Getting Around Uganda
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use matatus and boda bodas for Kampala and Jinja. Rural: Rent a car for national parks like Bwindi. Lakes: Ferries and boats on Lake Victoria. For convenience, book airport transfers from Entebbe to your destination.
Train Travel
Uganda Railways
Limited passenger services connecting Kampala to western regions with infrequent but scenic routes.
Cost: Kampala to Kasese UGX 10,000-20,000, journeys 4-6 hours on available lines.
Tickets: Buy at stations or through local agents, cash preferred, services resume periodically.
Peak Times: Weekends busier for tourists, book ahead for holiday periods.
Rail Alternatives
Due to limited trains, consider bus integrations; no national passes but combo tickets available locally.
Best For: Budget travelers seeking slower, scenic travel over 2-3 stops.
Where to Buy: Kampala station or regional offices, verify schedules as services vary.
Regional Connections
Links to Kenya via Standard Gauge Railway under development, current options via bus to Nairobi.
Booking: Monitor updates for new lines, early reservations for cross-border trips.
Main Stations: Kampala Central Station, with connections to Tororo and beyond.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Ideal for safaris in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls. Compare rental prices from $50-100/day at Entebbe Airport and Kampala.
Requirements: International license recommended, credit card, minimum age 25, driver often included.
Insurance: Full coverage essential for dirt roads, includes off-road protection.
Driving Rules
Drive on the left, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 80 km/h rural, 100 km/h highways.
Tolls: Minimal on major roads like Kampala-Entebbe, pay cash at checkpoints.
Priority: Yield to pedestrians and animals, roundabouts common in cities.
Parking: Free in rural areas, guarded lots $1-2/day in Kampala.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations available at $1.20-1.50/liter for petrol, $1.10-1.40 for diesel.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Maps.me for offline navigation in remote areas.
Traffic: Heavy congestion in Kampala rush hours, potholes on rural roads.
Urban Transport
Kampala Matatus & Buses
Minibus network covering the city, single fare UGX 1,000-2,000, daily pass UGX 5,000.
Validation: Pay conductor on board, overcrowding common during peaks.
Apps: SafeBoda app for routes and safer matatu options.
Boda Boda & Bike Rentals
Motorcycle taxis everywhere, $0.50-2/ride; bike rentals $5-10/day in tourist areas.
Routes: Excellent for short urban trips, helmets recommended.
Tours: Guided boda tours in Kampala for markets and viewpoints.
Intercity Buses & Services
Companies like Jaguar and Gateway operate routes from Kampala to major towns.
Tickets: UGX 10,000-30,000 per trip, buy at bus parks or online.
Lake Ferries: Connect islands on Lake Victoria, UGX 5,000-15,000 fares.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near bus parks in cities for easy access, Entebbe or Kampala center for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for dry season (June-Sep) and major events like Rwenzori treks.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for unpredictable rain travel plans.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, mosquito nets, and proximity to transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Strong 4G in cities like Kampala, 3G in rural areas including parks.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from $5 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
MTN Uganda, Airtel, and Africell offer prepaid SIMs from UGX 5,000-10,000 with good coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, shops, or provider stores with passport required.
Data Plans: 2GB for UGX 20,000, 5GB for UGX 50,000, unlimited for UGX 100,000/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi in hotels, cafes, and tourist spots; limited in remote areas.
Public Hotspots: Bus parks and malls have free public WiFi.
Speed: Generally 5-50 Mbps in urban areas, suitable for browsing and calls.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: East Africa Time (EAT), UTC+3, no daylight saving.
- Airport Transfers: Entebbe Airport 40km from Kampala, taxi $20-30 (1 hour), matatu $2, or book private transfer for $30-50.
- Luggage Storage: Available at bus parks (UGX 5,000/day) and hotels in major cities.
- Accessibility: Boda bodas adaptable, but rural roads challenging; many lodges offer assistance.
- Pet Travel: Limited on public transport, check safari operators for pet-friendly options.
- Bike Transport: Boda bodas carry bikes for extra fee, rentals include transport.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Uganda
Entebbe International Airport (EBB) is the main gateway. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Entebbe International (EBB): Primary hub 40km from Kampala with regional connections.
Soroti Airport (SRT): Domestic flights to eastern Uganda, small but growing.
Kasese Airport (KSE): Serves western parks, limited flights from Kampala.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for dry season travel (June-Sep) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Nairobi and taking bus to Uganda for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
Air Uganda, Fly540, and regional carriers serve Entebbe with East African connections.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and ground transport when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in mandatory 24 hours before, airport fees higher.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Widely available in cities, fees UGX 5,000-10,000, use bank ATMs to avoid markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa accepted in hotels and tours, Mastercard less common in rural spots.
- Contactless Payment: Growing in urban areas, mobile money like MTN MoMo widely used.
- Cash: Essential for transport, markets, and rural areas, keep UGX 50,000-100,000 in small notes.
- Tipping: Not mandatory but 10% appreciated in restaurants and for guides.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport bureaus with poor rates.