Two crossings, two operators
People often mix up the ferries to Kalangala. There are two services. The MV Kalangala runs between Nakiwogo near Entebbe and Lutoboka on Bugala. The operator, Nation Oil Distributors Limited (NODL), says on its website that it runs the service on behalf of the Ministry of Works and Transport. The ship itself is state-owned. The MV Pearl and MV Ssese run between Bukakata on the mainland and Bugoma on Bugala. A different operator, KIS, runs those.
Fares and timetables below come from the operators' own pages, which carry no firm date. Treat them as 2026 guides, and check with the operator before you travel.
The two ferries compared
What each service offers, as published.
| Detail | MV Kalangala | MV Pearl and MV Ssese |
|---|---|---|
| Route | Nakiwogo (Entebbe) to Lutoboka | Bukakata to Bugoma |
| Duration | About 3.5 hours | About 30 minutes |
| Schedule | 08:00 from Kalangala, arrives 11:30. 14:00 from Nakiwogo, arrives 17:30. | Separate timetables for Monday to Saturday and Sunday. The times are on images, so check the original. |
| Passengers | Economy UGX 10,000 (about $3). First class UGX 14,000 (about $4). | Free at the last report. Confirm before you go. |
| Vehicles | Motorbike UGX 20,000 (about $5), sedan UGX 50,000 (about $14), SUV UGX 70,000 (about $19) | Roll-on, roll-off ferries for cars and people |
An older source gives 11:00 for the departure from Kalangala instead of 08:00, and one other source lists the first class fare as UGX 15,000. The operator's own page says 08:00 and UGX 14,000. Check the current timetable before you go.
Our picks: trips that include the crossing
Both include the way to the islands; the longer one uses the ferry.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Two-day island escape with kayak and quad bikes
Hotel transfer, the boat to Kalangala, one night in a lodge, a forest walk to a bay at Lutoboka, kayaking and quad bikes. Meals and soft drinks are included; alcohol and tips are extra.
Check availability →
Seven-day guided stay on Kalangala Island
The return ferry, accommodation on Kalangala, a local guide, local meals and water. The transfer to the ferry terminal, souvenirs, alcohol and tips are extra.
Check availability →Lake Victoria trips and tours from Entebbe
Boat trips and day tours on Lake Victoria from Entebbe and Kampala, with live prices and availability.
MV Kalangala: Nakiwogo to Lutoboka
The longer crossing, with a published timetable and fares.
Fares for people
The economy ticket costs UGX 10,000 (about $3) one way and includes a seat and access to a toilet. First class costs UGX 14,000 (about $4) for a place on the upper deck, and the page says one child under 12 is included. Do not read that as a general child discount. The airport shuttle and cargo are not part of the ticket.
Vehicles and cargo
The operator lists a motorbike at UGX 20,000 (about $5), a sedan at UGX 50,000 (about $14), an SUV at UGX 70,000 (about $19), a truck at UGX 100,000 (about $27) and a lorry at UGX 150,000 (about $41). Cargo costs UGX 30 per kilo. For a car or cargo, the operator advises reserving one day ahead.
Reliability
A newspaper report from 4 September 2026 describes complaints about delays and unreliable arrival times on the MV Kalangala. It is not an official finding. Another vessel, the MV Rafiki (also called MV NODL Express), had floating debris and nets caught in its propulsion on 27 August 2026. The Entebbe to Kyamuswa service was suspended from 31 August for an expected 3 to 4 weeks. No restart date was published, so confirm the status.
Getting to Nakiwogo
There is no direct airport ferry. You drive or take a taxi from Entebbe or Kampala to the Nakiwogo landing, then board. Allow time for the road transfer before the 14:00 departure.
Night crossings and new ferries
Night crossings are not part of the published schedule. In February 2026 a newspaper reported that an order for night crossings had not been put into practice. In June 2026 the State House announced extra ferries and routes. An announcement is not a running service, so plan around the daytime schedule.
Bukakata to Bugoma
The shorter crossing, popular with drivers coming from Masaka.
The ships
KIS describes the MV Pearl and the MV Ssese as roll-on, roll-off ferries for people and vehicles. They are not new ships. The MV Pearl has served since 2012 and the MV Ssese since 2015.
Fare
In February 2026 a newspaper confirmed that the state pays for free transport of people and cargo. In June 2026 it reported that interim contracts were running out and that it was unclear how the free crossing would continue. Ask at the landing whether a fee applies.
Boarding
KIS asks you to arrive 30 to 60 minutes before departure. The driver gets out at the gate, the vehicle and travellers are registered and a security check follows. During the crossing nobody stays in a vehicle, and the life jacket boxes must stay clear. Follow the crew.
The road to Bukakata
One resort quotes about 2.5 hours from Kampala to Nyendo and 40 minutes from Nyendo to Bukakata. After landing at Bugoma, it is another 40 minutes by car or about an hour by shared taxi to Kalangala. These are provider estimates and not fixed times.
Safety on the ferries
What the British government and the US health agency CDC advise.
The UK government names overloading as a common factor in ferry accidents on Lake Victoria. Use a reputable operator, do not board a vessel that looks overloaded or unfit, and learn where the life jackets and exits are. The CDC recommends wearing a life jacket on every boat trip. A note that a jacket is available in an emergency is not the same as wearing one.
Read our safety guide for health and weather, and the weather page for the rainy seasons. If you continue to the Nile at Jinja afterwards, our sister site explains the onward trip: see getting to Jinja.
Plan the rest of your trip
What to read after the ferry.
Kalangala ferry: frequently asked questions
How long does the ferry to Kalangala take?
The MV Kalangala needs about 3.5 hours between Nakiwogo and Lutoboka, according to the published schedule. The crossing from Bukakata to Bugoma takes about 30 minutes.
How much is the ferry to Kalangala?
The published MV Kalangala fares are UGX 10,000 (about $3) economy and UGX 14,000 (about $4) first class one way. The Bukakata ferry was free at the last report, but check before you go.
Can I take a car on the ferry?
Yes on both services. MV Kalangala lists UGX 50,000 (about $14) for a sedan and UGX 70,000 (about $19) for an SUV, and advises reserving a day ahead. The Bukakata ferries are roll-on, roll-off.
Is there a ferry at night?
Night crossings are not part of the published schedule. Plan to cross in daylight and arrange your onward transport accordingly.
Which route should I choose?
Nakiwogo is the landing on the Entebbe side and the longer crossing. Bukakata is the landing on the Masaka road and the shorter crossing. Pick the one that matches your route by road.