Category: Blog
7 Attractions You can Visit from Entebbe or EBB Airport
Uganda is one of the most visited countries in East Africa. It welcomes many tourists who come by plane up to the Entebbe Airport. For those who have limited time in Entebbe or Kampala, here are some of the interesting attractions you can tour in one day for some beautiful moments.
You can even start the ride right away from the EBB Airport before you check in at the hotel. Don’t wait to contact us if you desire to visit one of these allures below. Whether a round trip or one way transfer, you are all covered.
Uganda Equator, Kayabwe
Found in Kayabwe, about 100 Kilometers from the Airport, the equator is a must see before you leave Uganda. Travelers who go to see this attraction use the notable Masaka road. A drive by car takes not more than three hours. Once there, you are impressed by the available craft shops, local foods, and friendly local people. The main activity here is to take photos while posing at the Equator line.
Kampala city
Renowned as the capital of Uganda, Kampala has a lot to thrill you. It exist with a wealth of mesmerizing allures. A day spent here will expose you to various spots such as the Bahai temple, local markets, the royal tombs of Buganda Kingdom, Uganda museum, monuments, Gadhafi mosque, Namugongo martyrs shrines to name but a few.
UWEC (zoo)
Don’t forget to visit the only zoo in the nation. This protected area s n Entebbe and accommodates most wildlife species in Uganda’s biodiversity except the Gorillas. The zoo is open to visitors daily. Officials at the gate offer entry permission at a cost. There’s a guide who’s ready to take you around as he or she feeds you with different information.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
For a Rhino addict, this place is for you. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only home for the Rhinoceros in Uganda. Moreover, there’s only white species of Rhinoceros. This iconic spot occupies a piece of land in Nakasongola along Masindi – Gulu highway. Getting there by a Car requires about 2-3 hours for a one way ride.
Ngamba island Chimp Sanctuary
Located on the waters of Lake Victoria on Ngamba Island this place is a main shelter for the orphaned chimpanzees. You can only reach there by a boat. It usually starts from a landing site in Entebbe. When you reach there expect to engage in activities such as chimpanzee feeding, care taking, food collection and more.
Mabamba Swamp
For birders, don’t miss the notable Mabamba swamp. This spectacular swampy area is found along the shores of Lake Victoria. It’s also along the shores and provides shelter to multiple bird species including the rarely seen shoebill stork.
Jinja city
Situated along the shores of River Nile and Lake Victoria in Eastern Uganda, Jinja is common on the bucket list for most tourists who come to Uganda. It’s 120 Kilometers from the Airport. Besides accommodation, it has multiple breathtaking activities to keep you busy for a day.
Starting from boat cruise to source of the River Nile, white water rafting to appealing adventures like Water sliding, tubing and bungee jumping, a day in Jinja won’t leave you the same.
How to Exit Entebbe international Airport without Hustle
If you hope to visit Uganda, know that you will land at the Entebbe international Airport. It’s the end point for all travelers who come from abroad by plane. Then a starting point for people who fly from Uganda to other parts of the World.
Once at the grounds of this facility, exiting is not an easy task if you don’t meet the requirements. To have a successful process, be sure to follow these steps below.
Do medical checkup before
Before you leave your home country, please visit a nearby health center or personal doctor and do some checking for diseases like Covid-19 and Ebola. Get vaccination as well for yellow fever. When you reach EBB, they will screen you again.
Come with the required documents
Whether you are arriving or departing, these documents are needed. A valid passport, Visa and health papers (Yellow fever and Covid certificate). For those who are leaving Uganda for other nations you have to present proof of payment for flight ticket at the check-in gate.
Avoid illegal packages
Don’t keep your self with illegal objects or packages like drugs, sensitive gadgets like drones, firearms, fake money, wild animal parts and more. At the Airport, there’s machines that detect all these items.
Pack light
Nothing is more comforting than traveling with a light suitcase. Make sure your suitcase doesn’t exceed the allowed weight or number of kilograms. Include necessary items and leave space for some things you may buy on your trip.
Hire a taxicab
Book the EBB taxicab in advance such that when you move out of the terminals you meet the driver and continue with your journey to the place of residence. An Airport taxi is cheap and safe. Local drivers operate these cars. You find the driver at arrivals waiting for you. Look for the sign that showcases your name.
Keep time (departing travelers)
For the person who’s exiting Uganda for another country, try your best and reach EBB in time. It is advised to be there three hours before departure. Give yourself enough time to connect from your residential area to the Airport. Failure to plan well can lead you to miss your flight.
Transit from Entebbe international Airport to Kampala
Once you land at the Entebbe international Airport, you have to get from this facility to your location. It can be Kampala or other cities. Traveling from EBB is by various options but the cheapest and easiest way is to hire a taxicab.
