Kampala and Entebbe
Your arrival gateway: airport transfers, a lakeside stopover in Entebbe and city culture in Kampala.
Overview
Almost every international visitor starts and ends here. Entebbe International Airport sits on the shore of Lake Victoria, and the two cities, Entebbe and Kampala, are close but very different. Entebbe is green, quiet and lakeside, Kampala is loud, hilly and full of energy.
Entebbe makes an easy first night after a long flight. The Botanical Gardens, laid out in 1898 on the lake shore, offer shady walks and birdlife, and the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre houses rescued animals and a strong conservation message. Boat trips from town reach the Ngamba Island chimpanzee sanctuary.
Kampala, 40 kilometres away, spreads across a series of hills and rewards visitors who arrive with curiosity. Markets, craft stalls, museums, mosques, cathedrals and royal sites tell a layered national story, and the city's food and nightlife are lively.
Traffic in Kampala is famously heavy, so plan transfers with generous buffers, especially for departure flights. For most safaris that begin in Mbarara, we recommend avoiding a rushed first day by staying in Entebbe or leaving Kampala early in the morning.
Top experiences
Entebbe Botanical Gardens
A lakeside garden with tall trees, birds and monkeys, ideal for a relaxed first afternoon.
Uganda Wildlife Education Centre
A zoo and rescue centre with conservation education, useful for families and for first orientation to Uganda's wildlife.
Ngamba Island chimpanzee sanctuary
A boat trip from Entebbe to an island sanctuary for orphaned chimpanzees. Bookings are limited and need advance planning.
Kampala markets and crafts
Central markets and craft centres for fabrics, art, coffee and souvenirs. Go with a guide or a good sense of direction.
Cultural and religious sites
Kampala's cathedrals, mosques and royal heritage sites reflect its history. Check what is open before you plan.
Lake Victoria sunset and boat trips
Casual lakeside restaurants at Entebbe and boat cruises give a slow first or last evening.
Best time to visit
Both cities are open year-round. Kampala is drier and easier to explore from December to February and June to August, while March to May and October to November bring heavy showers that can slow traffic and make markets muddy. Entebbe is pleasant in any season.
How to get there
Entebbe International Airport is Uganda's main international gateway, about 40 kilometres south of Kampala. Airlines connect from Europe, the Middle East and other African hubs. Roads to Kampala are busy at peak times.
From Mbarara
Mbarara is about 270 kilometres away by road, roughly four to five hours from Kampala depending on traffic. We provide airport pickups and transfers to Mbarara or straight to a national park.
Where to stay
Budget
Karibu Guesthouse
Entebbe
A friendly, budget guesthouse in Entebbe with a restaurant, convenient for late arrivals and early departures.
Mid-range
Protea Hotel Entebbe
Lake Victoria shore, Entebbe
A lakeside hotel with landscaped gardens and 86 rooms, close to the airport and a comfortable first or last night.
Luxury
Hotel Number 5
Entebbe
A small, quiet suburban hotel of fifteen rooms, a calm option after a long flight.
Gallery
Frequently asked questions
Should I stay in Entebbe or Kampala?
Entebbe suits most first and last nights, because it is close to the airport and calm. Choose Kampala if you want museums, markets and evening entertainment.
How much time should I allow for airport transfers?
For the departure journey from Kampala, allow at least three hours for traffic. From Entebbe town, an hour is usually enough.
Do I need a visa before I arrive?
Most visitors do. Check Uganda's official e-visa portal and current health requirements before travel.
Can I do a safari straight from the airport?
Yes. Some guests prefer to start driving right away, but most travellers appreciate an overnight and an early start. We can advise based on your flight times.