🇺🇬 Flights to Entebbe
Cheap Flights to Entebbe from the UK
Find the best deals on flights to Entebbe International Airport (EBB). Dream Fare specialises in Uganda routes with the best prices for Entebbe — the lakeside gateway to Kampala, Lake Victoria and world-class mountain gorilla trekking.
Airlines to Entebbe
All Airlines Flying London to Entebbe
Entebbe is served via connections through East African and Middle Eastern hubs. We compare every routing to find your best price for Uganda.
Baggage Allowances — London to Entebbe
| Airline | Cabin Bag | Hold Baggage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya Airways | 1 bag up to 12kg | 1 x 23kg | Extra bags purchasable at booking |
| Ethiopian Airlines | 1 bag up to 7kg | 2 x 23kg | Best two-piece allowance on the route |
| Emirates | 1 bag up to 7kg | 2 x 23kg | Flex fares may vary — confirm at booking |
| Qatar Airways | 1 bag up to 7kg | 2 x 23kg | Excellent for families with extra luggage |
| Turkish Airlines | 1 bag up to 8kg | 2 x 23kg | Generous two-piece standard economy |
When to Visit
Best Time to Visit Entebbe & Uganda
Entebbe’s position on Lake Victoria gives it a moderate equatorial climate year-round, with two distinct dry seasons offering the best conditions for gorilla trekking. Uganda is 2 hours ahead of GMT.
Best Season
June — September
The longest dry season and the most popular time to visit Uganda. Warm and dry (20°C to 28°C). Ideal for gorilla trekking in Bwindi, chimpanzee tracking and game viewing across the savannah parks.
Short Dry Season
Dec — February
A second excellent window for gorilla trekking and wildlife viewing (20°C to 28°C). Slightly fewer crowds than June to September, with comfortable trekking conditions throughout the highland forests.
Long Rains
March — May
The heaviest rainy season brings frequent downpours (18°C to 26°C). Trekking trails become more challenging and muddy. Some lodges offer significantly discounted rates. The landscape is lush and exceptionally green.
Short Rains
Oct — November
Brief afternoon showers (20°C to 27°C) that generally clear quickly. A reasonable shoulder season for gorilla trekking with good value pricing before the busy December peak season begins.
About Entebbe
Entebbe — Gateway on Lake Victoria
Entebbe, sitting on a peninsula jutting into Lake Victoria, serves as Uganda’s main international gateway and offers visitors a relaxed, green introduction to the country before heading to Kampala or further afield. With its botanical gardens, lakeside setting and proximity to Uganda’s extraordinary wildlife, Entebbe combines convenience with genuine natural beauty.
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Entebbe Botanical Gardens
Established in 1898 on the shores of Lake Victoria, these historic gardens showcase extraordinary plant biodiversity alongside indigenous forest and wildlife, including monkeys and over 100 bird species. Several scenes from the original Tarzan films were shot here, and the gardens remain a peaceful highlight of any Entebbe visit.
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Lake Victoria
Africa’s largest lake and the world’s second-largest freshwater lake by surface area, Lake Victoria offers boat trips, fishing excursions and beautiful sunset views from Entebbe’s lakeside setting, providing a relaxed contrast to the more intensive gorilla trekking and safari activities found elsewhere in Uganda.
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Gateway to Gorilla Trekking
Entebbe International Airport serves as the essential gateway to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to roughly half the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, offering domestic flight connections that significantly reduce travel time compared to the long road journey to southwestern Uganda.
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Uganda Wildlife Education Centre
Uganda’s national zoo and wildlife conservation centre, located in Entebbe, provides an excellent introduction to the country’s diverse wildlife for visitors with limited time, alongside important conservation and rehabilitation work for rescued and orphaned animals.
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Relaxed Lakeside Atmosphere
Compared to the bustling energy of Kampala, Entebbe offers a notably calmer, greener atmosphere with tree-lined streets and a relaxed pace, making it a popular choice for visitors wanting a comfortable first or last night in Uganda before or after more intensive safari activities.
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Ugandan Cuisine
Matoke (steamed and mashed green bananas, the Ugandan staple), Luwombo (meat or chicken stewed in banana leaves), fresh tilapia from Lake Victoria, Rolex (a popular street food of rolled chapati and egg), and Ugandan coffee showcase the rich culinary traditions found throughout Entebbe and the wider region.
Top Places to Visit Around Entebbe
Entebbe Botanical Gardens
Established in 1898 on the shores of Lake Victoria, these historic gardens offer extraordinary plant biodiversity, indigenous forest, monkeys and over 100 bird species. Several scenes from the original Tarzan films were shot here, and the peaceful lakeside setting makes this an essential and relaxing Entebbe highlight.
