Moving around Uganda: A detailed Guide about moving from one destination to the other across Uganda
Uganda is a land locked country but one of the most fascinating tourist’s destinations opted for by very many travellers from almost all parts of the world. Moving around Uganda is one of the most fascinating adventures many tourists will ever undertake and this is so because every part of the country has unique tourist destinations with unique and exciting tourist activities.
The adventure starts with landing at Entebbe international airport with the amazing beauty of Lake Victoria. You’re transferred to Kampala to encounter the fascinating culture of the Baganda and the diversity of Uganda’s capital Kampala.
Tourist destinations in Uganda
The western part of the country is the most visited part. This is so because it’s the concentration of most of Uganda’s tourist attractions. The western side is home to Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga gorilla national game packs known for gorilla trekking, Kibale forest for chimpanzee tracking and the snowcapped Rwenzori mountains.
Queen Elizabeth National Park, Semliki valley National game park, fort port tourism city and covers some parts of Murchison falls national Game Park.
The East is home to mountain Elgon National Game Park, Mbale city, Mabira Forest, Jinja town and the sipi falls.
The North is home to Kidepo valley national Game Park annually ranked among the top five national parks in Africa and a perfect spot for wild life photography in Africa.
The South is home to some parts of Ssese Islands and a connection between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Tanzania through the Mutukula boarder.
Moving around Uganda by air.
Most of the major urban centres and tourist attractions lie 4 to 5 hours out of Kampala and Entebbe. Because of that, the use of air transport for interconnection within the country has not been a widely used option.
Of resent however, up market safaris now use air transport to destinations like Bwindi, Kidepo, Queen Elizabeth and Murchison falls to cut on driving time from Kampala or Entebbe to these particular destinations.
For Kidepo valley National Game Park, the most advisable means of transport would be air transport since the drive from Entebbe or Kampala to Kidepo takes approximately 9 to 12 hours of drive time.
Katland safaris uses mostly three major inland flight companies to these destinations and these include Aero link, Bar aviation and Kampala Executive aviation. The schedule flights to these destinations are subjected to specific passenger numbers and often diversions to other destinations.
Self-drive through Uganda
By African standards, Ugandans roads connecting to various towns and tourist destinations are in good shape. There are various car rental companies in the country that can also be accessed and booked online. If you decide to rent a self-drive vehicle, check if carefully and ask to take it for a drive to establish whether it has any disturbing mechanical issue.
Traffic rules and guide lines.
Uganda follows the British system of driving on the left side of the road. A person driving is at all times expected to have in their possession that the vehicle registration book or copy; the vehicle insurance certificate and a driving license. There are various fuelling station on all roads getting out of the capital charging between two to three dollars. Its advisable to take fuel from branded stations at all times.
Public transport
Moving around Uganda with public transport boils down to use of big and small buses and other forms of motorized road transport except for transfer to islands.
Buses
Distances that are covered in more than three hours are usually done by coaches and buses taking major roads from the capital Kampala to all major towns in the country.
They all have their head offices in Kampala where bookings are made first prior to transfer to your choice of destination.
Matatus and taxi
Some other major routes are covered by relatively small mini buses locally referred to as taxi. These do not have set departure time as coaches and operate on daily basis of fill-up and depart. Each taxi comes with a driver and a conductor and prices are usually negotiable.
Shared taxis
These are small cars carrying a maximum of 6 people. They cover small distances and are in most cases found in designated tax parks. They tend to be crowded and, in most cases, move slowly compared to other means of public transport.
Special hire
Moving around Uganda became a lot easier when you have hired a special car these come with personal drivers that are very well versed with the destination and speak local languages.
Boda Boda
Moving around Uganda on a boda boda. The world boda boda borrows its name from the English word boarder to boarder. They were initially used to smuggle goods from Kenya to Uganda. Now filled with pillows for comfortable seating, they are the most popular means of transport mostly in urban centers, for people who have very limited time and yet want to explore a number of attractions.
However, clients are advised to be careful with the boda they use as many of the riders tends to be reckless.
A passenger is advised to have their own self element and causion the rider to be extremely careful when riding.
When moving around Uganda and using the local means of transport, tourists are advised to be very curious with their belongings as there has been reported incidences of theft.
The most advisable way to move around Uganda is by booking your safari with tour operators or guide who is knowledgeable about your destination of choice, all transport logistics from the car guide or driver, fuel, mechanics shop, and time will be put into prefer consideration to give a memorable experience while moving around Uganda. Contact us with in required information about moving around Uganda.
