Entebbe Travel Guide
Situated on the northern shore of Lake Victoria roughly 24 miles (38km) south of Kampala, Entebbe is one of Uganda's largest towns and home to its international airport. Quieter and less congested than the capital, Entebbe is both an international travel hub and a popular weekend getaway for locals.
Although travellers heading out on safari or a gorilla-trekking trip will likely only rest a day or two in town, Entebbe offers a wealth of activities and attractions for those who stick around. The Entebbe Wildlife Education Centre and Uganda Reptile Village are both located nearby, as is the neatly groomed Entebbe Golf Club. The Botanical Gardens will be of interest to birdwatchers and botany enthusiasts as well.
Entebbe also makes a good base for exploring the region. Excursions to the Mabamba Swamps are an absolute must for birdwatchers, as it's home to countless waterbirds and other creatures. Fishing and boat trips on Lake Victoria are a popular activity, including ferries to the Ssese Islands, which offer both varied terrain full of wildlife, and modern resort hotels. Ngamba Island is reachable by ferry, and has the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary within its borders.
While the surrounding natural attractions in Entebbe are its biggest draw, there are also interesting sites within the city, including the State House (official residence to the President of Uganda), the Uganda Virus Research Institute, and Nkumba University.
Getting Around
The most convenient way to get around Entebbe is by taxi; metered cabs are available from the taxi stand in the Kitoro area, or by telephone. A slightly cheaper option is the ubiquitous boda-bodas (motorcycle taxis). However, accidents are very common with irresponsible drivers, so it's best to get a recommendation for a good driver from a trusted individual.
Entebbe Climate and Weather
Entebbe has a tropical rainforest climate, with relatively constant temperatures and humidity throughout the year. There are no distinct seasons as temperatures generally stay between 63F (17C) and 81F (27C) at all times; however, some months are noticeably wetter than others. March to June is the rainiest time of year, while the driest months are January, and July through September. Due to its location near the equator, the daylight in Entebbe lasts 12 hours per day year round. The best time to visit Entebbe is between July and September.
Uganda travel info
Electricity
The electrical current is 220 to 240 volts, 50Hz. Three-pin, rectangular blade plugs are in use.
Language
English and Swahili are the official national languages in Uganda. Luganda is also widely spoken and is the most common of the numerous indigenous languages.
Money
The official currency is the Ugandan Shilling (UGX), which is divided into 100 cents. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks and bureaux de change; the best currencies to change are US Dollars, Euros, or Pounds Sterling, but visitors should only exchange at official establishments. ATMs are available in major towns and cities. Credit cards are only accepted at major hotels, shops, and restaurants, usually only Kampala and other main towns.
Tipping
Tipping is not common at local hotels and restaurants in Uganda, but amounts of 5 to 10 percent of the bill are expected at tourist-orientated establishments. It is customary to tip guides and drivers.
Health
Travellers' diarrhoea is the most common complaint for visitors to Uganda. Recommended vaccinations include Covid-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B and typhoid; visitors require vaccination against yellow fever. Cholera outbreaks occur occasionally, but most travellers are at low risk of infection. Bottled water is widely available. Visitors should take prescription medicine to prevent Malaria, and should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV or AIDS. Outbreaks of meningitis occur and visitors should insure that vaccinations are up to date. Uganda has also seen outbreaks of Ebola in the past, so visitors should follow guidance from agencies such as the UK Health Security Agency. Limited health facilities are available outside of Kampala; comprehensive medical insurance is advised.
Safety
Most national parks are safe to visit and a holiday to Uganda is generally trouble free. Kampala, the capital, is a relatively safe city, though visitors should take sensible precautions against opportunistic crime and at night. Theft of EU passports has been on the increase.
Due to the risk of banditry and attacks by rebel groups and tribal clashes, most foreign governments advise against travel to the northeast of Uganda. Travellers in the northwest near the border with Sudan and the DRC are also at risk of banditry, and travel outside of the main towns is to be avoided after dark.
Areas bordering Sudan in the north, the region known as West Nile in the north west (except Arua town, which can be visited by air), and the Karamoja region of north eastern Uganda are insecure and can pose a serious risk to travellers. Kidepo Valley National Park should be visited by air only. Gorilla trekking excursions that cross over into the DRC should be avoided.
Local customs
Visitors to Uganda are advised not to take photographs of military or official sites, including Owen Falls Dam. Homosexual activity is illegal and not tolerated in Uganda's conservative society.
Doing business
Uganda has one of the fastest-growing economies and is one of the most liberal countries in Africa. Agriculture is the largest sector of the economy, with coffee being the chief export. Uganda is most welcoming for foreign investment and business is steadily on the increase. Appointments should always be made prior to business meetings; formal dress attire is to be observed, and the shaking of hands is expected on introduction. Business is usually conducted in English and office hours are generally 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, with an hour taken over lunch.
Duty free
Travellers to Uganda over 18 years of age do not have to pay duty on 250g of tobacco products; one litre of spirits or two litres of wine; and 500ml of perfume or eau de toilette, of which up to 250ml may be perfume.
Communications
The international dialling code for Uganda is +256. Travellers can purchase local prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones; WiFi is available at hotels.
Passport & Visa
All visitors to Uganda must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond entry, with at least one blank page. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers arriving from or transiting through affected countries. Visitors must also show proof of return or onward travel, accommodation or a contact address in Uganda, and sufficient funds for their stay.
Tourist visas must be obtained in advance through Uganda's official e-Visa portal. The standard Single-Entry Tourist Visa costs approximately USD 50 and is valid for up to 90 days. Alternatively, travellers may apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV), which costs USD 100 and allows multiple entries between Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda for 90 days. Travellers using the EATV must first enter the country that issued the visa.
Once approved, an e-Visa authorisation letter is emailed to the applicant. This letter must be printed and presented to immigration officials on arrival, where biometric data may be collected and a visa sticker issued. Travellers should apply at least one to two weeks before they travel. Printed approval is required for boarding.
Entry requirements
US nationals require a passport valid for six months from date of arrival and a visa.
UK nationals require a passport valid for six months from arrival date and a visa.
Canadians require a passport valid for six months beyond arrival date and a visa.
Australians require a passport valid for six months beyond arrival date and a visa.
South Africans require a passport valid for six months beyond arrival date and a visa.
Irish nationals require a passport valid for six months beyond arrival date and a visa.
New Zealand nationals require a passport valid for six months beyond arrival date and a visa.
Useful contacts
Uganda Tourist Board, Kampala: +256 (0)41 342 196 or www.visituganda.com
999 or 112 (General)