Uganda Wildlife Education Centre
Uganda’s national zoo and conservation centre, offering an excellent introduction to the country’s diverse wildlife including lions, chimpanzees and rhinos, alongside important rehabilitation work for rescued and orphaned animals, ideal for visitors with limited time before heading further afield.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
A domestic flight from Entebbe takes visitors to Bwindi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to roughly half the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Trekking through dense rainforest to spend an hour with a gorilla family is one of the most profound wildlife experiences on earth.
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
A boat trip from Entebbe across Lake Victoria leads to this dedicated chimpanzee sanctuary, providing refuge for orphaned and rescued chimpanzees. Visitors can observe these intelligent primates in a natural island setting, offering a meaningful conservation-focused excursion close to the airport.
Lake Victoria Boat Excursions
Boat trips on Africa’s largest lake offer beautiful sunset views, fishing excursions and a relaxed way to experience Entebbe’s scenic lakeside setting, providing an excellent way to unwind before or after more intensive gorilla trekking and safari activities elsewhere in Uganda.
Mabamba Swamp
A short boat trip from Entebbe, Mabamba Swamp is one of the best places in Africa to spot the rare and prehistoric-looking Shoebill stork, alongside diverse wetland birdlife, offering keen birdwatchers an excellent excursion close to the airport before continuing their Uganda journey.
Travel Tips
Entebbe Travel Guide
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Visa for Uganda
UK citizens can obtain a visa on arrival at Entebbe International Airport for approximately $50 USD, or apply online at visas.go.ug before travel. A East Africa Tourist Visa covering Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda is also available for $100 USD, useful for combined gorilla trekking and safari itineraries.
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Booking Gorilla Trekking Permits
Gorilla trekking permits cost approximately $700 USD per person and are strictly limited, requiring booking well in advance, particularly for peak season (June to September and December to February). Permits include a guided trek and one hour with a gorilla family.
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Currency & Money
Uganda uses the Ugandan Shilling (UGX). USD is widely accepted for safari payments, park fees and gorilla permits (post-2008 notes only, no marks or tears). Cards are accepted at major Entebbe hotels. ATMs are available at the airport and in town.
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Getting Around Entebbe
Entebbe town is compact and easily explored on foot or by taxi. For onward travel to Kampala (approximately 1 hour) or Bwindi National Park, domestic flights or organised transfers are recommended, particularly given the significant road distance to southwestern Uganda.
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Weather in Entebbe
Entebbe’s lakeside location and equatorial position give it a pleasant, relatively consistent climate year-round (18°C to 28°C). June to September and December to February offer the driest periods, ideal for gorilla trekking. Uganda is 2 hours ahead of GMT.
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Culture & Etiquette
Uganda is known as the Pearl of Africa for its exceptional natural beauty and warm hospitality. English is widely spoken alongside Luganda and other local languages. Modest dress is appreciated, particularly when visiting cultural and religious sites. Greetings are an important part of Ugandan social interaction.
Flights to Entebbe FAQ
How do I fly from London to Entebbe?
Kenya Airways via Nairobi is one of the most popular and reliable routings to Entebbe International Airport. Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa, Emirates via Dubai, Qatar Airways via Doha and Brussels Airlines via Brussels also serve Uganda well. Dream Fare will find the best routing for your gorilla trekking or safari dates.
Do UK citizens need a visa for Entebbe?
Yes. UK passport holders require a visa to enter Uganda. A visa on arrival is available at Entebbe International Airport for approximately $50 USD, or apply online at visas.go.ug before travel. The East Africa Tourist Visa, covering Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda, is also available for combined itineraries.
Should I stay in Entebbe or go straight to Kampala?
Many visitors spend their first or last night in Entebbe given its relaxed lakeside atmosphere and proximity to the airport, before or after the more bustling energy of Kampala (approximately 1 hour away) or heading directly to gorilla trekking and safari destinations.
How far is Entebbe from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?
Bwindi is a significant distance by road (approximately 8 to 10 hours), so most visitors take a domestic flight from Entebbe, reducing travel time to around 1 hour. This is the recommended option for maximising time available for gorilla trekking.
What can I do in Entebbe with limited time?
The Entebbe Botanical Gardens, Uganda Wildlife Education Centre and a Lake Victoria boat trip can all be comfortably combined in a half or full day, making Entebbe an excellent and relaxed introduction to Uganda even with limited time before connecting onward.
How much do return flights from London to Entebbe cost?
Return flights from London to Entebbe start from approximately £479 with Dream Fare. Kenya Airways via Nairobi and Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa are typically the most competitive options. Contact us on 020 8264 0018 for the latest fares.
* Prices are indicative from fares and subject to availability and change. Call 020 8264 0018 for current pricing.