Kampala
Visiting Kampala from abroad: a practical guide
By the Zen Motel team · Updated
In short
International visitors usually fly into Entebbe International Airport and travel to Kampala by road. The local currency is the Ugandan shilling (UGX), mobile money is used everywhere, and ride-hailing apps and private taxis are the easiest ways to get around. Check entry and health requirements with official sources before you travel.
Before you travel
Entry, visa and vaccination requirements depend on your nationality and change from time to time. Check them with the Government of Uganda's official immigration service and your own government's travel advice well before you fly, and speak to a travel health clinic about vaccinations and malaria prevention.
Arriving at Entebbe International Airport
Entebbe International Airport (EBB) is Uganda's main international airport. It is in Entebbe, south of Kampala on the shore of Lake Victoria. The two routes into the city are the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway, a toll road, and the older Entebbe Road. Journey times vary widely with traffic, so if you have a fixed commitment on arrival day, leave a generous margin.
Pre-booked pickup
The least stressful option after a long flight: a driver waits for you in arrivals.
Airport taxi
Available outside arrivals. Agree the fare before you set off.
Ride-hailing
Apps such as Uber and Bolt operate in the Kampala area; check the fare estimate in the app.
Money and payments
The currency is the Ugandan shilling (UGX). Cash is still used for many everyday purchases, and mobile money (such as MTN MoMo and Airtel Money) is used everywhere, from shops to taxis. Cards are accepted at larger hotels, malls, supermarkets and many restaurants, and ATMs are common in the city. If you bring US dollars to exchange, forex bureaus often give better rates for newer, undamaged notes.
Phone and internet
A local SIM card is cheap and gives you data and mobile money. MTN and Airtel are the main networks, with shops at the airport and in malls. SIM registration requires your passport.
Getting around the city
| Option | What to know |
|---|---|
| Special hire (private taxi) | Comfortable and door to door. Agree the fare first or book through your accommodation. |
| Ride-hailing apps | Apps such as Uber and Bolt operate in Kampala, for cars and, on some apps, boda bodas, with the fare shown up front. |
| Boda boda (motorcycle taxi) | Fast through traffic. Always ask for a helmet; app-booked rides usually provide one. |
| Minibus taxi | Shared vans on fixed routes from the city's taxi parks. The cheapest option, but crowded. |
Traffic is heaviest on weekday mornings and evenings. Plan important journeys outside those hours where you can.
Weather and when to visit
Kampala sits close to the equator but at altitude, so it is warm year round without extreme heat. There are two main rainy seasons, roughly March to May and September to November, when heavy afternoon downpours are common. Pack a light rain jacket whatever the month.
Language and etiquette
English is an official language and widely spoken. Greetings matter: say hello and ask how someone is before getting to business. A few words of Luganda go a long way: "Oli otya?" (How are you?) and "Webale" (Thank you). Dress modestly when visiting religious sites, and ask before photographing people.
Booking Zen Motel from abroad
You can send a booking request online, email the team, or call reception on +256 41 4675960. Reception is open 24 hours, which helps if your flight lands late at night. Include your arrival time when you book so the team knows when to expect you.