Things to do in Entebbe – Birding, city tour, cultural visit and more Entebbe Travel Guide
Entebbe is the main gateway for International tourists into Uganda, and most travellers perceive it as simply an en-route point to other parts of the country. However, you will be surprised that this beautiful Town on the shores of Lake Victoria offers a wide range of things to enjoy. This Town is about 40 kilometers from Kampala City and used to be the country’s Capital during colonial era although is presently the only International Airport.
Much as Entebbe is no as endowed as the popular safari destinations Uganda offers, its stunning scenery, hospital people and a number of thrilling attractions will take your breath away. We therefore bring you the top 10 things you can do in Entebbe and these include;
Undertake a walk through Entebbe Botanical Garden
Situated on the pristine shores of Lake Victoria, the Entebbe Botanical Garden was first established in 1898 and is currently separated into a number of zones, which include the verdant rainforest zone that was surprisingly used as a backdrop in the 1940s Tarzan documentaries. A number of mammals including black and white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, tree squirrels and olive baboons alongside over 120 bird species call this site home. For a small fee, you will gain access into this magnificent site for a leisurely and informative walk to identify different exotic plant species as birds that include the peacocks.
Get up-close and hold some of the huge snakes at Reptile Village
The Entebbe Reptile Village is not a place for the faint-hearted but rather nature fanatics, especially reptile lovers because with the help of the expert guides you will see different creatures that might scare you. This spectacular spot is about 3 kilometers from the main Kampala-Entebbe highway and while here, you will see monitor lizards, crocodiles, Tortoises, different kinds of poisonous and non-poisonous snakes as well as chameleons. The brave visitors can get the chance to pose for a photograph while holding some of the huge snakes.
Unwind on the tranquil shores of Lake Victoria with a cocktail and in the company of some friends
Most visitors looking to unwind from the hustle and bustle of Kampala City choose Entebbe Town, along the shores of Lake Victoria. The white sand beaches are the ideal spots to relax with some cool music as well as cocktails with some friends. Plenty of grilled fish and meat can be enjoyed alongside swimming in the waters of the Lake. You can also opt for a simple boat cruise to discover the cool breeze and don’t be surprised to get occasional visits of birds such as Marabou storks and hummingbirds.
Feed the animals or catch a glimpse of Uganda’s popular animals at Uganda Wildlife Education Center
Situated at about 15 minutes’ drive from Entebbe International Airport, Uganda Wildlife Education Center mainly functions as a zoo but is also haven to rescued animals. A visit to this site rewards visitors with a number of activities that include behind the scenes tours, chimpanzee close-ups and keeper for a day experience among others that introduce them to the exceptional animals in the country’s Protected Areas such as leopards, spotted hyenas, chimpanzees, Rothschild giraffes, rhinos, Defassa waterbucks, lions and many others. Other animals such as tigers are only found at Uganda Wildlife Education Center and nowhere else in Uganda.
Embark on a boat cruise on Lake Victoria
Lake Victoria is Africa’s largest Freshwater Lake and the second largest in the whole World, popular for its mouth-watering Tilapia fish. The shores of this Lake are dotted with small fishing villages whereby enthusiastic and hardworking fishermen can be seen casting their nets during sunset with anticipation of a good catch the next day. For your boat cruise experience, you will see locals casting their nets, spot a number of aquatic wildlife such as Hippos and crocodiles as well as bird species.
Shop for some souvenirs at Entebbe Craft Village
The Entebbe Craft Village was set up in 2002 and is so far the largest and most popular Arts and Craft Retailer in the whole country. You will be amazed by the wide collection of crafts and if not careful, you might end up spending every little penny in your pocket including transport fare. It is therefore advisable to make a stop during your last day in Entebbe Town where you could purchase some African sandals, clothing, ornaments, original batiks, leather and locally-made bags from beautiful African fabrics, jewelry, wood carvings, beautiful tableware, paintings and door mats among others.
A day tour of Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary is situated within Ngamba island, part of Koome Group of Islands surrounded by the waters of Lake Victoria. This Sanctuary was established in 1998 to offer hope to orphaned chimpanzees rescued by Uganda Wildlife Authority from across the country. There are presently about 50 chimpanzees which you will view and if interested participate in feeding.
Sport fishing on Lake Victoria
A number of half or full-day sport fishing tours are offered with options of catching and releasing the largest fish species of the Lake-Nile perch that weigh up to 100 kilograms.
Pose for a photo at the Equator
It is a widely known fact that Uganda is crossed by the Equator (an imaginary line that divided the Earth into Southern and Northern Hemispheres). There are a number of places that offer visitors the opportunity of standing on two hemisphere, one being Lwaji Island at the heart of Lake Victoria. Other places to enjoy this experience in the country are Kayabwe (along the Kampala-Masaka highway) and within Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Play golf at the well-groomed Entebbe Golf Course
The Town of Entebbe boasts of an 18-hole well-groomed Golf Course dotted with beautiful and lush exotic trees that offer perfect backdrop for relaxation with some friends, on a quiet Saturday or Sunday evening.
Other must-do thing in Entebbe include searching for shoebill storks at Mabamba Bay Wetland, visit to the incredible Ssese Islands, visit the Calvary Chapel as well as Nakiwogo Market, enjoy Indian or Thai dishes at one of the exotic eateries and many other adventures.
How to get around Entebbe Town
Cabs/taxis, Matatus (licensed minibus taxis) and Boda boda (motorcycle taxis) are the three main ways to get around Entebbe Town and these charge different rates.
Places to stay in Entebbe Town
Entebbe Town offers a number of budget, midrange and Luxury places of stay for visitors who wish to spend more days exploring the beauty of this tourism hub. These places include Blue Monkey Guesthouse, No.5 Boutique Hotel, Boma Hotel, 2 Friends Beach Hotel and many others.