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Top 10 fun things to do in Entebbe

Entebbe is a small town located at the shore of Lake Victoria in the heart of Uganda but don’t mistake it for a sleepy town because there is a lot going on in this beautiful scenic place! Whether you’re interested in exploring the local culture, enjoying the outdoors, or simply relaxing by the lake, Entebbe has something for everyone. Away from all the hustle and bustle of Kampala city, Entebbe offers a relaxing quiet getaway whether you’re looking for a weekend off or a trip outside Uganda via Entebbe international airport. In this article, we will show you all the fun stuff you can do here!

Malls in Entebbe

Yes, it’s not just Kampala that has all the fancy malls! Entebbe offers you a few options but 2 malls really stand out, located not too far apart from each other. Victoria Mall and Imperial Mall are two of the biggest malls in Entebbe and offer a range of food, shopping and entertainment options.

Victoria Mall Entebbe

Victoria mall is the more popular of the two and offers amazing options including popular dining options KFC Entebbe and Cafe Javas Entebbe. There are also several essential services available such as Airtel & MTN shops, banks, Goodlife pharmacy, Bata shoes and Carrefour supermarket Entebbe.

A view of the beautiful interior of Victoria Mall Entebbe
A view of the beautiful interior of Victoria Mall Entebbe

Cinemas in Entebbe

Well, if you are looking for some entertainment on the big screen to catch the latest blockbuster movies in Entebbe, you have only one option: Numax cinema. Located in Victoria Mall, Numax Cinema is the only major cinema in Entebbe.

Imperial Mall

This Mall also houses some popular dining options including Java House Entebbe and Caramel Lounge. There are also other shops such as Forex Bureaus which can come in handy for quick currency exchanges when travelling into or out of the country.

Beaches in Entebbe

Being located on the shores of the largest lake in Africa, Entebbe presents to you a number of beautiful beaches to enjoy. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Lido Beach, Botanical Beach, Aero Beach and White Sands Beach. 

Lido Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Entebbe. It is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and other water activities. It is also home to a number of restaurants where visitors can enjoy a variety of hot dishes while spending an amazing time with loved ones.

There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the water in Entebbe whether swimming, sunbathing, trying your hand at water sports like jet skiing or just taking in the beautiful view.

Entebbe Zoo

Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC), more commonly known as Entebbe Zoo, is home to a wide variety of animals, including lions, chimpanzees, and hippos covering an area of 40 hectares. You can take a guided tour to learn more about the animals and their habitats. The zoo was established in 1951 and recently celebrated its 72-year anniversary.

Lions at Entebbe Zoo
Lions at Entebbe Zoo

Visitors to the zoo can enjoy a variety of activities, such as taking a guided tour of the animal enclosures, watching the animals being fed, and participating in educational programs. The zoo also has a children’s playground and a picnic area, making it a great destination for families.

One of the highlights of the zoo is the chance to see the famous Rothschild’s giraffes, which are native to Uganda. These giraffes are known for their distinctive coat patterns and long necks, and can often be seen leisurely grazing on the grasses of the zoo’s savannah enclosure. The zoo is committed to conservation and works closely with local organisations to protect these species and their habitats.

Overall, Entebbe Zoo offers a unique and exciting opportunity to see a wide range of animals in a beautiful setting. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor to Uganda, a trip to the zoo is sure to be a memorable experience. Rates for day visits can be found here.

Explore the Uganda Reptile Village (Entebbe)

The Reptile Village is a popular attraction in Entebbe, offering visitors the chance to see a wide range of exotic reptiles, including crocodiles, snakes, and lizards. It is a great place to learn about the local wildlife and to take some amazing photos.

The facility rescues reptiles from different parts of Uganda and takes care of them. One of the major objectives is to create awareness in people so that they overcome their fear of reptiles and help in conservation efforts.

It is a great place to bring your family, especially young children for a fun educational day out. You can see over 20 different species including monitor lizards, Jackson’s chameleon and one of the most poisonous snakes in Africa, the Gabon Viper.

The reptile village is open from 8 am to 6:30 pm daily and you can find more information here.

Entebbe Crafts Village

The Crafts Village in Entebbe is a great place to find unique, locally-made souvenirs and gifts. It is a bustling, colourful market, offering a wide range of handmade crafts, paintings, jewellery, clothing like kitenge fabrics, and other items that you can take for yourself or loved ones back home as a memorable reminder of your time in Uganda. Entebbe Crafts Village is just across the road from Hotel Horizon making it an easy stop for your shopping needs! There is also another crafts market opposite Victoria mall which you can explore.

A view of Craft Village Entebbe from Hotel Horizon
A view of Craft Village Entebbe from Hotel Horizon

Visit the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Located on a nearby island in Lake Victoria, the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is home to more than 52 orphaned and rescued chimpanzees. Take a boat ride from Entebbe to the island and observe the chimpanzees as they play, groom, and socialise.

There are tons of activities to do on a trip to the island including a half/full-day island adventure, overnight excursion, sunset cruises, fishing and volunteering. You can find detailed information about the sanctuary, its activities and rates here.

Explore Botanical Gardens

Established in 1898, the Entebbe Botanical Gardens are a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. Stroll through the gardens to see a wide variety of plants and flowers, including tropical fruits and medicinal herbs. The gardens are spread across 40.7 hectares and receive 1623 mm of rainfall annually.

In addition to a number of shrubs and other plants that have grown naturally over the years, the gardens contain a variety of plant species from tropical, subtropical, and temperate zones.

As of 1998, there were 309 species in the collection, including 110 exotic, 122 recognized medicinal species, and 199 Ugandan native species. Since their restoration in 1998, the gardens have been a well-liked destination for tourists, with about 40,000 of them passing through the gates annually. It’s a must-visit for nature lovers!

Go birdwatching in Entebbe

With its diverse array of habitats, Entebbe is a paradise for birdwatchers. More than 500 species of birds have been spotted in the area, including pelicans, storks, and kingfishers. Head to the Mabamba Swamp, located just outside of the city, to see some of the most exotic birds in the region. The Botanical gardens mentioned above are also a great spot for bird watching.

Boat ride on Lake Victoria

You have a plethora of options to get a boat ride on the charming Lake Victoria in Entebbe. You might be surprised to know that it is the source of the River Nile and there is nothing more soothing than experiencing these calm waters on a boat and perhaps taking a day trip to one of the nearby islands.


You can hire a boat on-the-spot from one of the several beaches mentioned earlier or in advance from a travel agency.

Entebbe Golf Club

It’s not just Kampala that has a good golf course. In fact, Entebbe Golf Club, founded in 1901 is the oldest golf course in East and Central Africa. According to their website, the club has an 18-hole golf course, indoor games, and a number of other amenities, including basketball and tennis courts.

It is a popular destination for golfers and other sports enthusiasts in Uganda and the surrounding region, hosting the great Singleton Golf Challenge, Entebbe Open (Safari Tour Event), Uganda Open (Safari Tour Event), Entebbe Ladies’ Open, JBG Open and many more.

Conclusion

All in all, Entebbe is a vibrant and lively city with plenty of activities and sights to keep visitors entertained. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s rich history and culture, enjoying the stunning natural scenery, or simply relaxing on the beautiful beaches, there’s something for everyone in Entebbe. With its unique blend of urban amenities and natural beauty, Entebbe is a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to Uganda.

While in Entebbe, you need a peaceful place to call home after a fun day of all these adventures. Checkout our rooms for the perfect place to unwind after a long day. You can also visit us delicious continental meals at Signature Restaurant.

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