Entebbe International airport
Entebbe International airport : Uganda currently only has only one international airport – Entebbe International airport which is Uganda’s main entry point for all travelers to enter and exist Uganda. The airport is located in Entebbe district in the central part of Uganda. Entebbe has a tropical climate all year round, ranging from between temperature of 17 0c and max of 27 0c in January and a min 16 0c, max 25 0c in July. The gateway to the “Pearl of Africa”, Entebbe is 38 Kilometres South West of Kampala City, Uganda’s Capital.
Entebbe International Airport lies astride the equator at latitude 00.020 North and longitude 320 East, for which reason it has often been described as the “Airport on the Equator” and is elevated at 3,782 feet above sea level, the airport is part of a peninsular bordering Africa’s biggest fresh-water-lake – Lake Victoria.
History about the Entebbe international airport
Uganda first witnessed a civil Aviation motorized aircraft in its space in the early 30s when “a flying boat” landed at Port bell, south east of Kampala on the shores of Lake Victoria to deliver mail. The mail delivery service had earlier started in neighboring Kenya in 1929 by Wilson Air ways. The service facilitated communication between the colonial centres in the region. The excitement generated by faster transport led to the creation of Directorate of Civil Aviation (DCA) in 1949 to over sees Civil Aviation activities in East Africa. In 1947 Entebbe was identified as the most suitable location for the country’s airport. Entebbe was not only a bastion of the colonial structure in Uganda, it also provided easy navigation across the lake. Air Navigation services were at the time done through rudimentary technology. The airport at Entebbe was commissioned in 1951 with the magnificence and presence of the Queen of England.
Entebbe international airport comprises of two terminals which handle both domestic and international flights. Entebbe airport operates service for a number of international airlines including, fly Dubai, South African airlines, KLM, Egypt airlines, Air Tanzania, Ethiopian Airline, Etihad Airways, Air Emirates, Qatar Airways, Brussels Airlines, Air Kenya among others. The airport operates direct schedules flights around East Africa and other destinations some of the countries among others, Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Mogadishu, Mombasa, Bujumbura, juba and many others.
Entebbe airport assumed operation in 2015 and currently its under construction and going to be done in three phases due to the need to expand the airport in order to accommodate the number of people received at the airport. These areas include, expansion of the existing cargo, strengthening of the existing runways, and expansion of the new passenger terminal building from the current 410 arrivals to 930 arriving passengers and 320 departures to 820 departing passengers. This is mostly received during the busy/ peak seasons in Uganda.
Travel requirements needed at Entebbe international airport
For travellers intending to travel to Uganda, there are some requirements expected of you to carry upon check-in at Entebbe international airport to be able to access Uganda. Just like other countries, these requirements are necessary documents required for one to enter that particular country. Travellers visiting or departing Uganda will be required to present the following documents;
Passport
A passport is an official small booklet issued by your country of origin government, certifying the holder’s identity and citizenship and entitling them to travel under its protection to and from foreign countries. When travelling ensure that you carry only a valid passport which expires in at least 6 months before your travel. A passport is first and main internationally recognised document required for one to travel, so it is a must for all citizens of a country to own one. Visit the Uganda Immigration site to learn more about passports.
Visa
A Visa is a conditional authorization document granted by a territory to a foreigner allowing them to enter, remain within, or to leave the visited country. Visas typically may include limits on the duration of the foreigner’s stay, areas within the country they may enter, the dates they may enter, the number of permitted visits or an individual’s right to work in the country in question. Visas are associated with the request for permission to enter a country and remain in the country. In some countries Visa evidence is commonly taken the form of a sticker endorsed in the applicant’s passport while others like Uganda, it’s a travel document but may also exist electronically.
In every country, there are countries that are excepted from taking a Visa including Uganda. Uganda has about 39 countries that are Visa exemptions and its best you visit the Uganda Immigration site to check-out on those countries, some of these countries includes the East African community countries.
For countries that require Visas upon travel to Uganda, Visas must be acquired online at least 2 weeks before date of travel from the immigration online site. Uganda has about 5 Visa types including the ordinary visa, Multiple Visa, Transit Visa, Diplomatic Visa and the East Africa Visa. Tourists to Uganda single need an ordinary visa which is also valid for tourism. A Uganda visa costs $50 per person and more details can be accessed from the Uganda Immigration website.
Yellow fever vaccination card
A yellow fever card is a document proves that your health is in proper condition and you should acquire this card before travelling to Uganda, if found that you do not have the card, you will be vaccinated for yellow fever on arrival although its best if you got your vaccination before travel.
Covid 19 vaccination card
After the outbreak of a new virus in the whole, Covid 19 in 2019, it has become a world threat and is now mandatory for all travellers to travel with Covid 19 negative test results valid 72 hours before travel and a vaccination card that confirms that you are fully vaccinated for the pandemic even though some countries have still banned travel.
Other documents that you may need to show at Entebbe international airport include;
Reason for visiting Uganda – reason for visiting indicates the purpose of your visit to Uganda for example if it’s business or tourism, you will be required to present a business and for travellers coming for tourism purposes, they will be required to present itinerary from the tour company you will be going for your safari with.
