Kazinga Channel, Uganda

Getting to Uganda

From Nile River tours to mountain gorilla trekking, Uganda has it all!

Uganda safari guide

Companies: 1039 operators
Tour packages: 1304 tours
Parks: 8 parks
Currency exchange
1 USD = 3662.34 UGX
1 EUR = 4320.51 UGX
1 GBP = 5020.37 UGX
1 AUD = 2779.93 UGX
Capital: Kampala
Population: 32 million
Total area:236,040 km² (91,136 miles²)
Languages: English
Airports: Entebbe (EBB)

Recommended vaccinations


MMR

Voltage and plug type

Type G (220V)


Highlights

  • The only country with two parks for mountain gorillas: Bwindi and MgahingaAn excellent country for those wishing to see primates
  • Bwindi, Kibale and Mgahinga all offer trekking opportunities
  • The northern part of Uganda is far more arid and offers more traditional safari opportunities in Murchison Falls and Kidepo Valley

About Uganda

Uganda is a landlocked country that lies to the north of Tanzania and Rwanda and to the west of Kenya. It is located on the Equator and has a generally warm, equatorial climate that does vary from north to south and by altitude. The south tends to have weather patterns similar to that of Tanzania, with distinct rainy seasons. The north, which borders with Sudan, is much drier and is even prone to drought.
Although Uganda is landlocked, it does contain a good portion of Africa’s largest lake—Lake Victoria. The lake lies in the southeastern corner of Uganda and about 45% of Lake Victoria belongs to Uganda. The territory around the shores of Lake Victoria makes for an ideal safari setting as it serves as a water source for many animals including elephants, hippos, giraffes and a stunning array of birds.

The southwestern part of Uganda becomes more mountainous and tropical, with the very southwestern part being the location of Mgahinga National Park. Mgahinga shares a border with Parc des Volcans inRwanda and Parc des Virunga in DRC. It is in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park where travelers can view mountain gorillas. Uganda is one of three countries where these creatures can be seen and is the only country with two national parks for mountain gorillas: Mgahinga and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The other two countries are DR Congo and Rwanda. Uganda’s western mountains are home to many primates, and chimpanzee treks are very popular in its western parks.

For those wishing to see mountain gorillas on their safari, Uganda offers the most established tourism infrastructure. Uganda is a popular safari destination, particularly for other African countries, and roughly 50% of Uganda’s tourists come from neighboring Kenya. Uganda’s range of terrain also makes it a great choice for those seeking a more standard safari coupled with a mountain gorilla or chimpanzee viewing. Due to the slippery and foliage-dense terrain of the mountain gorilla, for those wishing to do a gorilla safari it is advisable that they be in good physical condition. These areas are also malaria-ridden and anti-malarial medication is needed. For those who are physically and mentally prepared for a mountain gorilla safari, Uganda is an excellent choice. 

Situated in southwest Uganda and established in 1991, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is roughly 330 km² (128 mi²) and is part of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Like Volcanoes National Park, Bwi… read more

Located in the southwestern region of Uganda, Kibale National Park covers about 795 km² (306.9 miles²). The park is between 1,100 m (3610 ft) and 1,600 m (5250 ft) above sea level and encompasses o… read more

Kidepo Valley National Park is Uganda’s most remote and isolated park. Those who venture to the wild frontier region of Karamoja, are rewarded with spectacular views of pristine wilderness and unmatche… read more

Lake Mburo National Park is located in the west of Uganda, in the Kiruhura district, 240 kilometers (150 miles) west of the capital, Kampala, and 30 kilometers (19 miles) from the region’s biggest… read more

Located in the farthest southwestern corner of Uganda, at an altitude between 2,227 meters (1.4 miles) and 4,127 meters (2.6 miles) above sea level, Mgahinga National Park is the country’s smalles… read more

Also known as Kabarega falls; Murchison Falls National Park is the largest park in Uganda. The National park is managed by Ugandan Wildlife Authority. The park covers an area of 3,840 km² (1,480 mi²… read more

Named after Queen Elizabeth II and established in 1952, Queen Elizabeth National Park spans an estimated 1,987 km² (764 miles²). Located in western Uganda, the park covers the districts of Kases, K… read more

Semuliki National Park started out as Semuliki Forest Reserve and was upgraded to National Park status in 1993, making it Uganda’s youngest national park. It is the only park in Uganda made up primaril… read more

Many international airlines service Uganda, although British Airways flights to Entebbe ended on 3 October, 2015. There are no direct flights from North America; most flight changes are in Europe or the Middle East. There are direct flights from European countries such as Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands. Turkey, UAE and Qatar also offer direct flights. Tourist visas can be purchased upon entry into Uganda, as can the East African visa, which allows entry into Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya.

