Entebbe Travel Guide
Uganda’s historic capital is a laid-back gateway to the ‘Pearl of Africa’.
Kampala may be Uganda’s commercial heart, but the soul of the country can be found in Entebbe.
Located on the shores of Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake.
Entebbe offers a delightfully laid-back city break to bookend your Ugandan adventure.
Although many travellers use Entebbe merely as a transit stop on their way to Bwindi or Murchison Falls, there is plenty to entertain you in the city. Begin with a boat cruise on Lake Victoria, where you can admire the panoramic views and abundant birdlife. For those with extra time, longer excursions to the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Ssese Islands are ideal.
If you’d prefer a leisurely pace, take a stroll through the Entebbe Botanical Gardens or discover the conservation efforts at the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre, which also offers behind-the-scenes tours. Looking to pick up souvenirs? The Entebbe Craft Village provides a vibrant introduction to Ugandan creativity and crafts.
But don’t miss a day out in Kampala. The capital’s vibrant energy is the perfect counterpoint to laid-back Entebbe, and the city is filled with art galleries, restaurants, and markets to explore. For a dose of history, leave a little extra time for the Uganda Museum and the Tombs of Buganda kings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the hillside at Kasubi.
Entebbe boasts a vibrant restaurant scene that fuses local produce and flavours with global influences. While our selected lodges and hotels offer excellent in-house dining, you’ll want to explore further afield. The Rolex Guy presents a contemporary take on the Ugandan street-food staple, while Gaucho Grill provides an African perspective on the classic South American concept.
Pay a visit to the Gorilla Conservation Café, which brews locally grown coffee from sustainable farms around Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, helping to conserve the fragile habitat of the gorillas’ home range.
Entebbe is warm and equatorial year-round, with humidity peaking during the rainy season. Opt for lightweight cotton clothing and include a light jacket or thermal layer for cooler evenings. If you plan to take a boat trip to Ngamba Island, remember to pack a sun hat, sunglasses, and comfortable walking shoes. High-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat are also advisable.
Entebbe experiences a mild equatorial climate year-round, characterized by two primary rainy and dry seasons. The ‘Dry’ months, from December to March and June to September, are the best time to visit, while the rainy months occur in April and May, as well as October and November.
Malaria is widespread across Uganda, including Entebbe, and is especially prevalent during the rainy seasons (April, May, October, November). It is advisable to use anti-malaria prophylaxis. Consult your travel doctor at least three weeks before departure. In the mornings and evenings, apply insect repellent and wear long trousers and long-sleeved clothing to prevent bites.
Don’t know your Entebbe from your Kampala? Get your bearings with our useful maps.
Entebbe International Airport serves as Uganda’s primary gateway, offering daily flights to major African and international capitals. Entebbe, along with nearby Kajjansi Airport, is also a key departure point for charter flights and helicopter transfers to safari and trekking destinations throughout the country.
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