Understand

Masindi, a bustling city in Uganda, is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts visiting Murchinson Falls National Park. Located just 50 km away from the park, Masindi serves as the main gateway for visitors. With a population of approximately 45,400, it is also the administrative hub of the Masindi District. The city offers a range of amenities and services to cater to tourists and locals alike, making it a vibrant and lively destination to explore.

Get in

Getting to Masindi If you're traveling from Kampala to Masindi, you have several options. The most convenient and fastest way is to hire a chauffeur to take you by taxi. You can find taxis around shopping malls and busy areas. However, this option is also the most expensive, with prices ranging from 80-100 USD or 300,000 UGX. Make sure to haggle to get the best price. If you prefer public transportation, you can take the Link bus that runs several times a day between Kampala and Masindi. The fare is UGX 13,000 (August 2014), but it may vary depending on gasoline prices. Be aware that the buses may not depart until they are full, which can take hours. To save time and frustration, board the fullest bus at any given time, as it will leave sooner. Keep in mind that every bus operator employee will be very "helpful" in getting you on their bus. Another option is to take the smaller minibuses, also known as matatus or taxis in Uganda. They depart more frequently from the Old Taxi Park, but they are usually less comfortable and less safe than the bigger buses. Prices are comparable to the bus companies. By road, Masindi is around 220 km from Kampala and the journey takes approximately 3-5 hours, depending on traffic. The road is all-paved and of good quality. Keep in mind that traffic, especially in Kampala, can affect the travel time. If you're planning a round trip and will be returning to Kampala within a short time, you might be able to negotiate a reasonable round trip price, which would cost less than twice the one-way fare.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

1. Matoke - Matoke is a traditional Ugandan dish made from unripe bananas (plantains) that are steamed and then mashed. It is often served with grilled or fried chicken, fish, or beef, accompanied by vegetables such as sukuma (collard greens) and matooke plantain seeds. The dish reflects Uganda's agricultural abundance and its culinary roots.

2. Rolex - Rolex is a Ugandan street food derived from the Indian roll, but with an East African twist. It typically consists of a wheat flour crepe filled with scrambled eggs, cabbage, onions, tomatoes, and either beef, chicken, or suya (marinated, skewered, and grilled meat). Rolex is commonly eaten at breakfast or as a quick snack throughout the day.

3. Kabalagala - Kabalagala, also known as Gulu chicken, is a popular Ugandan dish originating from the Northern Ugandan region. Consisting primarily of chicken cooked in a tomato-based stew, it is flavored with a unique blend of local herbs and spices, including magi (a type of bouillon cube), garlic, onions, and fresh or dried chili peppers. The dish is often accompanied by sides such as mashed matoke or posho (maize porridge).

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing