TOP ACTIVITIES IN ENTEBBE, UGANDA
Entebbe is likely your entry point into Uganda, but resist the urge to head straight to Kampala after landing! This list includes the 10 best activities to do in Entebbe. This useful guide to Entebbe, Uganda, will help you kick off your trip successfully before you venture to Kampala or one of the numerous safaris.
Top activities in Entebbe
1. Botanische Gärten Entebbe
A visit to the botanical gardens is among the top activities in Entebbe. These gardens, established in 1898 and featuring a variety of ecozones such as a tropical rainforest zone, are situated on the shores of Lake Victoria
By paying the additional fee for a tour, you will discover everything you need to know about the various animals and plants that inhabit the gardens. The visit to the jungle area where the first Tarzan movie was filmed was the most unforgettable experience from here.
2. Der Victoria see
Lake Victoria, which is located on the African continent, is both the largest lake in Africa and the largest tropical lake globally. Shared by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, it serves as a fantastic location for fishing and swimming for some locals.
For tourists, swimming in this lake (as well as many others in Uganda) is advised against because of the dangers of bilharzia and the presence of hippos and crocodiles. Lake Victoria is classified as a high-risk area for malaria. Ensure you have anti-malaria tablets for your trip to Uganda and a mosquito spray to avoid bites.
The safest (and I believe the most enjoyable) option at the lake is to unwind on one of Entebbe's many beaches, observe the lake from a comfortable lounger, and enjoy some good tunes.
3. Aero Beach
If a plane graveyard doesn’t pique your curiosity, the statues of some world leaders will surely entice you to visit this tourist spot near Entebbe! It takes about 10 minutes to get from the botanical gardens to the beach by motorbike taxi (or a regular one), which is easily accessible.
Aero Beach is among the more tourist-oriented attractions in Entebbe, and it is definitely worth visiting! Essentially, the plane graveyard consists of two large planes and several smaller ones that you can investigate. If the plane graveyard doesn’t satisfy you, be sure to snap a few selfies with the statues of various world leaders located throughout the grounds.
4. Have a Rolex at the Entebbe market
Our local driver gave us the best tip: to grab a Rolex at the Entebbe market. Afterward, we had a few more in different locations throughout Uganda, but none compared to the delicious flavor of the one we had here!
A Ugandan Rolex consists of an omelet and various fillings wrapped inside a chapati. The omelet is cooked with onions, then garnished with fresh tomatoes and cabbage before being rolled up with the bread. It’s a very tasty Ugandan fast food version, especially here! We were super full after paying just $1 for two wraps
4. Have a Rolex at the Entebbe market
Our local driver gave us the best tip: to grab a Rolex at the Entebbe market. Afterward, we had a few more in different locations throughout Uganda, but none compared to the delicious flavor of the one we had here!
A Ugandan Rolex consists of an omelet and various fillings wrapped inside a chapati. The omelet is cooked with onions, then garnished with fresh tomatoes and cabbage before being rolled up with the bread. It’s a very tasty Ugandan fast food version, especially here! We were super full after paying just $1 for two wraps.
5. Mabamba Swamp Tour – Encounter the Shoebill
If you are going on a day tour from Entebbe, be sure to visit the Mabamba swamp. To reach the swamp, you can take a speedboat from Entebbe and then switch to a canoe for a shoebill bird sighting as you navigate through the dense papyrus.
6. Reptilien zoo
The Uganda Reptiles Village serves as a community-based organization and houses around 50 reptiles. Here, you can observe a variety of creatures, including cobras, alligators, boomslangs, chameleons, tortoises, and the Gaboon Viper, which is the most poisonous snake in Africa.
7. Zentrum für Wildtierschutz und -bildung in Uganda
The Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre, commonly known as the Entebbe Zoo, is a safeguarded wildlife sanctuary situated adjacent to the botanical gardens. The center saves endangered wildlife, teaches guests about conservation, and offers a variety of programs and experiences for its visitors
8. Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Reserve
Located on Ngamba Island, the chimpanzee sanctuary houses 50 rescued orphaned chimpanzees from various parts of East Africa. Situated on Lake Victoria, the island sanctuary can be easily accessed by speedboat or motorized canoe. It takes the speedboat around 45 minutes to travel from Entebbe.
9. Dörfer des Fischfangs
As you travel through Uganda, you will notice that numerous small villages have sprung up along the shores of Lake Victoria. Nakiwogo, Kigungu, Kasenyi, Bugonga, and Gerenge are the most well-known fishing villages to visit near Entebbe. I suggest checking with your accommodation or driver for options to take a tour on the day you are interested. This excursion will allow you to meet locals and learn more about their cultures and lifestyles.
10. Entebbe’s first parliament building
In colonial times, the capital of Uganda was Entebbe rather than Kampala. This is also the site of the first Ugandan Parliament and the offices of the first colonial governor. It is one of Entebbe's most recognized buildings, custom-designed by a colonial Victorian architect and now occupied by the National Agricultural Research Organisation, despite efforts to promote tourism.