Overview
Uganda is a country in Africa according to ezinereligion. Winston Churchill dubbed Uganda the “Pearl of Africa,” probably referring to the country’s incredible natural beauty. As soon as you land at Entebbe International Airport, which boasts a stunning equatorial location on the lush shores of island-strewn Lake Victoria, it’s clear that Uganda isn’t just any safari destination. Dominated by a botanical garden with acrobatically circling, chattering monkeys and colorful tropical birds, Entebbe has, in contrast to other comparable African cities, little reminiscent of a big city. Just 40km away is the capital city of Kampala, spread over seven hills, with its modern, cosmopolitan vibe that reflects Uganda’s economic growth and political stability since 1986. Since the late 1980s, the country has successfully recovered from the civil war and economic catastrophe of the years under brutal dictator Idi Amin. Uganda lies where the East African savannah and West African jungle meet. In its lush natural landscape you can see lions, chimpanzees, hippos, crocodiles and the legendary mountain gorilla, among others.
Getting there
Arriving by plane
There are no non-stop flights to Uganda from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Uganda Airlines (UR), the national airline of Uganda, offers international flights to Burundi, Congo, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan and Tanzania. Lufthansa (LH) flies from Frankfurt/M. and Munich in cooperation with Brussels Airlines (SN) via Brussels and from Frankfurt/M. with Egypt Air (MS) via Cairo to Entebbe. Furthermore, Qatar Airways (QR) fly to Entebbe via Doha and Ethiopian Airlines (ET) via Addis Ababa from Frankfurt/M., Vienna and Zurich. KLM (KL) connects Frankfurt/M., Munich, Vienna and Zurich with Entebbe via Amsterdam and Kigali (Rwanda). Feeder flights to Amsterdam are available from Frankfurt/M. and Munich with Lufthansa (LH),
Flight times
Frankfurt/M. – Kampala: 10 hrs 10 mins; Vienna – Kampala: 13 hrs 15 mins; Zurich – Kampala: 13 hrs 15 mins (Journey times vary depending on length of stopovers.)
Departure fee
None.
Arrival by car
By land, Uganda is accessible from its neighboring states of Tanzania, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda and South Sudan. There are good connecting roads, especially to Kenya. Long-distance buses: Regular and excursion buses run between Kampala and Nairobi (Kenya) (journey time: 11 hrs 30 mins), Arusha (Tanzania) (journey time: 19 hrs 20 mins) and Dar-es-Salaam (Tanzania) (journey time: 30 mins). : approx. 29 hours). Tolls: The highway between Kampala and Entebbe is subject to tolls. The fees are to be paid at toll stations. Documents: In addition to the national driver’s license, the international driver’s license is required.
Arrival by train
There is currently no cross-border passenger traffic.
Transportation
Traveling by plane
Eagle Air (H7), Fly Uganda and Aerolink (A8) operate scheduled and charter domestic flights.
Traveling by car/bus
The road network has a total length of 20,500 km. The capital Kampala is a transport hub; in the north there are only a few roads. Police checks are common. For your own safety, you should lock the car doors when driving and generally avoid driving at night. Tolls: The highway between Kampala and Entebbe is subject to tolls. The fees are to be paid at toll stations. There are enough petrol stations on the main connecting routes; on secondary routes, it is advisable to use fuel options that are available or to carry spare canisters with you.
Right-hand traffic/left-hand traffic
Left
Condition of the roads
The condition of the roads is sometimes extremely poor. The main connecting roads are mostly paved but poorly maintained. Potholes are always to be expected. Side roads are gravel roads that are difficult or impassable, especially when it rains. Four-wheel drive vehicles are essential here.
Car rental
Car hire is available in Entebbe at the airport and in central Kampala. Depending on the vehicle category, the minimum age for drivers is 18 to 25 years.
Taxi
Taxis are available in all major cities. The fare should be agreed in advance as taxis in Uganda are not metered. The cheaper but sometimes overcrowded shared taxis (matatus) run on fixed routes and can be stopped on the road with hand signals.
Bicycle
In Kampala there are providers who rent bicycles and/or motorbikes.
Coach
Intercity buses go to almost all regions, but are quite unpunctual and often overcrowded. There are regular connections between Entebbe and Kampala (journey time: 1 hour), between the airport and Entebbe or Kampala, to the Bwindi and Kibale Forest National Parks and to safari parks such as Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Park. Furthermore, minibuses (matatus) serve most parts of the country. Matatus are a fast but often extremely crowded mode of transport. The driving style of bus drivers is often reckless and repeatedly leads to serious accidents.
Regulations
Traffic regulations: – Seat belts are compulsory for all passengers; – Helmets are compulsory for motorcyclists; – alcohol limit: 0.8 ‰; – Telephoning while driving is only permitted with a hands-free device. Speed limits: – in built-up areas: 50 km/h; – on rural roads: 80 km/h; – on motorways: 100 km/h.
Roadside Assistance
The ADAC foreign emergency call offers ADAC members and holders of ADAC foreign health and accident insurance comprehensive assistance in the event of vehicle breakdowns, traffic accidents, loss of documents and money, and medical emergencies. The emergency number is available around the clock; in the event of damage to the vehicle: Tel. +49 (0)89 22 22 22, in the event of illness: +49 (0)89 76 76 76. In the event of breakdowns or accidents with the rental car, the car rental company should be contacted first. Most rental companies offer breakdown cover. Information and support is also available from the Automobile Association of Uganda.
Documentation
In addition to the national driver’s license, the international driver’s license is required.
Traveling in the city
In Kampala, minibuses (matatas) run on fixed routes. Motorbike taxis (Boda Bodas) are also often used.
Locally on the way by train
Passenger services are only offered between Kampala and Namanve.
Traveling by ship
A steamboat regularly connects Entebbe with the Ssesse Islands in Lake Victoria. Ssesse Island ferries also operate between Bukakata and the islands.
