views. As such, the location and design of Birdnest are truly spectacular, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things about the hotel.
My verdict: 9/10
Rooms
There are several room types available at Birdnest for you to consider:
Basic cottage (located “overseas” on a privately owned island).
De luxe cottage (located “overseas” on a privately owned island).
Grand executive
Standard basic
De luxe executive
De luxe
On my most recent trip to Birdnest, I booked into a de luxe cottage for a little bit of extra privacy. However, on arrival, the staff informed me that they had upgraded us to a beautiful de luxe room in the main hotel itself.
This saved us from having to cross the lake on one of the canoes, and the room we were given was perfect. As has been the case on every occasion that I’ve stayed at Birdnest, the room was clean, pristine, and beautifully finished.
You are provided with handmade soaps and lotions in the bathroom, as well as a daily stock of bottled mineral water. The terrace opens out onto the most stunning lake views imaginable, rounding things off to perfection.
One thing to note is that there are no mosquito nets here – the staff spray each room at sunset to avoid mosquitos becoming a problem, and I didn’t notice any new bites during my stay!
My verdict: 9/10
Food & drink
Enjoying a bottle of Banage IPA at Birdnest Bunyonyi
The food and drink at Bunyonyi Birdnest are to die for. Even when I have stayed at other hotels in and around Lake Bunyonyi, I’ve always traveled to Birdnest for at least one meal, and I’ve never been disappointed.
The menu is filled with delicious meal options, including various fish, meat, and vegetarian dishes. But the star attraction is undoubtedly the crayfish served up at Bunyonyi Birdnest.
You can have it in many forms, but I’d highly recommend the crayfish calypso starter, as well as the crayfish pasta for your main course. The crayfish is picked directly from Lake Bunyonyi, and it’s as fresh as you could possibly imagine!
As for drinks, there’s an impressive wine list featuring African, South American, and European wines, as well as lots of beers from different parts of the world. There’s also a comprehensive cocktail menu, and my wife enjoyed a couple of mojitos before our evening meal.
If you’re looking for a beer recommendation, opt for Banage – Uganda’s craft ale. The IPA and Amber ales are particularly good.
My verdict: 10/10
Staff
Every time I’ve visited Birdnest Bunyonyi, the staff have been courteous, polite, and helpful. The best way to book a room at the resort is to email them directly, and Patience led me through the entire booking process from start to finish without issue.
As it was my wife’s birthday during our most recent stay at Birdnest, the team arranged a delicious chocolate cake and brought it to the table after our meal while singing a birthday song! It was a lovely touch and something we appreciated.
One thing I will say, though, is that when I stayed at Birdnest in December 2021, my card was charged twice by the PesaPal booking system. In fairness, this had nothing to do with Birdnest, and I contacted Amex to sort out the problem.
Just bear in mind the fact that this may happen if you opt to use the PesaPal link, particularly if you’re paying with a foreign card.
My verdict: 10/10
Facilities
The infinity swimming pool at Lake Bunyonyi is one of the main attractions of the hotel, and it’s the perfect place to swim if you don’t want to plunge into the lake itself! Next to the swimming pool is a fully-stocked bar with a pool table, offering the perfect place to chill out in the afternoon.
What’s more, for those looking to swim in Lake Bunyonyi, there’s a swimming deck and a boating jetty, where you can also board one of the dugout canoes for a voyage out onto the lake.
You can also organize a range of other activities at Birdnest, and the staff can help you with a guided walk, a birding safari, and various other excursions to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
On a previous visit to Birdnest with my family, we took a motorized boat tour for a couple of hours, and it was a wonderful way to see the various islands that make up Lake Bunyonyi – I’d highly recommend it.
Finally, there’s also a souvenir and art shop at Bunyonyi, but the prices are a little on the high side, given the cost of souvenirs elsewhere in Uganda.
My verdict: 9/10
Value for money
Last but certainly not least in this Birdnest Bunyonyi review – how much does it cost to stay here? At the time of writing, the price of B&B accommodation at Birdnest Bunyonyi is as follows:
Accommodation Type
Priceper night (USD)
Basic cottage
$95
De luxe cottage
$105
Grand executive room
$260
Standard basic
$95
De luxe executive
$210
De luxe
$190
As you can see, there are accommodation options to suit all budgets at Birdnest Bunyonyi, with the cheapest starting at $95 per night, bed and breakfast. While there are cheaper options available at Lake Bunyonyi, I personally think that a night at Birdnest represents excellent value for money.
Inside a de luxe room at Birdnest, Bunyonyi. Photo Credit: Birdnest Resort.
You can check out each of the accommodation options at Birdnest in more detail here.
My verdict: 9/10
The verdict: Is Birdnest Bunyonyi worth staying at?
Having been to Lake Bunyonyi more times than I can remember and having stayed at so many different places, I can say that Birdnest Bunyonyi is undoubtedly my favorite place to stay.
The rooms are beautifully decorated, the food is delicious, and the staff are extremely friendly, making for a perfect stay in this stunning part of Uganda.
So, if you want to stay at the best hotel at Lake Bunyonyi, get in touch with the team at Birdnest today to arrange your stay – you won’t be disappointed!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
Is gorilla trekking safe? Yes! Read on to set your mind at ease!
Gorilla trekking in East Africa is arguably the best wildlife experience on the planet. Spending an hour with these magnificent creatures is something that is on so many people’s bucket lists, and it’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that certainly doesn’t disappoint!
But given that some people perceive countries in East Africa to be somewhat unstable – is gorilla trekking safe?
I’ve been on a gorilla trek myself, and I live less than an hour away from Bwindi Impenetrable forest, Uganda’s premier gorilla trekking destination. So, in this article, I explain, from my experience, why gorilla trekking in East Africa is perfectly safe and why you shouldn’t hesitate when it comes to booking this incredible experience!
So – is gorilla trekking safe?
Yes, gorilla trekking in East Africa is completely safe. You are guided into the national park by armed rangers, who remain by your side at all times and during your experience with the gorillas. They then lead you back out of the park and to the park entrance, where your driver will be waiting to take you back to your hotel.
Ultimately, gorilla trekking is extremely safe and well-organized, both in Uganda and Rwanda. That being said, I offer some important safety tips to consider before undertaking gorilla trekking in what remains of this article.
Things to consider before gorilla trekking: 4 Safety Tips
Some people are slightly anxious about visiting East Africa for the first time, as the region has a history of instability. However, at the time of writing, both Uganda and Rwanda are peaceful and generally very safe for tourists. DR Congo, on the other hand, is a different issue and should be avoided. Provided that you arrange your safari trip through a certified and trusted safari company, you don’t need to worry about your general safety throughout your trip.
So, with that in mind, here are some things to think about to make sure that your upcoming gorilla trek is as safe as possible:
Book your trek with a trusted safari company
As is the case with any tourism activity, make sure you book your gorilla trek with a trusted safari company to ensure that they take care of your safety and security. The vast majority of Ugandans & Rwandans are courteous and friendly toward tourists, but arranging your trip with a trusted tour company adds an element of security to your trip.
I highly recommend Andrew and the team at AJ Tours & Travel, specialists in gorilla trekking, safaris, and other activities in East Africa. You can reach out to the team to ask them to arrange your gorilla trek in either Uganda or Rwanda.
Listen to the rangers
When you arrive at the national park in preparation for your gorilla trek, you will be greeted by armed rangers who are tasked with protecting you – and the animals – as they take you on your trek through the forest.
The rangers are highly trained and friendly and are there to ensure that you have a memorable experience for all the right reasons. Before your trek begins, the rangers run you through a safety briefing, which explains how close you can get to the gorillas and what you need to look out for during your trek.
Provided that you listen to the rangers and follow their guidance and advice, your gorilla trek will be completely safe. The rangers will be by your side for the entirety of your trek, and they are there to protect you – so you can rest assured that the entire trek is safe from start to finish.
Be respectful to wild animals
A gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda. Photo credit: Leila Boujnane
When you enter a national park, you’re entering the home of wild animals. Of course, wild animals are unpredictable, which is why you need to show them respect. The gorillas that you trek in Uganda and Rwanda are habituated, meaning they’re used to humans and don’t typically show aggression.
