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Last Updated on December 29, 2024
Make Entebbe your first stop on any Uganda trip!
When taking a trip to Uganda, the first place you will visit is Entebbe and it is well worth a visit and a spot on your Uganda itinerary! The main international airport is in Entebbe, so I recommend hopping off your plane and enjoying this quiet city for at least one day before beginning your exploration of the rest of the Pearl of Africa.
There are a lot of places to visit in Entebbe while you acclimate to the timezone after your long international trip. Relax in Entebbe before you begin your safari adventure and definitely before your journey to the hectic chaos in the city of Kampala!
Places to Visit in Entebbe Uganda
No time to page through? Click ahead to see all the Best Things to do in Entebbe with the Table of Contents!!
Where is Entebbe?
Entebbe, Uganda!
Entebbe is a picturesque town located on the northern shores of Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa, in central Uganda. Positioned about 23 miles southwest of the bustling capital, Kampala, Entebbe serves as the country’s gateway to the world, thanks to its international airport, Uganda’s main airport hub.
What is Entebbe known for
Entebbe is my favorite!! Known and loved for its tranquil atmosphere, lush botanical gardens, and rich colonial history, Entebbe offers a refreshing escape from urban life.
Entebbe was Uganda’s capital during the colonial era, chosen for its strategic location and proximity to Lake Victoria. In 1962, after Uganda gained independence, the capital was moved to Kampala, a more centrally located city with greater economic and administrative potential.
All the Best Entebbe Tourist Attractions:
Walking Tour of Entebbe
If you are wondering what to do in Entebbe:
The best way to first explore Entebbe and get a sense of the culture of the town is to do a walking tour. We walked down the streets with our guide, saw all the government buildings, and felt the heart of the city as we interacted with the locals and shared their streets. Each stop on our walking tour revealed a unique facet of Entebbe’s charm and heritage.
Try one of these walking tours for a quick introduction to all the things to see in Entebbe!
What to see on a Walking Tour of Entebbe
Freedom Tree
The Freedom Tree in Entebbe is a significant historical landmark with deep cultural and political resonance. It is one of the key stops on any walking tour and easily be reached on foot.
It is located in a well-maintained garden and is a serene spot to reflect on its symbol of Uganda’s sovereignty and national identity. The Freedom Tree is the site where the Ugandan flag was first raised when Uganda first gained independence in 1962. Having a local guide was so helpful when visiting the Freedom Tree so that we were provided with such a deeper insight into Uganda’s struggles and history.
Entebbe Botanical Garden
The Entebbe Botanical Gardens are a huge, lush park on the shores of Lake Victoria and are one of the best attractions in Entebbe. The gardens are especially great for birdwatching but also have a diverse collection of tropical plants, trees, and wildlife. Well, the wildlife that we saw was monkeys everywhere. Instead of a flower field, we saw a field of monkeys!
It is a great place to picnic after you take a tranquil walk along the well-maintained paths. That was our very plan, but Mother Nature decided to spoil our itinerary with a day full of rain showers. The wildlife was not disturbed by the showers. While we were not able to enjoy a picnic surrounded by the beautiful views of nature, we were delighted with the playful monkeys frolicking in the wet, grassy fields.
Need more information about what to pack for your trip to Uganda? Take a look at all my tips for what to bring on this bucket list trip to the Pearl of Africa!
Things to see in Entebbe on a short drive
Aero Beach
Investigate the airplane graveyard
Although it is listed as one of the top things to do in Entebbe, I think Aero Beach is still a hidden gem in Entebbe. It is a popular hangout with the locals, especially the younger crowd. It is located near the airport and is a graveyard for all sorts of old aircrafts.
It has a small and reasonable entrance fee, and once inside, you can roam around, climb on top of, and investigate the inside of multiple abandoned airplanes. Some of them are huge! Have you ever danced on the wing of a passenger plane? I did!
There is also a beach at Aero Beach. The locals are usually playing music and enjoying their free time in the cool water making this one of the more popular beaches in Entebbe.
PRO TIP: You can enjoy the sand and water, or do like we did and take a relaxing boat ride out on Lake Victoria. We were obviously tourists, so the locals asked if we wanted to go out in their boat!
Interesting note is that there are lots of statues of famous and influential people located around the Aero Beach grounds. There are statues of the Obama family overlooking the beach!
Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Center
Learn about African wildlife before you see them in the wild
The Wildlife Center is a great place to start before any Uganda safari adventure. It houses rescued animals and rehabilitates them to return to their natural habitat. While there, you will be introduced to the wildlife that is native to Uganda, taught about conservation, and experience some very close encounters with the rescued animals. You don’t get quite so close in the wild!
Behind the Scenes Tour
I recommend the immersive Behind-the-Scenes Tour at the Wildlife Conservation Education Center. It is pricey, but you will be supporting a good cause of conservation and rehabilitation by contributing in a meaningful (AKA monetary) way to wildlife protection and education.
It is a private tour, and the guides are very knowledgeable. This will give you access to off-limits areas of the Center to learn how the animals are cared for. If you pre-game your Safari with a visit here, you will have a lot of background on the wildlife before you see all the animals in the wild.
Just make sure to book this amazing tour in advance, as they can be popular and might require some scheduling flexibility.
PRO TIP: On the Behind-the-Scenes Tour you get close and personal with some of the rehabilitated animals, You might even get to feed some of the them like we did! This included nuts for the chimpanzees and bananas for the giraffes.
Entebbe Craft Village
Shop for Ugandan Souvenirs!
