Entebbe International Airport is in Uganda and it’s the main entry point many travelers use when getting into Uganda. The Entebbe International Airport is the first destination of your arrival to and from Uganda from different countries across the globe. Uganda is one of the popular tourist destinations in East Africa. Uganda has a lot of attractions that have attracted many tourists to the country. This is due to the availability of different nationa.iil parks offering different activities. These include gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, and chimpanzee trekking.
The landscape view, the source of the Nile with many activities, the boat cruise, bungee jumping, and others. Due to the strategic location and the favorable climate of the country, several activities take place in the country. Thus, this improves the tourism industry. Entebbe International Airport is the only international airport in Uganda. It’s the main entry point into the country and to Kampala the capital city of Uganda. Uganda is a must-visit country during any of your holidays. If you are looking for a country to visit in Africa, come visit Uganda. You will have the best of your safari trip full of fun and memories to last a lifetime.
Location of Entebbe International Airport
Entebbe International Airport is in Entebbe close to Lake Victoria one of the largest water body in Africa. Entebbe airport is about a 10-minute drive from Entebbe town and a 40-minute drive from Kampala’s capital city. The airport comprises two terminals which handle both domestic and international flights. Entebbe Airport operates services for several international airlines like Fly Dubai, and South African Airlines. Also, KLM, Egypt Airlines, Air Tanzania, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, Air Emirates, Qatar Airways, Brussels Airlines, and Air Kenya among others. The airport operates direct scheduled flights around East Africa and other destinations in some of the countries among others. These destinations include; Nairobi, Dar Es Salaam, Mogadishu, Mombasa, Bujumbura, juba, and many others.
Entebbe Airport assumed operation in 2015 and currently, it is under reconstruction. This is going to be done in three phases due to the need to expand the airport. Thus, it’ll be able to accommodate the number of people received at the airport. These areas include the expansion of the existing cargo and the strengthening of the existing runways. Also, they include an expansion of the new passenger terminal building. This will be from the current 410 arrivals to 930 arriving passengers and 320 departures to 820 departing passengers. This is mostly evident during the busy/ peak seasons in Uganda.
Requirements needed at Entebbe International Airport
Any person leaving his/her country for another country must always make sure he/she has all the necessary documents. They’re necessary to enter that particular country you are traveling to. For example, for travelers coming to Uganda, after you arrive at Entebbe airport or departing, you will present the following documents. Make sure you have them before you travel including;
Passport
It should be a valid passport that expires in at least six months.
Visa.
You can acquire a Uganda visa either online or on arrival at the immigration office at Entebbe International Airport. It is a document that gives you rights to access the country. However, sometimes when you purchase a visa from the office, it takes time in case there are many passengers. This may cause delays therefore, it is more convenient when you purchase online.
Yellow fever vaccination Card.
This card proves that your health is in proper condition. Also, you should acquire this card before traveling to Uganda. If the health staff find that you do not have the card, they’ll vaccinate you on arrival.
Reason for visiting Uganda.
The reason for visiting indicates the purpose of your visit to Uganda. In case you’re traveling for business issues, you should present a business. Travelers coming for tourism purposes will present an itinerary from the tour company they’re going for your safari with.
Proof of funds.
Visitors arriving or leaving the country will present proof of funds. This shows that you have enough money to spend while in that country. For example, in Uganda, you will present documents like bank statements, and credit cards as proof that you have enough funds.
Return ticket.
The air ticket indicates the time you will be spending in Uganda. This is whether you are planning on staying for a short while or planning to stay in Uganda permanently. You will best explain why you would want to stay in Uganda permanently.
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will walk out of the aircraft, straight to the arrival terminal. You’ll be asked to show the yellow fever card, then you will move to the immigration office. Then, you’ll present your visa and passport which will get stamps. Then, you will proceed to collect your luggage from the conveyor belts and pass through the security machine. Also, walk out of the building where you will meet the driver guide. That’ll be the start of your safari and stay in Uganda.
Services offered at Entebbe International Airport to the passengers
Airline lounge. This is the departure lounge, where visitors sit for their departure flights. The services include internet, drinks, and a flat-screen TV. Private individuals own this facility so the services they offer are at an affordable cost.
The VIP lounge. This is a facility that the government owns. Diplomats and government officials at Entebbe International Airport usually use this facility.
Baggage facility. Visitors’ baggage is identified using addresses, and names this is also done at an affordable cost. In case of misconnection and lost baggage, visitors can check at the ground handling office at the arrival hall.
Baby changing facility. These are the washrooms at Karibuni Lounge and along the departures transit course.
Facility for passengers with special needs. For passengers with special needs like the elderly, those with disabilities, and others Entebbe Airport offers services to this form of people. These services are in the form of lifts, wheelchairs, ramps, and special walkways. Also, you will find help from the passenger handling staff.