However, if you overstep the mark and get too close, you risk provoking the gorillas, which is a bad idea! Naturally, the rangers will explain how close you can get to the animals and will warn you if you encroach on their space during your trek.
But make sure you enter the forest in the mindset that you’re entering the natural territory of wild animals, and you need to show them respect! This will help you to avoid any unforeseen circumstances during your encounters.
Wear appropriate footwear
One of the biggest threats to your safety when entering a national park in East Africa is the terrain, not the animals that you’re likely to encounter. Whether you’re trekking in Uganda or Rwanda, things are likely to be wet underfoot, and as you’re walking through the bush, you can easily lose your footing if you’re not wearing the correct footwear.
So, be sure to wear a pair of sturdy walking boots for your gorilla trek and ensure that you follow the path laid out by the rangers. Walking through the African bush can be exhilarating, but if you’re not careful where you put your feet, it can also lead to injury!
Recap: Is gorilla trekking safe in Africa?
The bottom line is yes, gorilla trekking in Africa is safe. However, to make sure your experience is memorable for all the right reasons, be sure to bear the following safety tips in mind:
Book your experience with a reputable tour company.
Listen to the rangers and follow their instructions at all times!
Be respectful to the wild animals that you encounter.
Wear appropriate footwear.
Provided that you book with a reputable company, the moment that you arrive at the entrance to the national park in Uganda or Rwanda, the rangers take care of everything for you. They guide you into the park and are present for the entire time that you’re with the gorillas. They then lead you out of the park and back to your awaiting safari vehicle.
So, provided that you’re sensible, gorilla trekking in East Africa is a perfectly safe activity.
Keen to discover your options for this once-in-a-lifetime tourism opportunity? Discover where to go gorilla trekking in East Africa in this comprehensive guide!
Welcome to this complete guide to planning a self-drive safari in Uganda. I’ve been on more self-drive safaris than I can remember in each of Uganda’s stunning national parks, and I want to provide you with detailed information about how to plan your upcoming adventure.
You can work through this guide step-by-step as you plan your safari independently, ensuring that you cover all bases when planning your dream trip to the African savannah.
So, without further ado, here’s everything you need to know about planning a self-drive safari in Uganda.
Step 1: Start with a budget
Okay, so the first and arguably most important step when planning a safari in Uganda is to begin with a budget. But how much do Ugandan safaris cost?
Well, the cost of any safari differs significantly as there are so many variables to consider. But realistically, you can spend anywhere between $300 and $5,000 (excluding flights) on a Ugandan safari, which is why you need to decide on the budget that you have available to you.
The costs that you need to plan for include the following:
Park entrance fees: The cost of park entrance fees in Uganda for foreign visitors is currently $40 per day (for most parks). You need to pay the fees per 24 hours that you’re in the park, so it’s handy to work out the most efficient way to plan your safari so you can be inside the park for as little time as possible, so you can save on fees! Be sure to check the current park entrance fees as listed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority to consider how much it will cost you to enter the respective parks.
Vehicle hire/fuel: It costs between $50 and $150 per day to hire a 4WD for a self-drive safari. On top of this, you will need to plan for the cost of fuel, which in Uganda is currently between $1 – $2 per liter. As is the case with fuel costs all around the world, this is much higher than it has been in the past! AJ Tours and Travel offer affordable vehicle hire for self-drive safaris in Uganda and are a great option if you’re planning to arrange a safari yourself in Uganda or anywhere in East Africa.
Food & accommodation: It won’t surprise you to learn that food and accommodation in and around Ugandan national parks are fairly expensive. For exclusive safari lodges and campsites in the wilderness, you are looking at costs exceeding $250 per person per night. It’s not cheap to head on a luxury safari! However, if you’re happy for something a little more basic but would still like the experience of being in the wild, there are budget safari camps in each of Uganda’s parks, all of which come in at less than $50 per night. So, it is possible to arrange your food & accommodation on a budget, and you can use the likes of booking.com to help you find the best rates.
