Travel to Uganda

Flying to Uganda

Airlines serving Uganda include Egyptair (www.egyptair.com), Emirates (www.emirates.com), Ethiopian Airlines (www.ethiopianairlines.com), Kenya Airways (www.kenya-airways.com) and Turkish Airlines (www.turkishairlines.com). There are no direct flights from the UK or the USA.

Flights to Uganda are cheapest during the rainy seasons from March to May and October to November. The best wildlife viewing months are June to September and December to February, when flights are likely to be more expensive.

Airport Guides

Flight times

From London - 11 hours (including stopover); New York - 19 hours 30 minutes (including stopover).

Air passes

Uganda is one of the featured destinations in the Star Alliance Africa Airpass (www.staralliance.com), which allows passengers to take between three and 10 flights across Africa.

Departure tax

US$40, usually included in the air fare.

Travelling to Uganda by Rail

There are currently no international passenger train services running in or out of Uganda, although the railway is still used in places for carrying freight.

Driving to Uganda

Uganda shares land borders with Tanzania, Kenya, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda and South Sudan. Several international reputable bus companies link Kampala to other major cities in the region.

If driving from Europe, drivers should check Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) updates regarding travelling through countries in the region. Yellow fever certificates are required at the border if entering Uganda from a country where yellow fever is present.

Driving in Uganda is challenging due to the poor condition of the roads in places (especially in the rainy season), the somewhat erratic driving of others on the road, and potential collisions with livestock. Before setting off, ensure your vehicle is in good working order and has a sound spare wheel (preferably two), as the country's corrugated and dirt roads are sure to take their toll. A 4-wheel drive is advisable if you intend to go off the beaten track, along with a jerry can with spare petrol, oil, water, a fire extinguisher, a wheel spanner, jack and a first-aid kit.

Getting to Uganda by boat

Following suspension of the ferry service due to a series of accidents, passenger boats no longer run between Uganda’s main ferry port on Lake Victoria, Port Bell, and Mwanza in Tanzania. However, cargo boats sometimes take passengers, so it may pay to ask around.

Ferry operators

The EarthWise Ferry project (www.earthwiseventures.com) aims to revitalise ferry transportation in the region and service the lake’s major ports.