Getting to Uganda from within Africa

South African Airways offers daily flights to Entebbe. Kenya Airways also has several daily non-stop flights to Entebbe, as does Air Rwanda. 

Driving to Uganda

Many safari tours combine trips to the neighboring countries of Kenya and Rwanda. Border crossings between either of these countries are normally quite painless, especially now with the single East Africa tourist visa. It is also possible to drive to Uganda from Tanzania, but a separate tourist visa will be needed for Tanzania. 

The following airlines travel to Uganda


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AeroLink Uganda Limited is a domestic airline offering both scheduled and charter flights into Uganda's national parks. From its base at Entebbe International Airport, AeroLink using its Cessna Grand Caravans, offers daily flights into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Kihihi and Kisoro airstrips), Queen Elizabeth National Park (Kasese and Mweya airstrips), Murchison Falls (Bugungu, Pakuba and Chobe airstrips), Semuliki National Park (Semliki airstrip) and Kidepo Valley National Park (Apoka airstrip). Effective 1st June 2019, in partnership with its sister company Airkenya Express Limited, Aerolink commenced scheduled flights from Entebbe International Airport to the famous Maasai Mara in Kenya via Kisumu International Airport for Immigration. AeroLink Uganda is affiliated to Airkenya Express in Kenya and Regional Air Services in Tanzania. Visit website

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African Express Airways is the second fully Kenyan designated airline to over 30 countries in four continents. The airline is largest and oldest privately owned in East Africa based at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. African Express Airways is profitable, growing and short-haul airline which targets business and leisure travelers, and operates a daily departure from Nairobi. The airline has a fleet of aircrafts, and has been updating with Boeing’s modern, environmentally friendly regional jets. Visit website

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The flag carrier and largest airline of Canada. Air Canada is Canada's largest full-service airline and the largest provider of scheduled passenger services in the Canadian market, the Canada-U.S. transborder market and in the international market to and from Canada. Together with its Air Canada Express regional partners, Air Canada serves close to 35 million passengers annually and provides direct passenger service to more than 175 destinations on five continents. Air Canada is a founding member of Star Alliance™, the world's most comprehensive air transportation network. Visit website

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Scheduled domestic services in Tanzania. Air Tanzania Corporation (ATC) the Tanzanian flag-carrier, was established on 11 March, 1977, to operate the services suspended following the dissolution of East African Airways (EAA), which was owned jointly by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. Visit website

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Regional services within Kenya. At Airkenya safety and security are of paramount importance. As one of Africas leading aviation companies Airkenya aspires to reach new heights of service delivery. At Airkenya our diverse operations are looked into with eagle eyes. Our aircraft are thoroughly inspected by highly trained engineers to ensure our passengers enjoy consistently smooth safe flights. Our excellent maintenance facilities have been approved by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority and the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority in accordance with international airworthiness safety standards. This together with our dedicated ground team has secured Airkenya an impressive track record for safety. Visit website

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American Airlines, Inc. is a major United States airline. On Dec. 9, 2013, AMR Corporation and US Airways Group Inc. announced the completion of the companies’ merger to officially form American Airlines Group Inc. (NASDAQ: AAL). American Airlines Group is the holding company for American Airlines and US Airways. Together with American Eagle® and US Airways Express, the airlines operate an average of nearly 6,700 flights per day to more than 330 destinations in 54 countries from its hubs in Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix and Washington, D.C. On an average day, American Airlines Group: Flies about 530,794 passengers. Flies about 6,700 flights. Visit website