Other activities: When planning a self-drive safari in Uganda, there are several other activities you need to consider, in addition to game drives. For instance, taking a boat trip in Lake Mburo, Queen Elizabeth, or Murchison Falls is a great way to improve your wildlife sightings and adds to the experience. Boat trips in each park start at around $30-$50 per person – you can find the information in the UWA brochure already introduced.
To give you a rough idea and based on my experiences of self-drive safaris in Uganda, here’s a handy guide to budget/mid-range/luxury self-drive safari costs in Uganda:
Budget (without fuel)
2 days park entrance fees – $80
Small vehicle hire (Rav4 or similar) for 2 days – $120
Camping or hostel-like accommodation in a national park (2 nights) – $100
No additional activities – game drives only – $0
Total without fuel = $300
I would say that $300 without fuel is about the cheapest you could arrange a self-drive safari in Uganda, but I’m happy to be proven wrong!
Mid-range (without fuel)
3 days park entrance fees – $120
Mid-size vehicle hire for 3 days (Land Cruiser or similar) – $300
3-star lodgings inside the national park (3 nights) – $300
Boat trip for enhanced wildlife sightings – $50
Total without fuel = $770
Luxury (without fuel)
3 days park entrance fees – $120
Custom safari vehicle hire for 3 days – $450
5-star lodgings inside the national park (3 nights) – $1,500
Boat trip and other activities (leopard tracking, horseback safaris, etc.) – $200
Total without fuel = $2,270
Please recognize that the above prices are rough estimates only and are based on my own experiences of planning self-drive safaris in Uganda. I have also touched base with my friends at AJ Tours to make sure that the prices above are representative of what you can expect to pay in the current market.
Although you might find in your experience these prices to be lower or more expensive than I’ve included here, you can use them as a very rough guide to get started. Another thing to mention here is that safaris become cheaper when there are more people in your group.
Naturally, you can share the cost of vehicle hire and accommodation rates, as well as fuel, so it becomes more affordable when there are more people in your group. Just be mindful to check whether you’re being charged per person or per room when booking accommodation in Ugandan national parks, as this is something that I’ve been caught out with in the past!
Even if you plan to drive yourself, Andrew and the team at AJ Tours would be only too happy to help you put together a budget for your upcoming safari in Uganda – and you can get in touch with them to get a much better idea of the costs associated with your trip.
Step 2: Think about what you would like to see
A lioness in Murchison Falls NP. Photo Credit: Gabriel Schumacher.
Okay, so with a rough budget in mind and an understanding of how much a safari is likely to cost, you can start thinking about what you would like to see. There are four main safari destinations in Uganda – Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park.
They are all in completely different parts of the country and offer unique viewing experiences and landscapes, meaning that you need to think carefully about what you would like to see on safari. Of course, when you go on safari, you’re not guaranteed to see anything. Wild animals are exactly that – wild! Some days they might be near the game drive tracks, while other days, they might be hiding.
However, it’s helpful to think about what you would like to see before planning your trip, and you can use my handy overviews below to consider which Ugandan safari destination is best for you:
Queen Elizabeth National Park
The numbers: 95 mammals, 10 primates, 610 birds (of which 54 are raptors).
Best for: Widely regarded as the #1 safari destination in Uganda and home to the magnificent tree-climbing lions of Ishasha.
What you might see: Tree climbing lions, elephants, hyenas, leopards, buffalo, hippos, and much, much more!
What you won’t see: Cheetahs, zebras, and giraffes are notably absent from Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Verdict: Given the presence of the tree-climbing lions and the sizeable elephant population (approximately 3,000 in number), Queen is the obvious choice for so many people planning a self-drive safari in Uganda.
If you’re keen to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park, read my recent article that explains everything you need to know to plan a self-drive safari in this stunning national park.
Murchison Falls National Park
The numbers: 144 mammals, 556 birds, 51 reptiles, and 51 amphibians.
Best for: The boat cruise in Murchison Falls National Park is spectacular and arguably the best thing about the park. There is also the world’s largest population of Rothschild’s giraffes here, which are a draw for many tourists. There are also thought to be 20 prides of lions here, too.