Meeting passenger facility. This is on the ground floor outside Entebbe International Airport. The meeting passenger facility is where the visitors will meet the drivers. Then, guides will transfer them to their respective destinations they came to. In this same place, there are other services like customer care desk, restaurants, telephone, and postal service among others.
Domestic Airlines at Entebbe International Airport
Entebbe Airport operates domestic flights to various national parks and destinations within Uganda. They include;
Aero link Airline.
This is an Airline in Kampala that operates domestic flights that tourists/ tour operators charter. The flights are from Entebbe to Kajjansi Airfield to Kisoro Airstrip. It also goes to Kihihi for travelers visiting Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. This is regardless of whether your purpose is gorilla trekking or any other business service. Also, Aerolink lands on Kasese Airstrip, Mweya Airstrip, and Ishasha Airstrip for visitors visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park. Again, it also lands on Lamoj airstrip, Pakuba airstrip, and Chobe airstrip for travelers visiting Murchison Falls National Park. The park is famous for wildlife safaris. There are other national parks to visit like Kidepo Valley National Park, and Semuliki National Park among others.
Eagle Airline.
This is Uganda’s based airline which operates regional scheduled and private chartered flights for passengers. The Eagle Airline offers quick and reliable flights from Entebbe Airport to various destinations in Uganda. These include Arua Airport, Kitgum Airport, Soroti Airport, Adjumani Airport, and Gulu Airport. Others include Moyo Airport, Kihihi, Kisoro, Pakuba, Kasese, Mweya, Jinja Airport Among Others,
Attractions and activities in Entebbe
Boat cruise on Lake Victoria
Lake Victoria is one of the largest lakes in Africa, visitors in Uganda can take time and visit Lake Victoria. There are a lot of activities to do when you decide to visit Lake Victoria. These include a boat cruise on the lake which offers you great views of different bird species. It also allows you to see landscapes, islands, and Sunset views in case of an evening boat cruise. This boat will give a great experience of being amidst the large water body.
Visit to the beaches
Entebbe has variety of beaches. You can go for relaxation, enjoy the sunset and the islands. You can also take time and swim in the water, play volley ball, lunch and dinner with a lot of fun like music. Some of then include Coco Beach, Lido Beach, Aero Beach, WhiteSand Beach aand so on.
Uganda Wildlife Education Center
Also known as the zoo, in Entebbe town and takes about 10 mins drive from Entebbe international airport. When you visit the zoo you have an opportunity to view a lot of attractions. These include the remains from different animal species, wetlands, islands, forest, and Savannah vegetation. Also, you see snake types, birds, Chimpanzee, zebras, elephants and others. Visiting the zoo, will help you learn about the animals and also engage in activities like feeding the animals which is so interesting.
Sportfishing on Lake Victoria.
There are different types of fish species you can find in Lake Victoria such as Tilapia and Nile perch. These are the common fish species caught. Sports fishing takes place in Ssese Island which is known as the best spot for fishing for visitors.
Mabamba Swamp.
The swamp harbors different bird species like the rare shoebill stock. It also harborsother birdspecies like like White-Winged black Terns, White-Winged Warbler, and Brown-Throated Weaver. Also, you get to see Goliath Herons, Papyrus Gonoleks, Papyrus Canary, Blue swallow and others this swamp. Therefore, it is one of the best birding destinations f in Uganda.
Ngamba Island.
It’s on Lake Victoria in Entebbe and its popular as the chimpanzee sanctuary. Also, it’s a home to over 49 orphaned chimpanzees. Ngamba Island is famous for chimpanzee and visitors can take time and visit this area. You will have an opportunity to interact and study different behavior of the chimpanzee.
Uganda Reptile Village,
It’s also in Entebbe and it was mainly setup to educate people about the reptiles. Also, it teaches how to over come fear of reptiles and also to conserve the reptiles. It harbors reptiles like Tortoise, Jacksons, cobra, chameleon, Lizard, and Gaboon Viper. Also, you get to see Crocodiles, Pythons, Mambas, Puff Adders among others.
Entebbe Botanical Gardens.
This was established in 1898, and this expensive garden is a perfect place for leisurely stroll/ activities. The highlights are its pockets of thick rain forest. Locals claim some of the original Tarzan films were made in, It’s an excellent bird watching with 115 species. You’ll have an opportunity to view plenty of monkeys, including black and white colobus, and tree squirrels. Also, you see birds like African grey parrot, bat hawk, and palm-nut Vultures. You also find medical plants, indigenous and exotic plants species, shrubs among others.
In case of any queries about Tourism in Uganda or Entebbe, feel free to contact us. We’ll make your dream safari come true.
