The Top Things to do and see in Entebbe on Lake Victoria
Entebbe offers a variety of Top Things to do and see – activities in or near the town
Top Things to do and see in Entebbe – Uganda: Entebbe is a delightful town in Uganda with the most pleasant weather conditions due to the nearness of Lake Victoria. A reason that the British chose it as the Colonial Capital of Uganda. Today it is the gateway to the Pearl of Africa. Uganda’s International airport is where travelers, tourists, and others are welcomed to Uganda.
‘Most see Entebbe as a transit city, where one arrives at or departs from the Pearl of Africa. Entebbe, however, is much more. It is a city filled with places that a visitor to Uganda might not want to miss if they knew about them.
Entebbe and the surrounding area have many things to do and see. Some of them are top not to miss spots that you can enjoy on your incoming or outgoing stay here.
Most pass through the town coming from or going to Entebbe International Airport. They do not realize that beyond the main road, there is much more that you can explore and do in Entebbe.
Stay a night or two and discover the often hidden from sight places that will delight you—things to do and see in Entebbe. Don’t miss out on what Entebbe and the surrounding area offer…. Enjoy the top things to do and see in Entebbe.
The Top Things to do and see in Entebbe on Lake Victoria
Raid on Entebbe- the old Airport:
For many, Entebbe is synonymous with the 1976 successful Raid on Entebbe to rescue the hostages of the hijacked plane by Palestinians that had landed in Entebbe during Idi Amin’s time. It has been freshly brought to the world’s attention with the release of the movie “7 Days in Entebbe.”
Today the only Raid by Israelis are regular flights by El Al from Tel Aviv to Entebbe bringing Tourists to Entebbe and Uganda. The airport that was raided is now a Ugandan Military base and a UN Airport. the airport tower still bears the Bullet marks of that raid, and there is a plaque commemorating that day in July of 1976.
As it is called, the old airport can be seen from the road on the way to or from the new Airport. It is also the same airport from which many Indian Families left when they were evicted from Uganda by Idi Amin in 1972.
Presently, since it is a military airport, it is not a tourist site that might, hopefully, change in the future. Most, in this, one of the youngest nations in the world, know little about the Raid on Entebbe.
It is said (including in the Bradt Guide – Uganda) that one of the original Tarzan movies was made here. Even if this is not the case, it is a great place to spend a half or full-day.
You will love the flowers, trees, plants, birds, and monkeys found here. The best time to visit here is during the week when it is not busy here, and there are fewer people and more nature to enjoy at Entebbe Botanical Gardens.
If you are a Birder, Entebbe Botanical Gardens is the place to go for an introduction to Birding in Uganda. You will find a wide variety of birds here, including water Birds.
For over one hundred years, Entebbe Botanical Gardens has provided Nature Lovers with a quiet oasis during the week. A place, a park where you can take leisurely walks and enjoy the tropical Plants, Trees, the sight and sound of Birds and Primates.
If we go by our clients, the Botanical Gardens are Entebbe’s Best Attractions.
Entebbe Beaches on Lake Victoria
Entebbe Beaches are great places to relax. Perfect spots from where to enjoy sunsets on a beach overlooking Lake Victoria and its islands. Uganda is a landlocked country.
Yet there are great sandy beaches to enjoy on Lake Victoria. You can have lunch or dinner on the beach, sunbathe, play volleyball, and more. We do not recommend swimming due to the potential of contracting Bilharzia though most Ugandans do not contract it.
During the week, the beaches are quiet, and on the weekends or holidays, they come alive with Ugandans who come to relax and spend the day. Additionally, concerts often take place on beaches on the weekend.
For many, the beaches are the places to party. There are, however, quiet spots along the lake, including private beaches that are more tranquil.
Uganda Wildlife Educational Center
Uganda Wildlife Education Center has been here for decades. Most Ugandans call it a zoo because that’s what it is. Those in Tourism refer to it as UWEC/
Located directly on Lake Victoria, it is a wonderful place to relax and walk around, have a meal, and see animals, birds, and reptiles such as snakes that you might not have seen on your safari.
You can take an afternoon mini-safari here and enjoy the vegetation, plants, and trees found in Uganda at the same time.
You can have an up-close encounter with the chimpanzees or be a Zoo Assistant for the day.
A unique feature of the Zoo is that you can spend the night here. Lodging is available, especially for families with children who may find that a real treat.
We can arrange for you to become a Zoo assistant for the day or overnight lodging here. Please let us know if you like to spend the night here.
Ngamba – Chimpanzee Island
Ngamba Chimpanzee Island (chimpanzee orphanage and sanctuary) has become a popular add-on to some of our Safari clients. You can stay overnight in a luxury tented camp enjoying your surroundings, the morning sunrise with a Ugandan cup of coffee or the sunset with a traditional Safari Sundowner.
enjoy the Island and chimpanzees, have an interactive experience with the chimpanzees, and watch them during feeding times.
The Chimpanzee Sanctuary on Ngamba can be accessed via the slow boat, which makes this an all-day excursion with two feedings, or you can go by speedboat to the island and quickly make it a half-day outing.
For rapid transport, you can fly here, spend the day or stay overnight enjoying the island that many visitors to Uganda have come to appreciate.
Orphaned and Displaced Chimpanzees are brought here from as far away as the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Entebbe Fishing for Nile Perch
Entebbe and the surrounding area, including the Ssese islands, offer some great fishing opportunities and a chance to catch the giant Nile Perch, Tilapia, or other freshwater fish.