What you might see: Lions, leopards, elephants, hyenas, buffalo, hippos, giraffes, and more. The historic shoebill also calls Murchison Falls home!
What you won’t see: Cheetahs, rhinos, and zebras. Leopards do live in Murchison but they’re rarely spotted.
Verdict: There are many similarities between Murchison and Queen Elizabeth and both offer excellent game viewing. The eponymous falls are truly special and make for a wonderful boat cruise, which in my opinion, marginally trumps the boat cruise in Queen’s Kazinga Channel.
Kidepo Valley National Park
The numbers: 77 mammals, 470 birds (60 of which are found only in Kidepo), 1,000 elephants, 10,000 buffalos.
Best for: For those that make it to the extreme north of Uganda, Kidepo Valley NP provides incredible wildlife viewing, with a dense lion population and cheetahs and leopards regularly sighted. Although off the beaten track, it’s worth making an effort to reach Kidepo Valley for so many reasons.
What you might see: Lions abound in Kidepo, as do side-striped jackals. Cheetah and leopard sightings are more common than in other national parks in Uganda, and Burchell’s zebra is commonly seen on the plains. There is also a small population of Nubian giraffes in Kidepo.
What you won’t see: Hippos are perhaps the most notable absentee.
Verdict: Although it can take two days of driving (or a seriously expensive domestic flight) to reach Kidepo Valley National Park, it is undoubtedly the most predator-rich national park in Uganda, offering exceptional game viewing opportunities.
Lake Mburo National Park
The numbers: Several mammal species and primates, 315 birds, 15-30 Rothschild’s giraffes, and 0 lions.
Best for: Lake Mburo is the only place in Uganda you will see the impala. Zebras are abundant here, and the sizeable population of Rothschild’s giraffes is increasing. Lake Mburo is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with regular sightings of the elusive African finfoot and other native species noted.
What you might see: Zebras, giraffes, hippos, Nile Crocodiles, topi, duiker, and impala, among others!
What you won’t see: There are no lions in Lake Mburo, and although leopards are occasionally sighted, they’re extremely rare.
Verdict: Given its relatively close proximity to Kampala, Lake Mburo is a super popular national park with city-dwellers and given its small size, it’s really easy to navigate. It’s one of my favourite places in Uganda.
For more information about planning a self-drive safari in Lake Mburo, read my recent article, where I explain why Lake Mburo is worth visiting.
Other notable parks in Uganda include Pian Upe and Semiliki, as well as the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. I haven’t included them here as they’re not as abundant in terms of wildlife, but they’re all worth considering for their own reasons, but for the most diverse wildlife viewing, stick to one of the four parks introduced in detail above to begin with!
Step 3: Pick a destination
A giraffe enjoying a meal in Murchison Falls NP. Photo Credit: Matthew Essman.
Using the above information as your guide, you’re now ready to pick a destination for your self-drive safari in Uganda. But in addition to considering what you can see in each national park, you should also think about their location in relation to your other plans:
Queen Elizabeth is in the southwest of Uganda 8-10 hours away from Kampala by road. You can begin your self-drive safari in the southern section of the park, entering from Kihihi, or in the northern section entering from Kasese. An advantage of Queen is that it’s around one hour’s drive from Bwindi National Park – Uganda’s premier gorilla trekking venue, meaning you can plan for both activities while in this part of the country.
The southern gateway to Murchison Falls is Masindi, which is 3-4 hours north of Kampala. As such, Murchison is a great option for those looking for a relatively short journey from Uganda’s capital, but it sprawls much further north than the southern entrance would have you initially believe.
Kidepo Valley National Park is in the extreme north of Uganda, close to the border of South Sudan. Most tourists arrive at Kidepo via the northern town of Gulu, itself a good 8-10 hours drive from Kampala. If you’re planning a self-drive safari in Kidepo National Park, give yourself two full days to get there via road.
Lake Mburo is located a 3.5 hour drive west of Kampala along the Kampala-Mbarara road. It’s easily drivable in a morning, meaning you can explore Lake Mburo in the afternoon, before returning to Kampala the following day if you wish. This is why Lake Mburo is a popular weekend trip for city dwellers.
