07 Apr Our Top Ten Activities to Enjoy in Entebbe
Entebbe International Airport is the gateway to Uganda and is served by many airlines including KLM, RwandAir, Brussels, Emirates, Qatar, Turkish and Uganda Airlines.
This quiet town is the perfect place to relax after a long journey, whether that’s at the beginning or end of your holiday. We wanted to share a selection of half-day activities you can enjoy, to stretch your legs on arrival or soak up the last rays of African sunshine and relax, so you go home feeling refreshed.
1. Botanical Gardens
The botanical gardens extend from Entebbe town down to the shores of Lake Victoria. Here, you can take a leisurely guided walk among the mature plants and trees, immersing yourself in nature and enjoying the warm sunshine.
The gardens are home to primates such as Black and White Colobus and Vervet monkeys and a wide variety of woodland and water birds, like the African Harrier Hawk, Pied Kingfisher and Open-billed Storks. With expansive views across the lake, sit a while and watch the local fishermen heading out in little wooden boats.
There is also a medicinal plant garden, and it is fascinating to learn how they are used in traditional and modern medicine.
2. Sunset Boat Cruise to Equator Line
A really nice way to spend your evening – especially if you are flying home at night – is to get out onto the water, as the sun begins to set.
Feel the freedom of the open water, the fresh lake air and the fading African sun warming your skin as you sit back and unwind, heading slowly to the Equator. Drinks and snacks are provided and there is nothing to do but relax.
3. Uganda Wildlife Education and Conservation Centre (UWEC)
This is a zoo – Ugandan style!
But it is much more than a zoo: it’s the organisation responsible for wildlife education and conservation in Uganda and carries out projects throughout the country.
Learn about their work as you tour the enclosures with an expert guide. See Charlie the elephant, the noisy chimp island and a solitary Shoebill among others. You may also participate (at an extra cost) in behind-the-scenes animal feeding experiences with lions, giraffes and other creatures.
Most of the residents at UWEC are orphaned or injured rescue animals that cannot be released back into the wild and must be cared for, while others are part of breeding programmes. UWEC is situated on the shores of Lake Victoria – we assure you, it’s quite the backdrop!
5. Shoebill Trips and Birding
Entebbe provides a number of places for birdwatching, including UWEC, the botanical gardens and Lutembe Bay where you can search for forest, woodland and open water species.
You can also take a 30-minute boat ride, or drive, to Mabamba wetlands. From there, hop on a local fishing boat and travel through the swamp channels in search of the Shoebill – one of the most sought-after bird species! Our boat owners and local guides make every effort to ensure that your trip is productive.
This is such a relaxing activity, immersed in nature, gliding slowly along, while you breathe the fresh air and let others take the strain. This activity is fantastic for birders, photographers and nature lovers.
4. Ngamba Island Chimpanzee
Ngamba Island is located a short distance off Entebbe, in Lake Victoria. 75% of the island is forested and the chimps are free to roam. The remaining quarter is fenced-off and houses the feeding station, veterinary and research buildings and visitor facilities.
All the chimps are rescue animals and are living out their days in freedom in a safe and caring environment. You can visit recent arrivals being cared for, and watch as fruit and vegetables are thrown over the fence at feeding times while learning about the work of staff, vets and researchers.
We also recommend looking out for the many wonderful birds that live here, too. The island is reached by local fishing boat or speedboat and visits can be for a full- or half-day. The island offers tented accommodation and meals and volunteer opportunities are available.
6. Reptile Village
Tucked away in a corner of Entebbe, backing onto a papyrus-fringed swamp, you’ll find the reptile village. It is home to a number of reptiles from snakes and turtles to chameleons and frogs.
Some of the reptiles can be handled, while others are best avoided. You will be given a guided tour, and you are free to walk near the swamp. Like everywhere else in Uganda, there is, of course, a wide variety of bird life to watch. Visitor fees provide much-needed funds to support reptile rescue work and you will find the staff very knowledgeable.
7. Swimming pools
There are some lovely, refreshing swimming pools in Entebbe, including ones with diving boards, kiddies pools and great poolside hangouts. Some hotels have private pools, too.
If you travel to Entebbe in the morning and are flying out at night, an afternoon at the pool is the perfect way to freshen up before your journey and grab some last-minute rays of sunshine.
There are also some wonderful poolside restaurants serving anything from an African buffet to delicious pizza, accompanied by fresh fruit juices, beers and wines.
8. Excellent Accommodation
With so many things to do in Entebbe and the capital, Kampala, only 45 minutes away, it’s worth considering spending a couple of days here.
There is a wide range of accommodations, including the secluded Entebbe Forest lodge, the quiet calm of The Boma, the upmarket Hotel No.5, the funky ViaVia (often with a live band) or the very affordable Airport Link guest house with lovely gardens and BBQ.
There is something for everyone and we are happy to give suggestions to suit individual clients. You may also want day-use of a room until it’s time to go to the airport so you can relax, re-pack, and freshen up before your flight.
9. Cafes, Shops & Craft Markets
If wandering around town is your thing – a little shopping, people-watching or coffee and cake – then Entebbe is a great place to do it.
There are plenty of craft markets and shops if you are souvenir or gift hunting, and a gorilla café, where you can enjoy a cup of coffee and buy a bag to take home, all while supporting gorilla conservation.
10. Tourist Flights
How do you fancy taking off for an aerial tour of the region?
Charter a small, private plane and take a 30, 60 or 90-minute tour, in expert hands, flying over Kampala, Entebbe, smaller towns and villages, forests and lakes. What an exciting way to see the country from a different perspective! You might even spot one or two places you have visited during your stay.
Please get in touch if you’d like more details about travelling to Entebe.
To learn more about how Venture Uganda can help you make the most of your adventure holiday, find us on social media, visit our website or email enquiries@ventureuganda.org.