Operators charge between 40 – 45 USD for a ride from Entebbe to the capital. At that cost you enjoy a safe drive in perfect cars like Toyota Noah, Spacio, Premo, Raum, Alphard, and more. Be sure to reserve in advance.
On arrival, the driver is available to pick you up. To locate this person, look for a raised poster that exhibits your name. It takes about 50 minutes to travel from EBB to Kampala and its suburbs. Usually the time taken depends on the traffic along the way.
Drivers use the Expressway and the northern bypass with the intention to dodge the chaotic city center. There’s an option to drive up to Munyonyo and connect to areas like Buziga, Muyenga, Kasanga and more. If not that, you will go up to Busega and find other areas such as Ntinda, Namugongo, Mulago, Makerere to name but a few.
Here is How Travelers Hustle to Get from Entebbe Airport
When you board a plane from your home country to Uganda, it is not automatic that you will pass through the Entebbe international Airport. Entry permission is in your hands after you present the needed documents. You must as well pass other necessary checks.
Entebbe Airport welcomes multiple planes from various parts of the world. It’s not a surprise that sometimes the terminals have too much traffic. Below are the steps you follow after arriving at EBB. This information is more useful to everyone including first time guests.
Health check point
Once the plane touches the grounds at EBB Airstrip the first place to visit is the health checking tent. Officials here do tests for the Covd-19 and the dangerous Ebola virus. If you have symptoms for one or two of these diseases, you are directed to an isolation center for further assessment. Then those who pass the tests go straight to the immigrations desk.
Immigration
The main reason to be here is to seek entry permission. There is ever a long queue at this department especially when there are two or three planes landing at the same time. You have to be patient.
Officers at this desk ask for the travel documents. These include a valid passport, travel Visa, yellow fever, and Covid-19 certificate. From here, you wait to collect your baggage. You can also visit the available service outlets for local Sim-card, forex exchange, and money transfer.
Once you move out
Proceed to the exit point. Next is an area that has people who wait for their visitors. Here you find multiple placards that display various names. If you didn’t make arrangements for your pick up, then you have no reason to look at these posters.
The only option is to search for Entebbe Airport taxi driver for further transportation to Kampala or any other locale in Uganda. Sometimes it’s had to get one at a better price. It is good to reserve in advance.
Departing Travelers
For departing travelers, make sure you have all the needed documents such as the valid passport, flight ticket, health paper work, and more. Be sure to arrive at the Airport three hours before your departure time.
If you are not sure of how to reach EBB Airport from Kampala or any other location don’t delay to try a taxicab. It is cheap, convenient and quick. Make sure to book the transfer in advance by email or WhatsApp text.
How to Get a Better Deal for Airport Transfer in Uganda
Travel to Uganda is free for everyone, provided you have the required travel documents and no criminal record. This nation is in the eastern region of Africa. It welcomes several travelers who come in through the Entebbe international Airport or Hoima Airport and land borders.
Airport shuttle is one of the services available at this aviation facility. Many visitors enjoy it. If you seek this service, here is how you can grab better Airport transfer deals in Uganda.
Contact a Taxi agency.
There is a company that’s authorized to offer affordable transport to passengers who need to get from Entebbe Airport to other parts of the country. Besides friendly drivers, their cars are in good condition and well facilitated.
Get in touch with the reservation team and make arrangements for your trip. The driver will wait for you at the Airport. Make sure to share correct flight details, phone number and your names. Connect with the reservationist via WhatsApp.
It is ideal for quick communication in case of flight delay, failure to locate the driver and more. Most Airports around the globe, including EBB have free WIFI.
Reserve in advance
Confirm the booking in advance so that the reservation agent directs the driver to welcome you on the day you arrive. Last minute orders are always inconveniencing. You can reach arrivals when there is no any cab for you.
Don’t fear to negotiate.
Be free to ask for a discounted rate. I am sure you will get it, except when the reservation agent gave their last price for a trip. Money charged is to facilitate fuel, driver’s allowance, car maintenance fee, parking and the Entebbe expressway toll. There is no charge for waiting time.
Luggage & number of passengers
Specify the size of baggage and the number of people. Large size of luggage and many passengers call for a bigger car. If you are one person, there is a small car for you at a reasonable price. Those in a group of three or more will use a bigger car, but they have an advantage of sharing costs.
My great Experience while Backpacking Uganda
Nothing is rewarding than backpacking Uganda. The country is secure. Locals are friendly and welcoming. Accommodation is fantastic and found everywhere, transport is easy to get, and there are many thrilling allures to appreciate.
I spent years hearing about Uganda. This tourist spot in the eastern region of Africa is gorgeous and worth to visit. It is not that I didn’t want to go to this country, but I just had limited funds.