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Auric Air Services Ltd is Tanzania's preferred corporate and safari airline with a wide network of domestic scheduled services with daily scheduled services to more than 30 destinations and handles approximately 8500 passengers every month. From its bases at Mwanza Airport—Mwanza, Julius Nyerere International Airport—Dar-es-salaam and Arusha Airport, Auric Air provides scheduled charter flights to some of the most remote and otherwise inaccessible destinations (parks & game reserves) within Tanzania. Visit website

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Brussels Airlines, member of Lufthansa Group and a Star Alliance member, is the Belgian airline that offers the widest choice of flights to and from the capital of Europe, Brussels Airport. The company has more than 3,500 employees and 49 aircraft operating some 300 flights daily, connecting the Capital of Europe to over 90 European and African destinations, as well as two destinations in the USA (New York JFK and Washington D.C.). In addition to its 19 long haul destinations in Africa and the US, Brussels Airlines and its intercontinental partners also offer long-haul codeshare flights to the United Arab Emirates, China, Thailand, India, North America and Canada. We want to be the most personal airline, bringing people together and making travel a pleasure. Visit website

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Major American airline, with its headquarters Atlanta, Georgia. What started as a humble, little aerial crop dusting operation called Huff Daland Dusters in 1924 has now grown into one of the world’s largest global airlines, helping more than 160 million travelers get to the places they want to go to each year. Delta flies to more than 350 destinations on 6 continents, serving more than 160 million passengers each year. It's an important job, that's why we have 70,000 dedicated employees who are up to the task every day, on every flight. Visit website

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Based in Kampala, operates scheduled and charter services across eastern and central Africa. Eagle Air is a Private Ltd Company specialising in the provision of Charter and Schedule Air services both within Uganda and around the East & Central Africa Region. Eagle Air was incorporated as an air operator in June 1994. Visit website

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The flag carrier airline of Egypt, based at Cairo. EGYPTAIR is one of the world’s pioneer airlines. Established in May of 1932, it became the seventh carrier in the world. Mission Create value for our customers, employees, owners & stakeholders. Vision Deliver competitive customer service with true Egyptian spirit. Visit website

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One of two flag carriers of the United Arab Emirates along with Etihad Airways and is based in Dubai. A fast-growing international airline with one of the youngest fleets in the sky and more than 400 awards for excellence worldwide. Today, Emirates airline connects over 145 cities to Dubai and to each other, facilitating trade and tourism flows across six continents; while dnata provides ground handling, catering, cargo and travel services not only in Dubai, but across 90 cities, in 38 countries on five continents. Visit website

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Ethiopian Airlines (Ethiopian) is the flag carrier of Ethiopia. During the past seventy plus years, Ethiopian has become one of the continent's leading carriers, unrivalled in Africa for efficiency and operational success, turning profits for almost all the years of its existence. Operating at the forefront of technology, the airline has also become one of Ethiopia's major industries and a veritable institution in Africa. It commands a lion's share of the pan African network including the daily and double daily east-west flight across the continent. Ethiopian currently serves 100 international and 21 domestic destinations operating the newest and youngest fleet. Visit website

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The second largest airline of the United Arab Emirates. Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has in just ten years established itself as the world’s leading airline. “Etihad” is the Arabic word for “union”. Etihad Airways was established by Royal (Amiri) Decree in July 2003. It commenced operations in November 2003 and has developed into one of the fastest growing airlines in the history of commercial aviation. Visit website

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At flydubai we’re committed to making air travel more affordable. Dubai based flydubai operates routes to more than 95 destinations across the Middle East, Subcontinent, Africa, Russia and Eastern Europe. flydubai is dedicated to reducing the cost of air travel in the region. We keep things simple, reducing our operating costs and passing the savings on to you. Visit website

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Jambojet is low-cost no-frills airline set up to open up the skies for all to travel affordably and conveniently. Jambojet’s brand message to the market is “Now You Can Fly”. They can be contacted for any charter services to destinations in Kenya. Visit website