When planning a self-drive safari in Uganda, it makes sense to group destinations together so you can get the most out of your trip. It’s widely accepted that Uganda’s southwest is the country’s star attraction, with Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi NP not far away from one another. But for those of you looking for unrivaled game and predator viewing – making it to Uganda’s north is also well worth it.
Step 4: Think about hiring a ranger
I absolutely love going on self-drive safaris in Uganda, as heading into a national park with a map is extremely liberating. However, sometimes, it pays to hire a park ranger before heading into the park itself, which is something that you can do at the entrance of each national park in the country.
The main benefit of hiring a ranger is that they can direct you to where the animals currently are, which is particularly helpful if you’re looking for something specific, like the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha.
Hiring a ranger is inexpensive and you don’t need to plan it in advance. Just be sure to give them a generous tip as you drop them back off at the park gate if they’ve helped you spot an elusive leopard!
Step 5: decide on duration and accommodation
An elephant in Murchison Falls NP. Photo credit: Sam Balye.
You’re almost ready to make your reservations, but you need to first think about how long you want to go on safari for. Most people plan trips for anywhere between 2-5 days, and your choice really depends on how long you’re spending in Uganda and what else you want to see while you’re in the country.
In my experience, a 2-night, 3-day safari is more than enough time to see everything on offer in the different parks in Uganda. But of course, every day you spend in a national park is different, so feel free to stay for as long as you like if you want to maximize your wildlife sightings!
Most lodges and hotels within Uganda’s national parks offer full board options, which is advisable given that there’s nowhere really to buy food and drink (other than local shops) for the duration of your safari.
As I’ve already mentioned, there are lots of accommodation options to suit different budgets, so head over to booking.com or another booking site to find the best deals for your upcoming safari trip in Uganda.
Step 6: Make your reservations!
With all things considered, the only thing left to do is to make your reservations! You only really need to book a car and accommodation, as you can deal with your park fees on the day of your safari.
If you’re booking your safari independently, it always makes sense to contact lodges directly to ask for their best price, as it’s often lower than advertised on third-party sites.
Otherwise, I hope you’ve found this article helpful and you now have all the information that you need to plan a self-drive safari in Uganda. If you have any questions, please leave a comment below and I’ll get back to you!
Need help with planning a self-drive safari in Uganda?
If you’re not comfortable with planning your self-drive safari in Uganda yourself, please feel free to get in touch with Andrew and the team at AJ Tours and Travel. They are friendly, affordable, and accommodating, and will help you plan every step of your self-drive safari if you don’t want to go it alone.
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!
When you schedule a vacation to anywhere in the world that is hot, it’s likely that swimming is at the top of your agenda in order to cool off! As a landlocked country, Uganda doesn’t provide tourists with access to the sea, even though Lake Victoria is essentially an inland sea that is anchored in the center of East Africa.
So, when it comes to swimming in Uganda, what are your options? Can you swim in outdoor lakes, rivers, and streams? What do you need to be aware of?
Having taken a dip in several natural locations in and around Uganda, I explain what your options are for swimming in the country, as well as some of the safety aspects that you need to consider before grabbing your swimming costume.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into the reality of swimming in Uganda.
Where can you go swimming in Uganda?
Enjoying a cold beer while swimming at Igongo Cultural Center in Mbarara – a great way to pass the time!
The safest and easiest place to go swimming in Uganda is in a hotel pool. This might sound like an obvious thing to say, but there are so many international hotels in Entebbe, Kampala, and at other tourist sites throughout the country, meaning that you can cool off and take a break from the African sun.
But what about swimming in Uganda in the great outdoors?
One of the only outdoor water bodies in Uganda declared safe for swimming is Lake Bunyonyi, which is located in the extreme southwestern corner of Uganda, not far from the Rwandan border.
Lake Bunyonyi is breathtakingly beautiful, and it’s an absolute must-visit for anyone spending time in any of the natural attractions in this part of Uganda.