My dream was to see the pearl of Africa. So, I decided to save some money for my trip to Uganda. After accumulating funds, I choose to go the cheapest way, and this is backpacking. While planning the holiday, the first step is to organize the travel documents like the passport, tourist Visa, flight ticket and health cards for Covid-19 and yellow fever.
After getting a Uganda Visa and flight ticket, I was more happy and excited to see one of the most appealing destinations in Africa. My reasons for a trip to this nation are Wildlife, Adrenaline adventures, and culture.
It didn’t take long, and the travel date reached. Two days to my departure flight, I arranged everything and packed light, including necessities. Me and fellow passengers onboard enjoyed the flight from my home country and landed at the Entebbe International Airport.
It was not only my first time to use this Airport but also my first time to hear about it. On my ticket, I saw EBB, and little did I know that it’s the code for this aviation facility. From the plane, you go straight to the health tent for mandatory screening. Once no any symptoms detected, you proceed to the immigration customs.
The process is smooth. I cleared without hustle. Make sure to have a valid passport, Visa and health card. The Airport has various service providers like Forex outlets for those who need to exchange money. Telecommunication agents available for visitors who need a Ugandan Sim card. You can buy Airtel or MTN, there are the best.
After my business inside, I moved out and got a taxicab to Jinja. It is less expensive, secure and quick. The driver is friendly and makes the ride to be more comforting. I did not expect to find a taxi driver around, so I decide to reserve a cab (transport service) in advance. The driver was available waiting for me. I was delighted to meet him. I discussed with the reservationist, and told me that they can do transfers to any part of Uganda.
With its unending charms, Jinja was my first priority. It is in the Eastern region of Uganda, and sits along the shores of Lake Victoria.
For the days in Jinja, I enjoyed multiple activities. My highlight was the White water rafting. Besides that, Bungee jumping, boat cruise, zip lining and water sliding at the Nile River Explorers camp left me with no minute to get bored.
Jinja is unmatched, I felt like not leaving this city, but I had to such that I continue with my trip. Using a bus, we traveled back to Kampala and spent some nights at Bushpig hostel. A city tour exposed me to a wealth of impressive attractions in the capital. These include the Uganda museum, Namugongo shrines, Gaddafi mosque, Kasubi tombs, monuments and the Bahai temple.
These allures dot the different corners of Kampala. Walking isn’t possible to reach them all. I made arrangements with a taxicab driver who took me around. The ride is awesome. After Kampala, I continue to the western region and stayed in Mbarara. Nothing much to see here, but the city is worth to stay for a day or two. Lake Mburo National Park is the only draw around.
From here, the journey continued to Queen Elizabeth National Park and stayed at Bush lodge. The place is fantastic. I booked it online before reaching there. The lodge organized a game drive and boat cruise for me. The experience was great. I saw plenty of wild animals.
After Queen, I got a special ride to Kisoro. The views of terraced hills, towering volcanoes in this area are spectacular. Gorilla trekking is eye-catching activity here, but I don’t enjoy it because the permit is too expensive. Volcano climbing in Mgahinga kept me busy, village walks, a visit to the Batwa people and more.
From Kisoro, we crossed to Fort portal, one of the cleanest cities in Uganda. Leaving Fort portal, my next stop was Masindi for the cascading Murchison Falls. I base here, and explored Murchison falls national park. It is another hidden allure. The park has wildlife, pretty views, and the falls. Red chili rest camp is the best pocket friendly accommodation here.
Later, a bus from Masindi (Link bus) led me back to the capital. A drive requires no less than three hours. More two nights spent at Bushpig. The city is tempting and ideal for nightlife lovers. If not Bushpig, there are other backpacker hostels in Kampala. The Airport taxi driver again picked me from Kampala back to Entebbe.
I visited the Uganda Wildlife education center, beaches and after drop off at Entebbe Airport for my departure flight. In conclusion, Uganda is a destination like no other. I hope to return.
What to Know if you Hope to Use Airport Taxi in Uganda
All Airports around the globe have taxi agencies that offer Airport transfer service to travelers. If you are traveling to a new destination, don’t worry about transport from the Airport to your hotel, there is a taxicab driver to offer you a ride.
To have a successful ride, be sure to reserve in advance. For those who hope to visit Uganda, here are the points you should know before you use a taxicab at Entebbe International Airport.
Service offered
With their great cars and friendly drivers, special taxi agencies in Uganda are available for Airport pick up at EBB, drop off, intercity drive and private transfers to the up country. Whether you need a ride from Entebbe to Kampala, Jinja or other parts of the country, it is all covered at a reasonable cost.
How to Book?
Using your phone or computer, visit the EBB contact page and send a message to the reservation Agent. Once at the page, fill all the fields of the contact form and press the send button. The message will go to the inbox.