It gives you a chance to get out on Africa’s largest lake and, at the same time, catch one of the largest fresh-water fish, the Nile Perch. If you have fished for large salmon or steelhead, you wind the Nile Perch in the same league as them.
Fishing can be arranged and scheduled as either an All-Day or Half-Day Safari. You simply have to let us know of your plans.
All-day Fishing Trips take in some of the Ssese Island Locations and the best fishing spots that your guide knows. Lunch can be arranged on Ngamba- Chimpanzee Island.
It is a professional angler outing, and all the gear needed is provided. We can arrange a day of fishing for you at the end or beginning of your safari in Entebbe as you arrive or before you fly out.
Sunset Cruise from Entebbe on Lake Victoria
There is nothing like a tropical sunset cruise, and here, it becomes extra special in that you cross Equator that runs through Uganda, including Lake Victoria. You might already have visited the Equator while on Safari, but now you are doing it again on Lake Victoria. Sorry, there are no markers to be found, but the ship’s pilot will tell you that you are crossing the equator.
A two-hour cruise at sunset around the Equator on Lake Victoria can be done with Wine and Cheese. If the weather is right, this is a perfect way to end the day on Lake Victoria. We can incorporate this into your safari itinerary on your first or last day in Uganda; just let us know.
The starting point is by the Uganda Wildlife Educational Centre, called by most the Entebbe Zoo and on a most lake-worthy vessel. The cruise is a perfect before-dinner dinner activity for you to partake in.
Bring your camera for a magnificent sunset shot over Lake Victoria and the Ssese Islands. Let us know whether you want to go on the Wine and Cheese version of the Sunset Cruise. That is the preferred way for most.
Mabamba Swamp – Best Place to see the Shoebill Stork
Mabamba Swamp is a short trip from Entebbe. It is one of the best places, if not the best in Uganda, to see the Shoebill Stork and other water birds. If you love birding, Mabamba swamp is not to be missed.
The trip from Entebbe can be made by car and ferry, or we can arrange that it to be done by boat.
The shoebill tour through the swamp is in a fishing boat. You are guided by anglers who know where the best places are to spot the shoebill Stork. Other water birds are found here and that you will see.
The guide that is paddling you through the swamp most likely was into fishing but changed to being a guide instead, which is a more lucrative profession. They are highly skilled in their craft and will point out birds, plants, and other things that you would have otherwise missed.
The boat ride on the swamp is between two and three hours in length. The drive time to Mabamba Swamp is 45 minutes to one hour in length.
Mabamba Swamp can be added to you8r Safari as you head to Western Uganda or return from there. Let us know what you like to incorporate into your safari.
Entebbe Golfing:
When it comes to Golfing, Entebbe has several Golf Courses in the area where a Golfer has a chance to golf on the African Continent in its Pearl Uganda.
When Uganda was a British Protectorate, Golfing came to Uganda with the British Colonial Government, and it was not a colony like Kenya or Tanzania.
During those Colonial Times, many things were brought in, and many of them remain to this day, Golf being one of them. There are several courses that you can choose from should you decide that you would like to hit the greens.
Due to its more pleasant climate than Kampala, Entebbe was the capital, and a golf course was built along with the Entebbe Botanical Gardens.
Today Golfing has a growing fanbase among the emerging Ugandan middle-class. You can golf right in Entebbe on an 18-Hole course or go further afield, including the Lake Victoria Lake Serena Resort, which now has a golf course.
Yes, Zika Forest, where the Zika Virus was first discovered by researchers in 1947. The current strain that is presently causing havoc in parts of the world is not the strain found here in 1947.
There is no Zika Virus present in the Zika Forest of Uganda. Research is done here on insects trapped in the forest, and researchers come up with valuable information for the scientific community of Uganda and elsewhere.
Tourists come here, most birders, but even others are drawn by the name and a chance to see a tropical forest near Entebbe.
You will find, as said, a tropical forest, birds, monkeys, and a variety of butterflies. Uganda is a birding and butterfly destination, and you can start in Zika Forest.
Zika forest is still a research center today. You might see insect traps as you hike through the forest.
Take the Boat to the Ssese Islands:
Now you can take the M.V. Vanessa across the world’s largest Tropical Lake to the tropical Ssese Islands with their hidden beaches, idyllic fishing villages, and mostly vehicle-free roads.
It is a most pleasant journey that will be one of your highlights in the Pearl of Africa, something that will not be soon forgotten.
The boat is a new, most seaworthy vessel with all the latest safety and navigation devices on board.
Seating is in rows of 3, where 54 passengers can be seated. There is a section of the deck where you can go and take pictures of the scenic views, water birds, and quaint villages.
Cold drinks are available during your trip from Entebbe to Ssese Islands. Stay there a couple of days and continue on your safari or return to Entebbe by boat, adding to a most fabulous time in Uganda.
Top Things to do and see in Entebbe – Entebbe – a lovely city with its markets – busy town center – Lake Victoria – the Ssese Islands …Enjoy the top Things to do and see in Entebbe…near and far. Most drive through it on the way from or to Entebbe International Airport, and few discover the man treasures found here. One could easily spend a few days in Entebbe on Lake Victoria.
Enquire about the Top Things to do and see in Entebbe along with Lake Victoria as you enter or leave Uganda by Air
