What’s the Best Airport to Arrive in Uganda?

For travelers setting their sights on the Pearl of Africa, one of the first questions that comes to mind is simple but important: what’s the best airport to arrive in Uganda? Whether you’re coming for gorilla trekking in Bwindi, a wildlife safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park, or a business meeting in Kampala, the airport you choose plays a big role in how easily and comfortably you begin your journey.

Uganda is a landlocked country located in East Africa, bordered by Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Despite its lack of coastline, Uganda is well-connected by air, and its main international gateway — Entebbe International Airport (EBB) — provides excellent access to the rest of the world. In addition to Entebbe, there are a few smaller airports and airstrips across the country that serve domestic and regional flights, especially for travelers heading to national parks or remote destinations.

Let’s take a detailed look at the best airport to arrive in Uganda, what to expect upon arrival, travel connections, and how to make your arrival as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Entebbe International Airport – Uganda’s Main Gateway

The best and most commonly used airport for international travelers arriving in Uganda is Entebbe International Airport (EBB). Located about 46 kilometers (28 miles) south of Kampala, Uganda’s capital city, Entebbe International Airport sits on the northern shores of Lake Victoria, the largest freshwater lake in Africa.

Entebbe is the country’s primary international gateway and the only airport currently handling large commercial international flights. It’s modern, efficient, and constantly improving to accommodate Uganda’s growing tourism and business travel sectors.

A Brief History of Entebbe International Airport

Entebbe International Airport has a long and interesting history. It was originally constructed in the 1950s during British colonial rule and played a key role as a regional hub for East Africa. The airport became internationally known in 1976 after the dramatic “Operation Entebbe,” an Israeli hostage rescue mission that took place there.

Since then, the airport has undergone numerous expansions and upgrades. Today, it serves as a modern facility that welcomes over 1.5 million passengers each year, connecting Uganda to major cities in Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and beyond.

Airlines That Fly Into Uganda

A wide range of international airlines operate flights to Entebbe, making it easily accessible from different parts of the world. Some of the major carriers that serve Uganda include:

• Emirates (via Dubai)
• Qatar Airways (via Doha)
• Ethiopian Airlines (via Addis Ababa)
• Kenya Airways (via Nairobi)
• RwandAir (via Kigali)
• Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul)
• Brussels Airlines (via Brussels)
• EgyptAir (via Cairo)
• KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (via Amsterdam)

Uganda’s national carrier, Uganda Airlines, also operates regular flights between Entebbe and key destinations such as Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Johannesburg, Dubai, Kinshasa, and London. This growing network makes it easier than ever to access Uganda from almost anywhere in the world.

Why Entebbe Is the Best Airport to Arrive In

There are several reasons why Entebbe International Airport stands out as the best point of entry into Uganda.

1. Central and Convenient Location

Entebbe’s location on the northern shores of Lake Victoria makes it a perfect entry point. From the airport, it’s an easy 45-minute to 1-hour drive to Kampala, depending on traffic. The highway connecting Entebbe to the capital is modern and well-maintained, offering scenic views of the lake along the way.

The city of Entebbe itself is a charming lakeside destination worth exploring. It’s home to the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (formerly Entebbe Zoo), Entebbe Botanical Gardens, and beautiful beaches where travelers can relax after long flights.

2. Modern Facilities

Over the past few years, Entebbe International Airport has undergone extensive modernization. The expansion project, spearheaded by the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, introduced a new passenger terminal, upgraded runways, improved cargo handling, and better passenger amenities.

The airport now features duty-free shops, restaurants, lounges, ATMs, currency exchange services, and car rental facilities. Free Wi-Fi is available in certain areas, and the immigration process is efficient, particularly for travelers who have pre-applied for an eVisa.

3. Efficient Immigration and Visa Services

Uganda’s eVisa system has made arrival procedures faster and smoother for international travelers. Visitors can apply for a tourist visa, East Africa Tourist Visa, or business visa online before travel. Once approved, they simply present the printed visa approval letter at Entebbe upon arrival.

Immigration officers are friendly and professional, ensuring a quick and pleasant experience. Travelers are advised to carry their yellow fever vaccination certificate, as it is required for entry into Uganda.

