Encompassing Uganda’s international airport, Entebbe is a laid-back town on the northern shores of Lake Victoria. It’s home to the official residence of the President of Uganda at State House and a lively weekend market, as well as a wildlife sanctuary where you can get up close to big-game species and birds.
Things to do in Entebbe
Zebras, lions and rhinos saved from captivity are housed at the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre, which occupies around 5,000 hectares on the edge of Lake Victoria. You can get hands-on during their Keeper for a Day experience or spot free-ranging birds, butterflies and chameleons on the Forest Trail. Around 50 orphaned chimps rescued from across East Africa can be found at Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, with the island accessible via boat from Entebbe.
North of the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre is the Entebbe Botanical Garden, which was used as a film setting for Johnnie Weissmuller’s “Tarzan” films. It’s planted with tropical and subtropical species, around 200 of which are indigenous to Uganda. The garden is a popular destination amongst birdwatchers, with sightings of African grey parrots and palm nut vultures and is home to a troop of colobus monkeys.
For a day on the sand, head to Lido Beach where family-friendly activities and parties are held most weekends. On Saturdays, the colourful Entebbe Market takes place on the edge of the Mayor's Garden, with everything from designer handbags and shoes to locally made handicrafts for sale.
Getting around Entebbe
Entebbe International Airport is a 10-minute drive from Entebbe’s city centre and has flights to destinations across Africa, the Middle East and Europe. Buses travel throughout the city while both taxis and boda-boda (motorcycle taxis) are readily available for getting around.