Top Things to do in Entebbe
The Town of Entebbe is not just a gateway into Uganda but one of the incredible places that will excite your imagination. A land of phenomenal sceneries and seclusion and unwinding. Entebbe Town is one of the few places where you can undertake a boat cruise after exploring most of Uganda’s game species, browse through a craft market to see souvenirs, art and craft from across Africa then relax at a secluded and pristine white sand beach.
As a first-time visitor to Uganda, you will never forget how incredible you felt exploring the natural beauty Of Entebbe and even go ahead to inspire other tourists to discover its beauty. We have therefore rounded up the beach experiences, culinary experiences, wildlife visits and many other things you can do in Entebbe before or after exploring other safari destinations and these include;
Enjoy a memorable Beach day
While the Town of Entebbe may not paint the perfect picture of a beach vacation, be sure of getting soaked in relaxing Vitamin D while on the sandy beaches.
Also, the tranquil sand beaches of Entebbe (Spenah, Lido, One Love, Lutembe, Imperial Resort, Aero and Munyonyo Beaches) are for the young in body and at heart, and even though you are not a sun worshiper, simply take a stroll along the shores of Lake Victoria. Several kilometers of purely smooth white sand and Turquoise waters await adventure seekers at the shores of Lake Victoria and must-do activities include beach soccer, swimming in the waters of Lake Victoria, Boat cruises and beach parties among others. Other perfect dining and unwinding places in Entebbe are Gately Inn Entebbe, Goretti’s Beachside Pizzeria & Grill, Imperial Resort Beach Hotel, Four Turkeys, O’s Bar and Faze 3 among others.
Sample some of the mouth-watering dishes at Thai Garden or Anna’s Corner.
If you have tasted Thai foods before, you are probably aware that they are probably one of the most delicious cuisines. Visit the secluded Thai Garden, where you will be served some of the most mouth-watering meals in a cool place with verdant setting, patio and garden marked by Tropical plants and flowers. There is also an option of dining close to Lake Victoria. Try out the Bali Burger with mango curry, the Thai Beef Salad and many other dishes at Anna’s Corner.
Browse through the art and craft markets
The different art and craft markets in Entebbe Town display a number of crafts, souvenirs, beadworks, African wear, wood carvings, textiles, kitchenware, masks, basketry, jewelry, dolls, paintings, pottery/ceramics and sculptures from across Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi and Democratic Republic of Congo.
Hang out at Entebbe Botanical Gardens
Entebbe Botanical Garden isn’t usually at the top of traveller’s wish list when planning a safari to Uganda, but there are a million and one reasons to add the underrated Botanical gardens to your bucket list. This award-winning Botanical Garden was laid-out in 1898 and is ideal for leisurely walks with chances of spotting numerous primate species (especially black and white colobus monkeys and vervet monkeys) as well as tree squirrels and bird species totaling to about 115 species.
Encounter Uganda’s game species at Uganda Wildlife Education Center (UWEC)
Uganda Wildlife Education Center (formerly Entebbe Zoo) is surprisingly a World-class animal Sanctuary where majority of the country’s animals and bird species were rescued from poachers or animal traffickers. Besides being a Breeding, recuperation and rehabilitation Center, this magnificent place is a wonderful tourist site where unique animals such as Tigers, Rhinos, lions, leopards, chimpanzees, Ostriches, shoebill storks and many others can be encounter through “keeper for a day experience”, “chimpanzees close-ups”, “behind the scenes Tours” and guided walks among others.
Visit Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary has a reputation for being one of the most thrilling and rewarding places to see the endangered chimpanzees in captivity. You will come across over 50 chimpanzees that were rescued from the gruesome hands of poachers from across East Africa. This Sanctuary was established in 1998 under the Jane Goodall Institute and has seen presented one of the most successful conservation initiatives. Chimpanzee viewing here is done at the platform where visitors can also participate in feeding them.
Get up-close with some of the deadliest Reptiles at Uganda Reptiles Village
Are you a strong-hearted person or even a reptile lover? If yes, get the once-in a lifetime opportunity of getting up-close to some of the World’s deadliest reptiles such as Nile crocodiles, Black mambas, Puff adders and cobras in addition to Tortoises, Monitor lizards and chameleons. Uganda Reptile Village is only 1.8 miles from the main Kampala-Entebbe Highway and a perfect stop for reptile lovers.
Be amazed by a boat cruise on Lake Victoria
Another fascinating thing to do in Entebbe is undertaking the Boat cruise on Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest Freshwater Lake and magical spot brimming with beautiful phenomenal views, bird species and crystal clear waters that can be explored during boat cruise. The Lake is definitely a sight to behold with sights of fishermen casting nets, beautiful sunrise and sunset views and a number of animals-Hippos and Crocodiles.
Undertake sport fishing in Lake Victoria
Sport fishing tours in Lake Victoria are also possible for visitors to Entebbe Town where the iconic Nile Perch weighing up to 100 kilograms can be caught with live baits. A small group of 3-5 persons per boat can be offered the opportunity to catch and release different fish species.
Accommodation facilities in Entebbe Town
Entebbe Town is obviously more than just a gateway into Uganda and therefore a rich tourist spot with numerous places to stay that include Blue Monkey Guesthouse, 2 Friends Beach Hotel, Boma Hotel, Protea Hotel Entebbe, 7 seasons Hotel (close to Entebbe International Airport), Lake Heights Hotel, K Hotels Entebbe and many others.
Ways to get around Entebbe Town
There are a number of ways to move around Entebbe Town and they include Boda Boda (Motorcycle taxies), Matatus (public means) and special hire car/cabs that are undoubtedly the most expensive means to get around.