Book a flight

The entry point to Uganda is Entebbe, at the outskirts of Uganda’s capital, Kampala. It is convenient as Entebbe is also where the ferry to the Ssese Islands leaves from. An average trip from Europe to Entebbe takes between 10-16 hours, depending on the origin and specific deal (to compare – A flight from Berlin to NYC takes 9 hours). We recommend you to use Kayak, Checkfelix, Skyscanner and similar websites to find the flight that fits you best, preferably a day before the start of the retreat, so you can arrive calmly in Uganda.

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Book a hotel & taxi

The group meets at the ferry station in Nakiwogo, Entebbe to take the ferry "MV Kalangala" to the Ssese Islands (where the accommodation is included). After booking your flight, we recommend you to book your nights in a hotel in Entebbe for your day of arrival and departure. Our past guests liked Gorilla Africa Guest House, Elementis Entebbe and Entebbe Backpackers for their ambiance, service and location. We recommend you to arrange a taxi through the hotel to pick you up from the airport to the hotel, and from the hotel to the ferry. Private Taxis are also available at the airport's taxi stand.  

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Get mandatory vaccinations

Before travelling to almost most countries in the global south getting vaccinations, is highly recommended, and at times mandatory. Schedule a travel health consultation or vaccination appointment at the Tropical Institute, or with another doctor of your choice, in a timely manner. We recommend getting vaccinated at least one month prior to your departure, as some vaccinations could require a longer interval between doses. The process is very straight-forward – you tell them where you go, they tell you which vaccinations are needed. The Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory for your Ugandan Visa application. Typically, further recommended vaccinations are hepatitis A and B, rabies and typhoid. Your doctor is the best point of contact for details and can also consult about Malaria prophylaxis.

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Apply for Ugandan visa

We recommend you apply for a Ugandan Tourist Visa at least two weeks before you start your journey. Follow the step-by-step online application on the Ugandan Visas’ Immigration website. You need scans of the following documents:

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• Return flight ticket

• Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate

• Passport bio-data page (validity of at least 6 months)

• Recent Passport-size Photograph

 

Once you successfully submitted your application you will receive an email, and have to make a payment of 50USD. After that you have to wait until your visa is approved and print it out to show at the airport.

If you are not only coming to Uganda for the Adama Retreat, but also plan to visit Kenya and Rwanda (up to three months) we advise you to apply for the East African tourist visa. It costs 100 USD and functions as a multiple entry visa within the three countries. If this is your case, please check closely the conditions of this visa, to ensure it fits your needs.

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Book travel insurance

Travel insurance is not only a safeguard for you but also a reassurance for your family and friends. Take a close look at the coverage area of the travel insurance (usually listed as "worldwide," which often includes Uganda) and whether it is an annual subscription or limited to the duration of your trip. Besides these considerations, choose the one that fits best your specific needs. Allianz Travel, Uniqa or Lifecard Travel Assistance are just some of the firms you should consider.

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Disable GeoControl on your bank card

Disable GeoControl for Uganda in your online banking or ask your bank advisor to do so. It allows you to use your bank card during your trip. Additionally, ask at your bank if you will pay additional fees for withdrawing money in Uganda or if the only extra costs you have are the ones the ATM charges. Our tip is to withdraw money at the DTB bank because it does not charge withdrawal fees.

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Set intentions

All practical aspects for your trip are prepared. Now it's time to softly, intentionally, enter a different space. And it starts with you and your mind. We ask you to set time aside to examine your WHYs. Why do you want to go on this retreat? Why now? Following that, try and translate the answers into intentions which are grounded in trust, connection and open-mindedness. See what comes and stay with it for a moment, maybe even write it down for yourself. Is there a certain question you would like to explore in the retreat? A side in yourself that asks for more attention? Or a pull towards a space, an adventure, contrasting with home? There is no right or wrong answer, and sometimes no answer at all! It is the time you dedicated to it that makes a difference, and it will accompany you throughout the retreat.