Africa - Trip to Uganda/South Sudan (EBB or JUB)

I am trying to figure out the best way to get to EBB or JUB from CDG. It sounds like I could go on Kenya Airways or KLM to EBB via Kenya, but am having a hard time getting the flight back. I am looking to go about 5 hours north of EBB, or 5 hours south of JUB (in between the 2). Any suggestions on transportation once inside the country? Can I rent a car or is that crazy?

Any other flight options I should look at?

You could also check Ethiopian which flies to both; ADD is a much nicer place to change than NBO. I've also seen Egyptair in Juba.

You don't say anything about yourself but I would STRONGLY advise against Juba unless you are very very prepared. Juba and South Sudan are very, very primitive places and very very difficult to get things done. I doubt you could rent a car and you would IMO be insane to try.

You could also check Ethiopian which flies to both; ADD is a much nicer place to change than NBO. I've also seen Egyptair in Juba.

You don't say anything about yourself but I would STRONGLY advise against Juba unless you are very very prepared. Juba and South Sudan are very, very primitive places and very very difficult to get things done. I doubt you could rent a car and you would IMO be insane to try.

If I flew into JUB I would probably have someone from Gulu come and get me. I was trying to stick with Skyteam because I could could just add it on to the existing itinerary I have for minimal miles. Right now I've got it worked out via KQ into EBB, but am having a hard time getting out of EBB until 2-3 days after I need to leave, at least via the FB website. DL.dumb isn't helping at all. I plan to spend some time over the next couple years in different parts of South Sudan and northern Uganda. Thanks for the info and I will look into trying to connect through ADD. Am I crazy to rent a car in EBB to save them from driving 5 hours south to pick up me and then take me back to the airport? Any ideas on the pricing?

Haven't done EBB so can't help with that, sorry. Unless you're very experienced in Africa, I'd advise having them pick you up -- particularly if you're alone.

In South Sudan at least you need more than a car -- you need pretty serious 4WD, even in Juba. The much-cited statistic is less than 100 km of paved roads in the whole country.

May I ask what brings you to that part of the world (by PM if you'd like)? It's pretty seriously off the beaten track. But seriously interesting, in a very challenging way.

Thanks for the info. Going to use a private driver to head north of EBB towards South Sudan. Anyone going to be in EBB next week?

Juba and South Sudan are very, very primitive places and very very difficult to get things done.

I'd only correct one thing. It is very easy to get things done in Juba if you have wads of cash. In Juba there exist plenty of people who thrive on getting things done for wealthy people or people on expense accounts.

As for driving up from EBB, it is relatively easy for someone who enjoys Africa. But as mentioned if you are not experienced it might be best to hire a driver in Kampala. I would spend a night at the Sheraton there and negotiate around for a driver to take me north.

And if I couldn't get a flight back home from EBB for a few days I would certainly enjoy spending a few extra days in Kampala. It is a fun and friendly city.

We just returned from our trip. We opted to stay at J Residence Motel in EBB (only $55USD), and they picked us up from the airport, and included breakfast the next AM. Nothing as fancy as the Sheraton, but much closer to the airport, and sufficient for a 12 hour stay. It's about 1/2 mile off the main road, but for the price, a great stay and we'd stay again. We already had a driver arranged through our friends for the trek to Gulu. We hopefully will be going to Juba on our next trip (maybe Nov?). Through local connections, hopefully we won't have to have wads of cash to get things done. :D

We did have some issues returning via EBB, and QR's baggage allowance, but I'll just file a chargeback via Am Ex. It was pay $400USD, or leave some of our luggage. Seems pointless at EBB to make us go through a metal detector 1/2 mile away from the airport, get back in the car, drive to the airport, go through another metal detector and xray machine, then check in, then another metal detector/xray machine. The security guard entering the airport had terrible English and kept asking me a question, that I couldn't understand. Finally I understood her to ask me if I'd take a bag to Doha for her. I said heck no, and she said, ok, thanks anyways. I guess she was trying to set me up.

We did have some issues returning via EBB, and QR's baggage allowance, but I'll just file a chargeback via Am Ex. It was pay $400USD, or leave some of our luggage. Seems pointless at EBB to make us go through a metal detector 1/2 mile away from the airport, get back in the car, drive to the airport, go through another metal detector and xray machine, then check in, then another metal detector/xray machine. The security guard entering the airport had terrible English and kept asking me a question, that I couldn't understand. Finally I understood her to ask me if I'd take a bag to Doha for her. I said heck no, and she said, ok, thanks anyways. I guess she was trying to set me up.

Wow, I've flown out of EBB a couple dozen or so times and never seen anything like that. It's always been a sleepy little airport for me, one that I rather like. Sometimes in Africa there are temporary security setups like the one you mentioned when there is a specific threat or someone important is on the loose. Or it gets a hundred times worse when the US Secretary of State visits or something of that nature. But normally it's nice and relaxed.

Glad your trip went well.

Welcome to East Africa! I had my wallet and phone confiscated by a rent-a-cop at the airport entrance screening. He approached me three times wanting UG shillings to get the items back. After getting the items back, I reported him to KLM. I assume he got fired. (Never paid him the money anyway).

Welcome to East Africa! I had my wallet and phone confiscated by a rent-a-cop at the airport entrance screening. He approached me three times wanting UG shillings to get the items back. After getting the items back, I reported him to KLM. I assume he got fired. (Never paid him the money anyway).

The craziness of the airport aside, I loved the country and am going back again in February and May. Maybe a couple more times later in the year also.

The craziness of the airport aside, I loved the country and am going back again in February and May. Maybe a couple more times later in the year also.

Yeah, I've seen this at lots of airports. Saw it in CAI recently. I never pay any attention to people who approach me airside. I just keep walking, head down, to check in. Same deals at arrivals. Even in New York you can get hit up.

The craziness of the airport aside, I loved the country and am going back again in February and May. Maybe a couple more times later in the year also.

Do you have your trip planned for Feb? When do you plan to leave, if you don't mind me asking?

I had to bump my trip back to the first week of March now.