Uganda Travel Guide
"Uganda, the Pearl of Africa"- Sir Winston Churchhill
Travelling in Uganda
Uganda is an incredible country with lush, green landscapes and some of the friendliest, most welcoming people you’ll ever meet and is one of the most beautiful and safe countries to visit on the African continent.
To make your trip as truly spectacular and memorable as possible, we’ll make sure you are well informed and prepared before your arrival.
The information on this page summarises some of the key information required in getting to, getting along with people and travelling around Uganda. Regulations and circumstances can change, so if you have any further questions or would like to clarify any of the information on this page, please contact us
Languages
Luganda is the most spoken language in Uganda. Every little corner in the country vibrates with the language’s dialect, yet the world knows so little about it. However, Luganda can be an intimidating language to learn, with sounds that don’t come naturally to a native English-speaking palate.
Luganda has its own set of quirks, but travelers will find that learning some basic phrases packs benefits disproportionate to the effort—plus, it’s an excellent way to return the famous Uganda hospitality you’ll experience on your ugandan safari or holiday.
Here are 11 phrases you can use to enrich your time in Uganda, whether stepping into the golden realms of the African savannah or combing the streets of Kampala in search of the city’s most attractive cultural center.
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Greeting:
1. Oli otya - How are you?
2. Ssebo/nnyabo - Sir / Madam
3. Wasuze otya nno - Good morning
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Thanking:
4. Weebale - Thank you!
Experienced travelers know it’s essential to learn to say “thank you” wherever they visit, and this small politeness goes a long way in Uganda. In return, you will almost certainly hear a happy “kale nyabo” — you’re welcome ma’am.
To spice it up and make it effective, add “nyo,” meaning “very much.
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“Webale, nyo!” — remember ny as in lasagna.
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Other equally Important phrases:
5. Munyenye - Stars
6. Owange - Excuse me
7. Amazzi - Water
8. Mzungu - wanderer, or someone with white skin
9. Mukwano - my love or my friend
10. Nkooye- I'm tired
11. Tugende - Let's go
Getting to Uganda
Uganda’s only International Airport, Entebbe (EBB), has several direct flights from the US, Europe, Asia, The Middle East and within Africa, flights arriving regularly throughout the day and night.
From Europe there are direct connections from Amsterdam (KLM), Brussels (SN Brussels) and Paris (Rwandair) – these flights also make a quick stop in nearby Kigali in Rwanda. From the US and Canada, you can fly Delta or United Airlines, which connect with KLM and SN Brussels respectively.
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You can also connect through, or fly directly from: Dubai (Emirates, Fly Dubai, Air Arabia), Doha (Qatar Airlines), Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines) and Nairobi (Kenyan Airways). Uganda also has its own national carrier, Ugandan Airlines that currently flies to Dubai, Johannesburg, London Gatwick, Mumbai, Nairobi with more international routes scheduled soon.