5 Things To Do In Entebbe | Gorilla Trekking, Shoebills

Things To Do In Entebbe

1. Explore Lake Victoria

Observe local fisherman cast their nets in traditional wooden boats as you take a boat tour around the peaceful waters of Lake Victoria. As it reflects the lush foliage around it, the lake’s surface glistens like hammered silver, making for a tranquil first experience of Uganda’s natural beauty. You can go fishing with locals and catch Nile perch and tilapia at the same time. As the sun goes down, you can see the lake change from a blue sky to an orange and pink one, complete with fishing boats in shadow.

2. Visit the Entebbe Botanical Gardens

Medicinal plants and towering trees teeming with tropical birds can be pointed out by local guides as you meander around this verdant garden. An interesting historical oddity about the gardens is that they served as a location for the Tarzan films of the 1940s. A variety of ecosystems, from tropical rainforests to savannas, are reflected in the winding walkways. As monkeys swoop through the trees and butterflies flutter among the blooming plants, the verdant gardens seem to come to life.

3. Relax at the Beaches

You can relax with a refreshing drink on one of the several sandy beaches along Entebbe’s lakefront while watching the fisherman bring in their catch. People from all around come to watch the sun go down over the sea in this laid-back setting. At Lido Beach, where the golden-brown sands meet the warm waters of Lake Victoria, locals and tourists alike love to relax. On weekends, the beach is bustling with families, music, and the delicious smell of neighbourhood street food and grilled fish. Kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming are all enjoyable water sports that water sports fans can partake in. From this beach, you can see the traditional fishing boats in all their glory, against the magnificent backdrop of Entebbe’s distant cityscape. Beach sellers selling fresh coconuts and handmade trinkets contribute to the lively ambiance that embodies the carefree essence of lakeside living.

4. Search for Shoebills in Mabamba Swamp

A local boatman may take you on a guided tour to Mabamba Swamp, just outside of Entebbe, where you may see the world’s most bizarre bird—the shoebill stork—which looks like it came straight out of a primordial painting. Standing at nearly five feet tall, these enormous dinosaur-like monsters have ancient traits that make them look even older than they are. A variety of kingfishers flit amongst foliage, while African jacanas walk gently on lily pads; the swamp itself is an intricate ecology of waterways bordered with papyrus.

5. Cross the Equator at Lwaji Island

You may see the little white marker marking the equator line during a boat ride to Lwaji Island. As a playful but useful reminder that you are so close to the equator, stand with one foot in each hemisphere.

Reasons to Start or End your safari in Entebbe, Uganda

Nestled on the banks of Lake Victoria, Entebbe provides a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of Kampala. Visitors arriving to experience the beautiful landscapes of Uganda can be met at this little city, which is just 40 kilometres south of the capital. It is also home to Uganda’s principal international airport. Which city, Entebbe or Kampala, is better to stay in? Entebbe provides a more intimate setting with more direct access to Uganda’s natural wonders, lakefront views, and less traffic for individuals seeking a more laid-back vacation. Conversely, Kampala’s nightlife is vibrant and exciting, albeit a bit hectic at times.

Entebbe is a tranquil spot to start your safari in Uganda, with enough to do if you choose to spend more time there. Guests can enjoy leisurely mornings by the water, early morning birdwatching, and afternoons spent wandering gardens and beaches. The perfect combination of accessibility and tranquillity makes Entebbe an unforgettable stop on any Ugandan journey, whether it’s your first or last.

How to Get to Entebbe, Uganda

Among the twenty nations that have direct flights to Entebbe International Airport, which is Uganda’s primary international hub, are Johannesburg, Dubai, Doha, and Amsterdam, all of which provide excellent links to the rest of the globe.

Destinations across the nation can be reached via domestic flights that depart from this airport. Entebbe is a great place to start your safari journey because of the convenient flight to Kihihi, which takes around two hours and twenty minutes. From there, visitors can easily access Bwindi National Park. For additional information on what else Uganda has to offer, read this.

How to Combine Entebbe and Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Many tourists wonder if they may go gorilla trekking straight from Entebbe. While day trips to the gorilla parks are out of the question, Entebbe serves as the gateway to Uganda’s natural wonders. The two main parks in Uganda where gorilla trekking takes place are Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Flying from Entebbe to one of the two smaller airports, Kihihi or Kisoro, which are both within a short drive of the park’s entrances, is the most convenient way to access Bwindi. This gorgeous but long trip through Uganda’s tea plantations, vibrant roadside communities, and the Kigezi Highlands takes ten hours, but there are frequent flights that cut down on that time. For those trekking in Mgahinga, you can catch an early morning flight from Entebbe to Kisoro and connect to the park by road, adding a layer of adventure as you travel towards the Virunga Mountains.

Get the lowdown on when to visit Uganda to see gorillas or other primate activities, like chimpanzee trekking in Tanzania’s Rubondo Island.