The reservationist is present to read your message and send back a reply. Negotiate and reach an agreement. If you take long without receiving the reply, don’t delay to check in your spam folder or use the available contact to forward a WhatsApp message.
Location
Taxicabs base at Entebbe International Airport in the central and Hoima Airport in the western region. They don’t have offices or stages in other parts of the nation. If you need a cab to get you from a city or village to one of the Airports mentioned above, you have to order in advance such that a driver comes to pick you in time.
How to connect
For Airport pick up, when you move out of the arrival hall, look for a placard that displays your name. The driver is available to welcome from the time when the plane lands at EBB. Meet and greet before you start the drive.
For Airport drop off, you share with the reservation agent your location, pick up time, and the local number to call when the driver reaches the place of residence. If possible, send a location using WhatsApp such that the driver can use Google maps to locate your area without hustle.
Cars used
Drivers use saloon cars and minivans. The list includes the Toyota Noah, Alphard, Wish, Premio, Leguis, Raum, Sienta, Issue, Ractis and Fielder. There are all in good condition and well equipped. These cars are marked with yellow horizontal stripes and black dots.
EBB taxi cost
The charge of a taxi from Entebbe Airport depends on the number of kilometers to cover. Short rides like Airport to Entebbe town cost about 15 USD. For a drive to Kampala, expect to pay between 35 – 50 USD. Longer trips fare range between 60 – 400 USD or more.
Mode of payment
You pay cash to the driver on arrival. Operators allow currencies like the local Uganda shillings, the United States of America dollar, British pound and Euro.
Why use a taxicab?
This transport service is not only cheap, but also quick, secure, safe, private and convenient. Local drivers operate these cabs. Therefore, you as well support a local Ugandan who is seeking daily income for day to day life.
Areas covered
From Entebbe Airport, a driver is ready to take you to Kampala and all other parts of the country like Mbarara, Kasese, Kisoro, Fort portal, Mbale, Gulu, Kitgum, Lira, Moroto, Soroti, Arua, Bushenyi, Kabale and more notable places.
Day Tour Kampala: Kasubi Tombs & the Gaddafi Mosque
On this day tour, you visit the notable Kasubi tombs and the renowned Gaddafi mosque. Both attractions are situated in Kampala, Rubaga division.
We transfer you from Entebbe Airport or a hotel in Kampala and Entebbe. Drive to the tombs. Once at the gate, you pay an entry fee and get in for a tour around these historical features. A local guide will feed you with information about the shrines.
From here, you proceed to the Uganda national mosque for more beautiful moments. After, we take you back to a hotel in Kampala or Entebbe Airport.
Kampala Day Tour: Bahai Temple & Namugongo Shrines
Make arrangements in time. Early in the morning, we pick you from Entebbe Airport, town or Kampala and drive to the Martyrs shrines in Namugongo. We use the northern bypass and Expressway to avoid car congestion in the city center.
Once you reach the shrines, there is a guide to take you around while feeding you useful information. You are free to take photos of different features in the area. Expect to pay the entry fee.
After the shrines, proceed to the Bahai temple, the first Bahai house of Worship in Africa. It is in Kanyanya, a suburb of Kampala city. You tour around, enter inside for sight viewing and more. You cater for your lunch. After, we drive you back to Entebbe Airport or a hotel in Kampala.
What to Do after Arriving at Entebbe International Airport
Entebbe Airport is the main entry point for all travelers who come to Uganda by Airplane. It welcomes several flights from various parts of the World. Below we take you through the steps to follow after landing at EBB Airport.
Health Screening
From the plane, you go to the tent for screening. Health officials use temperature guns and thermal scanners to check for the symptoms of the Covid-19 virus, yellow fever, and Ebola. Any traveler found with the symptoms is forwarded to the isolation center for further examination. Those who are safe, proceed to the next area.
Go to Immigration customs
After screening, visit the immigration customs to seek entry permission. You have to present a valid passport, yellow fever vaccination card, Uganda Visa, and Covid-19 certificate. After clearing, you are allowed to enter the country.
Wait for Luggage
Proceed to a place where you wait for your luggage from. Sit in the available seats. It will take a few minutes for your baggage to come out. After receiving your suitcase and other bags, visit forex outlets to exchange some money if you need, buy a local Sim card and more.
Exit the Arrival hall
After your business inside, exit the arrival hall to meet your friend, relative, or Airport taxi driver. In the waiting area, you find many people standing with raised signs that indicate different names for visitors. Around this area, there is also a restaurant (Mama Africa) for those who need breakfast, lunch, or dinner before they proceed.
Look for your Driver
The driver or relative is available standing with your name on the poster. Look for it and point at him or her. Meet and share greetings. After, proceed to the car in the parking area to start the drive to your location. Enjoy the ride at an affordable price.