🇺🇬 Flights to Kampala
Cheap Flights to Kampala from the UK
Find the best deals on flights to Entebbe International Airport (EBB), serving Kampala. Dream Fare specialises in Uganda routes with the best prices for Uganda’s capital — the Pearl of Africa and gateway to mountain gorilla trekking.
Airlines to Kampala
All Airlines Flying London to Kampala
Kampala is served via Entebbe International Airport with excellent connections through East African and Middle Eastern hubs. We compare every routing to find your best price.
Baggage Allowances — London to Kampala
| 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 Kampala & Uganda
Uganda’s equatorial position gives it a relatively consistent climate year-round, with two dry seasons offering the best conditions for gorilla trekking and wildlife viewing. 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 Kampala
Kampala — The Pearl of Africa
Kampala is Uganda’s vibrant capital, built across seven hills and famously described by Winston Churchill as the Pearl of Africa. A dynamic, green and welcoming city, Kampala is the natural gateway to some of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences on the continent, most notably trekking to see endangered mountain gorillas in their natural rainforest habitat.
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Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to roughly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Trekking through dense rainforest to spend an hour observing a gorilla family at close range is one of the most profound wildlife experiences on earth, and a genuine bucket-list adventure for visitors.
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Chimpanzee Tracking
Kibale National Park, a few hours from Kampala, has one of the highest concentrations of primates in Africa, including a healthy population of chimpanzees. Guided tracking experiences offer the chance to observe these intelligent great apes in their natural forest habitat, alongside eleven other primate species.
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Source of the Nile
The town of Jinja, a short drive from Kampala, marks the source of the White Nile at Lake Victoria, one of the most significant geographical points in world history. The area offers exceptional white-water rafting, bungee jumping and adventure activities alongside this historically important location.
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Kampala City Highlights
Built across seven hills, Kampala offers the Kasubi Tombs (a UNESCO World Heritage Site and burial ground of Buganda kings), the Uganda National Museum, the Gaddafi National Mosque with panoramic city views, and the vibrant Owino Market, one of the largest open-air markets in East Africa.
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Queen Elizabeth National Park
A drive or short flight from Kampala, Queen Elizabeth National Park is renowned for its tree-climbing lions, exceptional birdlife (over 600 species) and boat safaris along the Kazinga Channel, offering close encounters with hippos, elephants and buffalo against a backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains.
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Ugandan Cuisine
Matoke (steamed and mashed green bananas, the Ugandan staple), Luwombo (meat or chicken stewed in banana leaves), Rolex (a popular street food of rolled chapati and egg), fresh tilapia from Lake Victoria, and Ugandan coffee, grown on the fertile slopes around the country, are all essential Kampala food experiences.
Top Places to Visit Around Kampala
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (UNESCO)
A scenic drive or short domestic flight from Kampala — Bwindi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to roughly half the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Trekking through ancient rainforest to spend time with a habituated gorilla family is widely regarded as one of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences on the planet, requiring a permit booked well in advance.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
A drive or short flight from Kampala — famous for its tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector, exceptional birdlife with over 600 recorded species, and boat safaris along the Kazinga Channel offering outstanding hippo and elephant viewing against the dramatic backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains.
Kibale National Park
A few hours drive from Kampala — Kibale offers some of the best chimpanzee tracking in Africa, with a habituated community allowing close observation of these intelligent primates. The park is also home to eleven other primate species, making it one of the richest primate destinations on the continent.
Jinja & the Source of the Nile
A short drive from Kampala — Jinja marks the historic source of the White Nile at Lake Victoria and offers some of the best white-water rafting in the world, alongside bungee jumping, quad biking and kayaking. A perfect adventure activity base combining significant history with exhilarating watersports.
Murchison Falls National Park
Uganda’s largest national park, a drive or short flight from Kampala — named after the spectacular Murchison Falls where the entire Nile River forces through a narrow 7-metre gorge. The park offers excellent game viewing including lions, elephants and giraffes, alongside boat trips to the base of the dramatic falls.
Kasubi Tombs (UNESCO)
Within Kampala itself — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the burial ground of four Buganda kings, the Kasubi Tombs represent an important spiritual and cultural site for the Baganda people. The traditional thatched architecture and ongoing royal ceremonies offer a fascinating insight into Ugandan culture and history.
Travel Tips
Kampala 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 across multiple countries.
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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. Book through a reputable operator alongside flights.
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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 Kampala hotels. ATMs are available in Kampala and Entebbe. Bring sufficient USD cash for remote safari and trekking areas.
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Getting Around Uganda
Entebbe Airport is approximately 40km from central Kampala, with reliable taxi transfers. For onward travel to Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth and other national parks, domestic flights significantly reduce travel time compared to road journeys, which can take 8 to 10 hours on rougher terrain to reach southwestern Uganda.
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Weather in Kampala
Kampala’s equatorial location and elevation (around 1,190 metres) give it a pleasant, relatively consistent climate year-round (18°C to 28°C). June to September and December to February are the driest periods, ideal for gorilla trekking and game viewing. 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 Kampala FAQ
How do I fly from London to Kampala?
Kenya Airways via Nairobi is one of the most popular and reliable routings to Entebbe International Airport, serving Kampala. 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 Uganda?
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.
How much does gorilla trekking cost in Uganda?
Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda cost approximately $700 USD per person, significantly more affordable than neighbouring Rwanda. Permits are strictly limited and should be booked well in advance, particularly for the peak dry seasons. Most visitors combine 2 to 3 days for trekking with additional time at other national parks.
Is Kampala or Entebbe the better arrival point?
Entebbe International Airport is the actual airport serving the Kampala region, located approximately 40km from the city centre on the shores of Lake Victoria. Most visitors transit quickly through Entebbe to begin their safari or gorilla trekking itinerary rather than spending extended time in Kampala itself, though the city offers worthwhile cultural sites.
Is Uganda safe for gorilla trekking and safaris?
Uganda has a well-established and professional tourism infrastructure for gorilla trekking and safaris, with strict park regulations protecting both visitors and gorilla populations. Check the latest FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/uganda before travelling for the most current assessment of any regional considerations.
How much do return flights from London to Kampala cost?
Return flights from London to Kampala (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 and complete Uganda gorilla trekking travel advice.
* Prices are indicative from fares and subject to availability and change. Call 020 8264 0018 for current pricing.