TOP THINGS TO DO IN ENTEBBE AS YOU WAIT FOR YOUR FLIGHT BACK HOME

Nestled on the shores of Lake Victoria and home to Uganda’s international gateway, Entebbe International Airport, this quiet, charming town is far more than just a stopover but a hub of many attractions.

This lakeside town is conveniently close to the airport, offers a beautiful blend of nature, wildlife, and local culture if you have a few hours to spare before your departure.

Entebbe offers a lush and laid-back experience that introduces you to Uganda’s rich biodiversity, warm culture, and lakeside tranquility. Here are some of the top things to do in Entebbe as you wait for your flight back home.

 Explore the Entebbe Botanical Gardens

A tranquil haven from the bustle of the airport, is the Entebbe Botanical Gardens is only 10 minutes away from the Entebbe international airport. The gardens span more than 40 hectares and were established in 1898, are a verdant haven of tall palms, healing plants, and blossoming trees.

Tourists can decide to do a guided walk where they can view a number of flora and fauna such as the vervet monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and more than 200 bird species, such as sunbirds and hornbills. The fact that portions from the first Tarzan movie were filmed here, the place act as suitable place for movie and video makers. The place is an ultimate destination for photography so please consider carrying a camera and binoculars.

Time needed: 1 to 2 hours
Best for: Nature lovers, photographers, bird watchers

 Visiting the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC)

UWEC previously referred to as the zoo is a conservation center that rehabilitates orphaned animals and informs the public about Uganda’s rich biodiversity, is sometimes confused for a zoo. The zoo is a home to many wildlife species such as rhinos, chimpanzees, lions, leopards reptile species and many more.

Tourists still have the opportunity to carry out the Behinds the Scene Tour for a more unique and immersive experience.  It includes interacting with the animals, feeding them, meet their keepers, and even touch some of the residents.  This experience attracts a number of tourists especially for those seeking for more ultimate adventure.

Time needed: 2 to 3 hours
Best for: Families, animal lovers, ethical tourists

 Sunset and Fresh Fish at Entebbe’s Beaches

Entebbe’s stunning sunsets over Lake Victoria are among the best things that attract a number of tourists. Because of the airport’s close proximity to the lake, travellers and tourists can enjoy breathtaking sunset views over the water.

Along Lake Victoria, there are many public and private beaches around Entebbe that are perfect for relaxing, enjoying a nice beverage, and watching fishermen haul in their nets. For a more local feel, visit Lido Beach or White Sands Beach while for luxurious amenities and oceanfront eating, visit Imperial Resort Beach.

Do not pass up the opportunity to sample Nyama choma (roasted pork) or fresh grilled fish served with cassava fries. It makes the ideal Ugandan lakeside meal when paired with a regional beer, like as Bell or Nile Special.

Time needed: 1–3 hours
Best for: Relaxation, local cuisine, sunsets

 Visting the Mabamba Swamp (Birding Adventure)

If you have at least half a day before your flight, you can embark on a canoe trip to Mabamba Swamp. The swamp is a RAMSAR wetland site that acts a home to variety of bird species including the famous shoebill stork.

You will need to join a speed boat to Mabamba swamp, engage in a briefing and then set off for your adventure as you paddle through papyrus-lined channels. You will be able to see the rare shoebill stork and other bird species for instance bee-eaters, herons, and more. It’s peaceful, otherworldly, and unforgettable.

Time needed: 4–5 hours (best done in the morning)
Best for: Bird watchers, eco-tourists and photographers

Shop at Entebbe Crafts Village for Last-Minute Presents

Before your flight, do you need souvenirs? Visit the Entebbe Crafts Village, which is close to Victoria Mall, where regional craftspeople provide handcrafted goods such African drums, beaded jewellery, batik fabrics, and banana fiber art. The ambiance is laid-back and welcoming, and prices are negotiable. Still at the crafts village you still have the opportunity to learn more about the African culture through dressing, different art works and many more.

Also visit Afriart Gallery if you want contemporary East African art to take home.

Time needed: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Best for: Souvenir hunters, art lovers

Indulge in Coffee and Pastries at 2 Friends Beach Hotel

Wondering on what you can do in Entebbe as you wait for flight back home, you can decide to dine with a cappuccino at a hotel or cafe. It’s on record that Uganda grows one of the best Arabica coffee in the world. You can decide to visit Café Javas (within Victoria Mall) for a silky cappuccino or iced coffee, or relax by the lake at the 2 Friends Beach Hotel. The hotel also provides its incredible memories such as a gourmet snack, drink fresh juice, and enjoy the lake wind.

Time needed: 30 minutes to 2 hours
Best for: Digital nomads, coffee lovers, casual diners

Visit the Reptile Village

Situated in a peaceful, natural environment, the reptile village provides exceptional chances to safely and closely view reptiles from all over the world. The Entebbe Reptile Village has a tiny but interesting display of Uganda’s native reptiles especially to those who love the reptiles. The reptile village is an effort of the community, a visit to this place allows to learn about various education measures about the reptiles.

Time needed: 1 hour
Best for: Families, adventurous travellers

 EXPLORE ENTEBBE ON A BODA BODA TOUR

Did you know that you can decide to explore Entebbe town while on a boda Boada as you visit various places.  Depending on the time of your flight, please select the suitable time to take on Boda Boda to explore Entebbe while enjoy the un beatable experiences.

Hop on a boda boda (motorcycle taxi) and zip through Entebbe with a local guide. You can customize your tour stop at local markets, take photos at the lakefront, or even you can decide to pass near to the state house Entebbe.

Time needed: 2 to 3 hours
Best for: Adventurous travellers, those on a time crunch

 TIPS TO NOTE FOR YOUR FLIGHT BACK HOME.

Kindly consider some of these tips to ensure a smooth travel experience while in Uganda and in Entebbe. Please have these tips in mind as you plan to get on to your flight back home.

 Time management.

Please make sure you keep time so you don’t miss out on your flight. Depending on how you have decided to keep yourself busy, please keep time check in at the airport 2 to 3 hours before the departure time.

Traffic

Always consider the traffic because this may delay you. some people consider using the Entebbe express highway.

Currency

Ensure that you have some Uganda shillings with as some places only accept Ugandan Shillings. Carry some small denominations for tips and snacks along the way.

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