The reason that Bunyonyi is deemed safe is that there aren’t any dangerous animals in the water (no crocs or hippos, for instance), and the water is also deemed to be free from parasites, a big problem that faces other water bodies in Uganda – more on this shortly.
There are other crater lakes in Western Uganda that are locally regarded as safe for swimming – one being Lake Matanda, which is located in Kisoro, not far from Lake Bunyonyi.
While there’s conflicting information about the safety of swimming in the River Nile at Jinja – the river’s source – I have been in the water there on several occasions, as it is the location of white water rafting and other leisure activities. Should you decide to swim at Jinja, you should be aware of the potential dangers of doing so – more on this in the following section.
If you’re planning to swim outdoors in Uganda, you absolutely must seek local guidance beforehand, as conditions can change, and you need to be aware of any environmental factors that may deem a lake or river to be unsafe at a specific time of the year.
Why can’t you swim in all lakes/rivers in Uganda?
There are several reasons why many of the lakes and rivers in Uganda – and the Great Lakes Region more generally – are not safe for swimming.
Dangerous animals
The first is the presence of animals in these water bodies. Uganda is home to a large population of Nile Crocodiles, and I don’t need to tell you that you don’t want to share the water with them!
Granted, most Nile Crocodiles live in and around gazetted national parks like Queen Elizabeth and Lake Mburo, but there are instances where crocs can be found sunbathing on certain river banks – parts of the Nile included.
Another big threat to human life in Uganda is posed by hippos. Hippos are actually one of the deadliest animals, in spite of the fact that they’re herbivores, as they often come into contact with unsuspecting humans who enter their territories for various reasons. Many of the victims of hippo attacks are fishermen, but hippos are extremely aggressive when threatened, so you need to keep a wide berth if they’re in the vicinity.
Like crocs, most hippos in Uganda live in national parks, but again, you should be privy to local guides who are well-positioned to inform you about whether a water body has a population of hippos nearby.
Parasites
Second to threatening animals, the next reason why some water bodies in Uganda aren’t safe is due to parasites. One common parasite found in many water bodies in East Africa is Schistosomiasis – also known as Bilharzia – and it is an infection that is passed on by infected worms.
You can become infected with Bilharzia if you come into contact with contaminated freshwater, so it’s really important to avoid water bodies that are known to have a history of contamination. In Uganda, Lake Victoria is one such source, and it’s not safe to swim in the lake for this reason, above all others.
It’s also important to be aware of the fact that some water sources in Uganda may be contaminated or polluted for other reasons, which is why it’s so important to speak to local guides before taking the plunge into an inviting-looking water source during your upcoming vacation.
Tips for swimming in Uganda
Relaxing after a dip in Lake Bunyonyi, perhaps my favorite spot in Uganda.
The key thing to remember about swimming in Uganda is that some outdoor water bodies are safe, while others aren’t. This is why it’s so important to consult local guides before heading into an outdoor water body in the country!
But if you are planning to swim outdoors in Uganda, here are some simple tips that you should bear in mind before entering the water:
Always consult a local guide before entering a water body in Uganda, even if swimming has been declared as a safe activity.
Never enter a body of water that is in or around a National Park.
Many of Uganda’s crater lakes are incredibly deep – Lake Bunyonyi, for instance, has a disputed depth of between 900 – 3000 meters.
Most Ugandans can’t swim and have a general fear of the water. Therefore, you’re unlikely to see many locals swimming in crater lakes, even if it is safe to do so!
If in doubt, stick to the hotel pool. There are so many hotels in cities and at tourist hotspots around Uganda with swimming pools, meaning you don’t need to risk an outdoor swim if you’re unsure about the safety of doing so.
Recap: Swimming in Uganda
The bottom line is that outdoor swimming in Uganda can be safe, but it depends on where you’re planning to enter the water. Lake Bunyonyi is widely advertised as the safest outdoor swimming spot in the country, and I’ve enjoyed swimming there many times without issue.
Although I’ve mentioned this a few times already, I just want to reiterate the importance of checking with a local guide before going swimming anywhere in Uganda. The last thing you want is to hop into a water body that is contaminated with parasites or home to unseen Nile Crocodiles or Hippos!