4. Accessibility to Major Destinations

Entebbe is perfectly positioned for onward travel within Uganda. Most tour companies and domestic airlines operate from Entebbe or nearby Kampala, offering seamless transfers to major attractions. From here, travelers can connect to destinations like:

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – for gorilla trekking
• Murchison Falls National Park – for wildlife safaris and river cruises
• Queen Elizabeth National Park – for game drives and chimp tracking
• Jinja – for white-water rafting and the Source of the Nile
• Kibale National Park – for chimpanzee tracking

Charter and scheduled domestic flights operated by Aerolink Uganda, Bar Aviation, and Eagle Air fly from Entebbe to smaller airstrips across the country, saving travelers time and offering stunning aerial views of Uganda’s landscapes.

5. Safety and Efficiency

Entebbe International Airport adheres to international aviation standards, with modern safety measures, organized operations, and reliable ground handling services. The airport’s security and health screening procedures are thorough but efficient, ensuring a safe and comfortable travel experience for passengers.

Domestic and Regional Airports in Uganda

While Entebbe is the main international gateway, Uganda has several smaller airports and airstrips used for domestic travel, regional connections, or chartered flights. These include:

1. Kajjansi Airfield – Located between Kampala and Entebbe, this private airfield serves small charter flights and scenic tours across Uganda. It’s commonly used by business travelers and tour operators.

2. Arua Airport – Situated in northern Uganda, this airport serves Arua town and connects to destinations near the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan borders.

3. Gulu Airport – Located in northern Uganda’s largest city, it’s an important hub for humanitarian flights and domestic connections.

4. Mbarara Airport – In southwestern Uganda, serving travelers heading to Lake Mburo National Park and the Ankole region.

5. Kisoro and Kihihi Airstrips – These small airfields are popular among tourists heading to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking. Domestic airlines operate regular flights to these destinations from Entebbe.

These smaller airports make it possible to explore Uganda efficiently, especially if you want to avoid long road journeys. However, for international travelers, Entebbe remains the most practical and well-connected entry point.

What to Expect When You Land in Entebbe

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, passengers are guided through immigration, health screening, baggage claim, and customs in a structured flow. The airport staff are friendly and often go out of their way to assist visitors.

After clearing immigration, you can find taxis and shuttle services waiting outside the arrivals hall. Many hotels and tour companies also provide pre-arranged airport transfers. If you’ve booked your safari or trip through a reputable company like Experiya Tour Company, your driver-guide will be waiting to welcome you with a sign and assist you with your luggage.

Currency exchange counters and ATMs are available inside the terminal, and it’s recommended to withdraw or exchange some Ugandan shillings for small expenses. Most major hotels and tour companies, however, accept international payment methods.

Tips for a Smooth Arrival in Uganda

• Apply for your visa online before your trip to avoid delays at immigration.
• Carry your yellow fever vaccination certificate, as it is mandatory for entry.
• Have small USD bills for quick payments, tips, or minor purchases.
• Book an airport transfer with your tour operator for safety and convenience.
• Keep a copy of your travel itinerary handy to show at immigration if requested.
• Allow extra time for connecting flights if you plan to travel to other regions on the same day.

The Beauty of Starting in Entebbe

Entebbe isn’t just a transit point — it’s a destination in its own right. Before heading off to Uganda’s national parks, many travelers spend a night or two in Entebbe to relax after their flight. You can enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Victoria, visit the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, or stop at the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre for a gentle introduction to the country’s fauna.

The calm lakeside setting provides the perfect first impression of Uganda’s natural beauty and hospitality before you head deeper into the wild.

Why You Should Travel With Experiya Tour Company

Arriving in Uganda is just the beginning of your adventure, and having a trusted partner like Experiya Tour Company ensures that everything from your airport pickup to your final safari experience runs smoothly.

Experiya specializes in creating unforgettable travel experiences across Uganda and the East African region. Their team arranges airport transfers, handles visa guidance, and offers personalized itineraries that include everything from gorilla trekking and wildlife safaris to cultural tours and adventure excursions.

With Experiya, you’ll be greeted at Entebbe International Airport by professional guides who ensure a warm welcome and a seamless start to your journey. From the moment you land to the time you depart, Experiya takes care of all logistics so you can focus on enjoying Uganda’s breathtaking landscapes, friendly people, and vibrant culture.

Book your next Ugandan adventure with Experiya Tour Company today and experience the best that Uganda has to offer — starting with a smooth landing at Entebbe International Airport, your gateway to the Pearl of Africa.