Proof of funds – Visitors arriving or leaving the country, will be advised to present proof of fund that shows that you have enough money to spend while in that country i.e. Uganda you will present documents like bank statements, credit card as proof that you have enough funds.
Return ticket – the air ticket indicates the time you will be spending in Uganda either 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.
What happens upon arrival at Entebbe airport?
On arrival to Entebbe international airport, you will walk out of the aircraft, straight to arrival terminal where you be asked to show your travel documents and first with the yellow fever card, then you will move to the immigration office to present your passport and Visa which will be stamped upon verification. Thereafter, proceed to collect your luggage from the convoy belts and pass through the security machine then walk out of the building where you will be meet by the driver guide for the start of your Uganda safaris tour and stay in Uganda.
Services offered at Entebbe International Airport to the passengers
Airline lounge – this is departure lounge, where visitors seat and with for their departure flights the services offered include, internet, drinks, flat screen TV, this is a privately own facility so the services offered is at an affordable cost.
The VIP lounge – this is a government owned facility mainly used by diplomats and government officials at Entebbe international airport.
Baggage facility – visitor’s baggage is identified using address, names this is also done at an affordable cost, in case of misconnection and lost baggage, visitors can check on 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 – Passengers with special needs like the elderly, disabled and others Entebbe airport offers services to this form of people such as lifts, wheel chair, ramps, special walkways, and also you will find help from the passengers handling staff.
Meeting passenger facility – This is located on ground floor outside Entebbe international airport, the meeting passenger facility is where the visitors will meet the drivers, guides that will transfer them to their respective destinations they came too, on this same place, there other services offered like customer care desk, restaurants, telephone, postal service among others.
Domestic Airlines at Entebbe international airport
Entebbe Airport operates domestic flights to various national parks and destinations within Uganda, some of these the Airline include;
Aero-link Uganda Limited – this is an Airline in Kampala that operates chartered domestic flights from Entebbe to Kajjansi airfield to Kisoro airstrip, kihihi for the travellers visiting Bwindi national park, Mgahinga gorilla national park, for gorilla trekking or any other business service, also kasese airstrip, Mweya airstrip , Ishasha airstrip, for visitors visiting queen Elizabeth national park, and Lamoj airstrip, Pakuba airstrip and Chobe airstrip for travellers visiting Murchison falls national park famously known for wildlife safaris. There other national parks to be visited like Kidepo valley national park, 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 that Is Arua Airport, Kitgum Airport, Soroti Airport, Adjumani Airport, Gulu Airport, Moyo Airport, Kihihi, Kisoro, Pakuba, Kasese, Mweya, Jinja Airport Among Others
Attractions and activities around Entebbe International airport
Boat cruise on Lake Victoria
Lake Victoria is one of the largest lakes in Africa also covering the areas Entebbe close to Entebbe International airport. There are a lot of activities to do when you decide to visit Lake Victoria such as a boat cruise on the lake will offer you great views of different bird species, landscapes, islands on Lake Victoria, Sunset views in case you’re taking an evening boat cruise. this boat will give great experience of being in large water body.
Visit to the beaches – Entebbe has variety of beaches where you can go for relaxation and enjoy the sunset, islands, you can also take time and swim in the water, play volley ball, lunch and dinner with a lot of fun like music.
Uganda wildlife education centre – also known as the zoo, situated in Entebbe town and takes about 10 minutes’ drive from Entebbe international airport. When you visit the zoo you have an opportunity to view a lot of attractions like the remains from different animal species, wetlands, islands, forest, Savannah vegetation, 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.
Sport fishing on Lake Victoria – there different types of fish species found in Lake Victoria such as Tilapia, Nile perch which 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 harbours different bird species like the rare shoebill stock and animals like White Winged Black Terns, White Winged Warbler, Brown Throated Weaver, Goliath Heron, Papyrus Gonolek. Papyrus Canary, Blue swallow and others this swamp is the best destination for bird watching in Uganda.
Ngamba Island – is situated on Lake Victoria in Entebbe and its known as the chimpanzee sanctuary and 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 behaviour of the chimpanzee.
Uganda Reptile Village – it’s also located in Entebbe and it was mainly setup to educate people about the reptiles, how to overcome fear of reptiles, and also to conserve the reptiles. It harbours reptiles like Tortoise, Jacksons, cobra, chameleon, Lizard, Gaboon Viper, Crocodile, Pythons, Mambas, Puff Adders among others.
Entebbe Botanical Gardens – was established in 1898, this expensive garden is a perfect place for leisurely stroll/ activities. The highlights are its pockets of thick rain forest, which locals claim some of the original Tarzan films were made in, and excellent bird watching with 115 species. You’ll have an opportunity to views plenty of monkeys, including black and white colobus, and tree squirrels too, birds like African grey parrot, whilst bat hawk, palm-nut Vultures and medical plants, indigenous and exotic plants species, shrubs among others.