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The flag carrier airline of the Netherlands. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines was founded on 7 October, 1919 to serve the Netherlands and its colonies. KLM is today the oldest airline still operating under its original name. KLM has been part of the AIR FRANCE KLM group since the merger in 2004. KLM is the core of the KLM Group, which further includes the wholly-owned subsidiaries KLM Cityhopper, transavia.com and Martinair. Visit website

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The flag carrier of Kenya. Kenya Airways was established in February 1977 following the breakup of the East African Community and subsequent disbanding of the jointly-owned East African Airways. KQ now flies to over 60 destinations around the world with over 40 being in Africa. The network expands to many more destinations with partnerships from Codeshare partners. Our Vision is to consistently be a Safe & Profitable Airline that Guarantees World Class Service. Visit website

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Precision Air is a publicly-listed Tanzanian airline and a leader in providing scheduled flight services to over 10 destinations within and outside Tanzania from its main hub Dar es Salaam. The company operates on the principle that quick, comfortable and reliable service is the best way to serve its customers. Through its customer-focused approach, many have become part of the Precision Air family. Precision Air started with its headquarters in Arusha - the midpoint between the Cape and Cairo, which is the entry point to many of Tanzania's world-renowned landmarks and national parks. The headquarters of Precision Air are now Dar es Salaam, the business complex of the country, which is home to a vast size of traffic travelling within and outside Tanzania. Visit website

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The state-owned flag carrier of Qatar. In a relatively short time, Qatar Airways has grown to more than 140 destinations worldwide, offering unmatched levels of service excellence that have helped excel the award-winning carrier to become best in the world. Voted Airline of the Year 2011 and in 2012 in the prestigious Skytrax industry audit, Qatar Airways has won the confidence of the travelling public. In this highly competitive environment, Qatar Airways has achieved much with our phenomenal route expansion averaging 30% growth year to year and flying one of the most modern fleet of 134 aircraft in the skies today. Our global network currently spans key business and leisure destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, North America and South America, with scheduled flights operating to and from our hub in Doha, capital of the State of Qatar. Visit website

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The Moroccan national carrier founded in 1957. Royal Air Maroc has been awarded the prize of “Best Regional Airline for Africa” by Skytrax. The evaluation is the result of an online, airline satisfaction survey in which more than 18 million customers in more than 160 countries took part between August 2013 and May 2014. The campaign plans to use the existing destinations from Casablanca to North America, Europe and Africa as well as new lines. Visit website

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RwandAir is the flag carrier airline of Rwanda. We serve most East African Community capital cities as well as Johannesburg and Dubai with daily flights. Recently, we introduced Flights to Lagos in Nigeria, Accra in Ghana, Juba in South Sudan and intend to expand to Doula in Cameroon. Our Current destinations include Nairobi, Entebbe, Mombasa, Bujumbura, Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, Nyungwe Forest National Park, Johannesburg, Brazzaville, Dubai, Lagos, Accra and Juba. We have codeshare agreements with SN Brussels on the Kigali-Brussels Sector and Ethiopian Airlines on the Kigali-Addis Ababa Sector. Visit website

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National airline of South Africa. At South African Airways we are the proud national airline of South Africa. We offer great value flights to and from South Africa as well as within our beautiful country. We are committed to the highest standards in everything we do and aim to deliver a world-class experience on every flight. Plan and book your flights with us and experience why we are one of the leading airlines in Africa. Visit website

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The national flag carrier airline of Turkey. Turkish Airlines, one of the most preferred leading European air carrier with global network coverage thanks to its strict compliance with flight safety, reliability, product line, service quality and competitiveness while maintaining its identity as the flag carrier of Turkey. Visit website

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Uganda Airlines is the official flag carrier of Uganda. The Airline provides a complete set of solutions for flights, tours, travels, car rental, accommodations and passenger transportation to and from Uganda. With extensive online tools suited for online and offline travels we provide instant search and bookings to travellers through our online portal. We can also provide tailor-made travel solutions within Uganda that may include Aircraft and Helicopter rental services. Your sure partner to explore Uganda Visit website

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373 Destinations (airports served) 233 Domestic destinations (airports served) 140 International destinations (airports served) 60 Countries Served 5,055 Daily Departures 138 Million passengers in 2014 Visit website

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Uganda map