Getting into Uganda by Public Transport.
Traveling to Uganda by public transport is one of the most affordable options for visitors to get to the pearl of Africa, especially if you are on a tight budget. It is a perfect way to save on transportation costs when on a tight budget. However, you must bear with all the conditions that with it.
Public transport to Uganda comes in different options, and each allows visitors to reach their destination. The popular public transport means in Uganda include buses. Once you have arrived in Uganda, you can still use multiple public transport means, including buses, taxis, and boda-bodas.
Public transportation in Uganda presents visitors with the best option to get around on a budget or as a backpacker.
How to get to Uganda by public transport
Buses have proven to be a safe and affordable means for visitors to cross to Uganda. This is an ideal option, especially for visitors in East African countries like Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan, and Rwanda.
From Rwanda, visitors can cross from Kigali city by bus through Katuna or Chanika border to explore Uganda. Crossing via Katuna border provides easier access to Kabale town and Chanika offers access to Kisoro. From the two towns, it is possible to reach the southwestern destinations like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Once you have arrived at Kisoro/Kabale, you can connect to the destinations of your choice by boda boda. There is an option of crossing from Kigali to Kisoro/Kabale using a rental car from your reliable tour operator or company. You can hire a budget-friendly rental car in Uganda and enjoy a private road trip with less stress. There are budget-friendly rental cars to hire with a driver or for self-driving road trips, including a 4×4 Toyota Rav4.
When you get to Bwindi or Mgahinga, there are plenty of exciting activities to enjoy. They include;
Mountain gorilla trekking –Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks are home to the endangered mountain gorillas and each can be visited for gorilla trekking. They have already habituated gorilla groups. But anyone interested in a trek to see mountain gorillas must have a gorilla permit booked. You can obtain a valid Uganda gorilla permit through the local tour company at USD 800 per person. This cost applies to all foreign nonresidents; then, foreign residents pay USD 700, USD 500 for the Rest of Africa; and lastly, Ugandans or East African citizens (Kenyans, Tanzanians, Rwandese, and South Sudan etc) pay UGX 300,000 per visitor.
Birding –Bwindi Forest holds up to 350 bird species, and Mgahinga shelters about 180 bird species in the different habitats. Birds to expect to find on your birding tour include the African green broadbill, Rwenzori nightjars, blue-headed sunbird, short-tailed warblers, cinnamon-chested bee-eaters, black-billed turacos, African paradise flycatchers, cape robin-chat, and brown-crowned tchagra.
Batwa cultural experience – this is one of the best options to interact with the Batwa pygmies in their communities. It should be noted that the Batwa once lived in Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga Forest as hunters and fruit gatherers. A cultural tour in the Batwa community is a great opportunity to explore the unique traditions, cultures, and practices of the Batwa pygmies.
Traveling from Kenya to Uganda by bus
You can also make the best use of the buses that travel from Nairobi to Kampala multiple times. They take the Busia border, and it is important to be certain about their schedule. You should book your bus ticket early and not wait till the last minute or the actual date of traveling to Uganda.
Tanzania to Uganda by bus
It is the longest journey but also affordable for budget travelers. You travel by bus via the Matugga stage. Book your bus travel early and don’t wait till the last minute to secure the bus ticket.
Relevant documents to have for you to cross to Uganda
Essential travel documents visitors should have to cross borders to Uganda include a valid visa, passport, a travel plan, a recent passport-size photograph, a yellow fever vaccination certificate, itinerary, and hotel/accommodation booking.
Useful tips for traveling in Uganda by public transport
- Make the best use of mobile apps like Safeboda, Uber, and others.
- When you get to the road, be aware of the road traffic, especially in Kampala.
- In case of long distances, use buses to connect to your destinations.
- Use taxis for local travel in Uganda, and you can walk to the nearby taxi park or stage.
- Utilize special hires in case you desire private transportation. You can also contact the local tour operator to hire a car for your road trips in Uganda. Rental cars are available at affordable rates and offer safe road trips compared to public buses or taxis.
- For quick connectivity to your destination or lodge/hotel, you can use boda bodas, especially in urban centers. Avoid night travel by public means, whether using taxis or boda bodas.
- Secure local currency (Uganda shilling) to ease your payment for transport fares.
Conclusively, it is safe to travel to Uganda by public transport from other countries like Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania. Even within, visitors can utilize public transportation, especially on budget travel to connect to their destinations. However, the safest and most recommended means to get around Uganda is to rent a car from your local tour operator. For your comfortable car rental in Uganda, Contact Us, and we will offer you the car of your choice and budget to meet your road trip needs in the pearl of Africa.
