Entebbe Holidays

Whether you stay for a day or linger for longer, you’ll find plenty to do in Entebbe. Join a walking tour or explore independently to discover historic buildings and monuments from State House Uganda and Muzinga Park to the Freedom Tree where independence was debated. Go shopping at the Entebbe Juakali Centre craft village, the modern Victoria Mall, or one of many markets selling goods from local produce to handmade souvenirs.

See the century-old Bugonga Catholic Church, the oldest in Uganda, or the Kigungu Landing site where the first missionaries arrived. Visit rescued animals in Entebbe Zoo, find diverse flora in Entebbe Botanical Gardens, or play a round at East Africa’s oldest golf club. Whatever you do, be sure to sample the local delicacy of ‘Rolex’ before you leave.

Entebbe might be the gateway city to the amazing national park destinations of Uganda but it also has plenty of wildlife and natural attractions of its own. The National Botanical Gardens of Uganda, better known as simply Entebbe Botanical Gardens, was a filming location for the Tarzan movies of the 1940s and you’ll see why as soon as you arrive.

Distinct zones filled with plants, trees, and flowers have grown since 1898 and are now home to colobus monkeys, tree squirrels, macaques, hornbills, storks, pelicans, parrots, vultures, and more. Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre, also known as Entebbe Zoo, helps rehabilitate rescued animals from chimpanzees and rhinos to lions, leopards, and tigers. Entebbe Reptile Village lets you get up close with crocodiles, lizards, turtles, snakes, and - if you can find them - chameleons. Close by, Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is just a short boat ride away.

Despite Uganda’s landlocked position, Entebbe has a coastal feel thanks to its location at the edge of Africa’s largest lake. Stroll over the sand of a city beach as the sun rises. Sit and watch the waves from a shoreline bar as it sets.

Cruise across Lake Victoria and see rescued primates at Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, stand on the equator at Lwaji Island, or take a nature walk along the woodland trails of Bulago Island. Explore the water in a rented canoe or join a fishing trip to catch perch and tilapia. Spend an hour in the cool breeze browsing old planes and quirky statues at Aero Beach, or find a quiet spot to watch water birds from egrets and storks to kingfishers and sandpipers.

Entebbe can be visited at any time with temperatures averaging between 23°C  and 25°C all year. For outdoor activities, particularly on Lake Victoria, the dryer months of January to February and June to July offer the best conditions. The traditional holiday period lasts from June to September and the city is busier during this time.

Rainfall peaks in March and April and again in October and November but both periods still experience some sun and dry periods. Nights can feel cool at any time of year and packing layers is recommended. If you intend to combine your stay in Entebbe with gorilla or chimpanzee trekking in the national parks, be sure to check permits are available for your dates before booking.