Entebbe

Entebbe is a small city located in the central region of Uganda, known for its natural beauty and rich history. It’s situated on the shores of Lake Victoria and serves Kampala, which is Uganda’s economic and trading hub, but also an important gateway to the the rest of Uganda for business and leisure travellers and the Eastern Africa economic community and the Great Lakes region. Entebbe is loved for its serene atmosphere, scenic views, and offers a wealth of attractions that travellers can explore. Did you know that Entebbe was once the capital of Uganda? It served as the country’s capital from 1962 until 1969, when the capital was moved to Kampala.

Attractions in Entebbe

Fishing in Lake Victoria which is Uganda’s largest fresh water lake where a number of fish species like the Nile perch, Nile tilapia, and Silver fish among other fish types that can be caught by tourists when they participate in fishing.

Ngamba chimpanzee sanctuary is home to orphaned and rescued chimpanzees from around the Uganda; from the illegal pet and bush meat trade. Despite their initial trauma, chimps living at Ngamba have a safe and semi-natural environment in which to recover and eventually thrive over their long lives of up to 60 years. The sanctuary covers 95 acres of land with natural forest where the chimps roam and forage daily. Their diet is supplemented multiple times per day much to the delight of visiting tourists who are able to observe and take part in the feeding from a viewing platform. The chimps also have the freedom to stay in the forest at night or return to nighttime enclosures where they can build nests and receive an evening meal. A Visit to the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary offers an unforgettable experience in the Pearl of Africa.

Uganda wildlife education centre: Due to its unique position as the only captive wild animal collection centre in the country. It serves three roles i.e Conservation education, A rescue and rehabilitation centre and A recreation centre where people come to see the animals and refresh themselves. The Centre’s location on the edge of Lake Victoria, its rich vegetation and its surprisingly wide range of birds, butterflies and other free and roaming animals make it an attractive venue for education and Uganda safari enthusiasts. It’s popularly known by its old name as the Entebbe zoo

Entebbe Botanical Gardens established in 1898 is situated on the northern shores of Lake Victoria virtually on the equator. The garden houses a collection of species of plants of the tropical, sub-tropical and temperate zones, besides several shrubs and other plants. The entrance is located close to the Botanical Beach Hotel. Colobus monkeys are common. The gardens are an opportunity for birding enthusiasts to open their birding account for Uganda or merely to add to an existing list. Palm Nut Vulture and African Grey Parrot are resident, whilst Bat Hawk is often seen over the gardens at sunset and is best observed from the Botanical Beach Hotel patio bar.

Entebbe Reptile Village is a community project which rescues not only snakes but other reptiles which are often in danger including tortoises, crocodiles, 6ft long monitor lizards, and chameleons. All the reptiles are rescued from the surrounding area and given medical treatment if necessary. When returned back to the wild they are released into a game park if possible. If you have always wanted to hold a chameleon or a non-venomous snake, this could be your opportunity, under the guidance of the reptile master.

Entebbe golf club is the most attractive feature on the drive towards the airport. It is an open expanse of the 18-hole golf course sloping towards Lake Victoria.

Transportation

Getting around Entebbe is relatively easy, with a variety of transportation options available. The most common mode of transportation is by taxi, which can be found all over the city. The popular way to get around Entebbe is by boda-boda, which is a motorcycle taxi. Bodas are a fast and convenient way to navigate through traffic, but they can be dangerous, so it’s important to wear a helmet and exercise caution.

Several Bus/Coaches companies offer direct lines between Entebbe and neighbouring towns have stations in the city.  Uganda has decent bus system. There are two classes of buses. The “matatu taxis” are actually minibuses or commuter vans which run fixed routes. Then there are the real buses which run less frequently, usually leaving Entebbe early in the morning. There are many companies which almost all leave from the same general area. Domestic bus travel is reasonable and cheap between major centers, and is a good choice for backpackers with time, but may not run reliably on schedule.

Entebbe is home to the Entebbe International Airport, which is the main entry point for travelers visiting Uganda. The airport is located just a few kilometers from the city center, making it easy to access all the city has to offer. The National carrier, Uganda Airlines, flies across Africa,  The middle East, Asia and Europe.

Shopping

Victoria Mall in town along the highway gives you several shopping options, including international retail stores like Carrefour, upmarket restaurants like Javas Cafes, and fast-food restaurants like KFC. The mall has a cinema, forex exchange, banks, Kids and safari wears shop. Visitors can buy souvenirs outside the mall from the sprawling art and crafts market.

Healthcare

Entebbe general hospital now boasts of new structures such as radiology, which comprises of a CT-scan, mammography and ultrasound scan; dental and orthopedic unit on level two; a 27-bed general maternity wing with a labour or suite of seven beds on level three and the VIP ward on level four. Other services include pediatrics, radiology, laboratory, maternity, immunization, general surgery, internal medicine, orthopedics and operating rooms. Patients served come from Wakiso District, Mpigi District, Entebbe Town, and the neighboring islands in Lake Victoria.

Accomodation

Entebbe has a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, OKRA HOUSE and Secrets Guest House and many more. For a more luxurious experience, Precious Guesthouse, Admas Grand Hotel and Entebbe Plam hotel among the numerous options available.

Foodies

Every visitor must try the rolex, which is a popular street food made from a chapati filled with scrambled eggs and vegetables. For dessert, try mandazi, which is a sweet fried doughnut.