There are a lot of little shops around Entebbe, but the best place to find souvenirs is at the Entebbe Craft Village. There are many arts and crafts stalls and gift shops at this village so you will have a large selection to choose from. You will find handiwork from local seamstresses in bright colorful fabrics, paintings and artwork from local artists, unique pieces of jewelry, and much more!
Reptile Village
Explore the Entebbe Reptile Village
The Reptile Village in Entebbe offers a unique and educational wildlife experience, perfect for animal enthusiasts. Home to a variety of reptiles and amphibians, including snakes, chameleons, tortoises, and crocodiles, it provides visitors with opportunities to see these creatures up close and even handle some under expert supervision. Beyond the thrill of spotting well-camouflaged chameleons, the center emphasizes conservation and the ecological importance of reptiles, making it both fun and informative. With knowledgeable guides and interactive exhibits, a visit here promises memorable encounters and a deeper appreciation for these often-overlooked animals.
Victoria Mall
Victoria Mall is our favorite shopping stop in Entebbe mainly due to its location near Two Friends Hotel –where we always stay on our first and last night of a Uganda trip. The mall is so convenient and within walking distance.
It is a great place to get some Uganda currency from the ATM, grab some snacks before your safari trip, visit some of the retail shops to pick up last-minute items that you forgot to pack, or dine for a meal. We had a delicious lunch at Café Javas. It was supposed to be a to-go picnic in the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, but we ended up dining in because it rained the whole day
Day Trips from Entebbe
There are many day trips from Entebbe as well as multi-day safaris you can take. There are many choices of things to do in Uganda.
Some of the popular day trips from Entebbe are included on the list below and will be reviewed in an additional post.
- Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
- Lwagi Island Equator Sign
- Lake Mburo National Park
- Capital City of Kampala
- Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Entebbe: How to get there
Getting to Entebbe, Uganda, is relatively straightforward as it is well-connected both domestically and internationally. Here’s a guide to help you plan your journey:
Entebbe International Airport (EBB):
- International Flights: Entebbe International Airport is the main gateway to Uganda. It handles flights from major airlines and connects to various international destinations. Common airlines flying into Entebbe include Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates, and British Airways.
PRO TIP: Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll go through customs and immigration. Ensure you have your visa or entry requirements sorted out before your trip.
- Domestic Flights: The airport also handles domestic flights from other major Ugandan cities, like Kampala and other regional destinations.
Traveling to Entebbe from Kampala:
- Distance: Entebbe is about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Kampala, Uganda’s capital.
- Travel Time: The drive typically takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic conditions.
- Transport Options: You can travel by private car, taxi, or bus. There are several transport companies offering services between Kampala and Entebbe.
PRO TIP: If you want to visit the capital city after your short stay in Entebbe, the road between Kampala and Entebbe is generally well-maintained but can be busy, especially during peak hours. Plan ahead and EXPECT TRAFFIC JAMS!
Overall, the most common and convenient way to reach Entebbe is by flying into Entebbe International Airport. Once there, transportation options within the city and surrounding areas are readily available.
What to know about a vacation to Entebbe Uganda
If you haven’t traveled to Uganda or Africa before, there are a few things to know! Be prepared and take a look at my tips and advice for visiting Uganda.
Additional Considerations:
- Health Precautions: Be aware of any health recommendations or vaccinations needed before visiting Uganda, such as malaria prevention.
Be a part of our next group trip to Uganda!
How to get around Entebbe
Our top tip is to stay in a hotel that provides an airport pickup. This makes the start of your vacation hassle-free since all you have to do is collect your luggage, walk out of the terminal, look for your name on a sign, and be quickly transported to your hotel. If your flight is like ours; we arrived at midnight and were eager to get some rest before we began our exploration of Entebbe!
Getting around Entebbe, Uganda, is relatively easy, with several transportation options available depending on your preferences and needs
Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services
Traditional taxis are available throughout Entebbe. They can be hailed on the street or arranged through local taxi services. We arranged all of our taxis through the front desk at our hotel, so it was worry-free.
Boda-Bodas (Motorcycle Taxis)
These motorcycle taxis are a common and fast way to get around Entebbe, especially for short distances. They are often used for navigating traffic or reaching locations not easily accessible by car. However, be cautious and ensure the driver is experienced, as traffic conditions can be hectic. Our boda tour was arranged by our reputable tour guide, so the driver was not only safe, but they even provided us with a helmet.
Walking
Entebbe is relatively small, and walking can be a pleasant way to explore the city, especially around the lake and in areas like the town center. Ensure you stay aware of your surroundings and use safe routes.
Try one of these fun walking tours of Entebbe
Where to stay in Entebbe
Entebbe, Uganda, offers a range of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets.
OUR TOP CHOICE for where to stay in Uganda
A Haven at Two Friends Hotel Nestled on the serene shores of Lake Victoria, Entebbe is a picturesque town in Uganda that offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and modern amenities. As the gateway to Uganda, Entebbe is often the first impression travelers get of this vibrant East African country.
They provide airport transportation, a delicious complimentary breakfast, and they have a water-view restaurant for a pleasant dining experience for dinner.
Looking for something Different? Try these popular hotels in Entebbe
Here are the HOT HOTEL DEALS in Entebbe
Conclusions about things to do in Entebbe Uganda
Entebbe offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and serene relaxation, making it an unmissable destination for the start of your safari trip to Uganda. Whether you’re seeking adventure, education, or simply a peaceful escape, all of the places to visit in Entebbe will create many memories and fulfill all your travel wishes.
