Things to See Around Entebbe City
Entebbe is a Luganda word to mean a seat and was built on the shores of Lake Victoria, Africa’s biggest fresh lake. Mugulu Bukulu a Ganda chief sat on rocky seats carved into the shores of Lake Victoria to adjudicate legal cases to his subjects. In 1893 Sir Gerald Portal a colonial commissioner established Entebbe as a British administrative and commercial hub.
Entebbe is home to Uganda’s main international airport making it the main gate into the country by flights. Entebbe has accommodation facilities too some dating from way back like Lake Victoria Hotel Entebbe constructed in 1948 during the colonial time under Governor Cohen.
Some of the tourist attractions in Entebbe city
Bugongo Church
This is one of the oldest permanent catholic churches in Uganda. It was built on the spot where the first catholic missionaries camped and prepared to meet Kabaka Muteesa in 1899. Catholic believers from across the world visit the church in honor of the forefathers of the catholic religion in the country.
Entebbe Botanical Gardens
Established in 1898, the botanical gardens are a lush 40-acre piece of land at the shore of Lake Victoria. The garden features a rainforest zone that appeared as a backdrop in the film Tarzan shot in the 1940s. It is a great place for monkey feeding, nature walks, bird watching, biking, photo shoots, and camping experiences.
Entebbe Old Airport Tower
It was commissioned by the colonial government in 1952 the building is known for being the setting of the 1976 hostage situation when Israel Defense Forces came to rescue their people who had been taken captive by the Palestinian militants.
Things to do in Entebbe
Ngamba Island chimpanzee sanctuary
Known as the Chimpanzee Island, the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary was established in 1998. Ngamba is home to orphaned chimpanzees that have been rescued from poachers. The sanctuary is on the peaceful island of Lake Victoria providing a safe and semi-natural home for their rehabilitation. Ngamba Island has many options for touring including half-day, full-day, and overnight, and some of the activities done at the sanctuary by visitors are feeding the chimps, cleaning where they stay, spending quality time with them watching the way they behave, and live in their families.
Uganda Wildlife Education Centre
It is popularly known as the Entebbe Zoo and was established in 1952 to rehabilitate injured and orphaned animals. The center is home to a variety of animals such as lions, monkeys, African elephants, giraffes, birds like shoe bills, reptiles like crocodiles, snakes, and vegetation casing the biodiversity of Uganda in one place.
Uganda Reptile Village
The Uganda Reptile Village is home for reptile lovers as it is a short drive from the town and it offers care to all kinds of reptiles such as chameleons like the three-horned chameleon, crocodiles, tortoises, lizards, turtles, and snakes such as mambas, vipers, cobras, and puff adders. A number of these reptiles are rescued and rehabilitated to the sanctuary after being found in people’s homes. The team will help educate you about the misunderstood creatures and has done the same to the surrounding communities so as not to harm them.
Sesse Island
Hidden paradise with white sand beaches, however, swimming in Lake Victoria is not recommended while staying at Sesse Island because of the hippos, and crocodiles. The island offers incredible views of the lake and numerous birds add significance to your exploration on the island. How to get to Sesse Island from Entebbe includes heading to the Nakiwogo landing site near Entebbe which is a 3-hour ferry ride to Kalangala.
Equator
The famous equator sign is on the way to southwestern Uganda but there is another equator site in Entebbe on Lake Victoria heading to Lwaji Island on Lake Victoria to find this site with a motorized boat.
Entebbe cycling tours
Cycling tours allow you to visit historical and cultural sites like Bugongo church, Freedom Tree, Entebbe Botanical Gardens, Uganda Reptile Village, and Uganda Wildlife Education Center. This is done on a guided tour with a professional and experienced cycling guide on well-maintained bikes. The experience requires good packing to help in the success of the tour such as bottled drinking water, helmets, etc.
Other places to visit around Entebbe
Away from Entebbe located about 38 kilometers west is Kampala Uganda’s main capital and commercial city. Built on the original 7 seven hills Kampala is a hub of trade for all regions within the country. The name Kampala is derived from the Luganda language akosozi k’empala meaning a hill of antelopes that would graze on the hills before development and clearing of all bush in the city.
Must see places in Kampala
Kabala’s palace
The palace is located in Kampala and was built in 1894 by Kabaka Mutesa II. It is found on one of the hills called Mengo Hill overlooking the city. There are two entrances to the palace. One entrance leads to the public area of the palace. The second entrance leads to the royal chambers. Inside the palace, the history and culture of Buganda and Baganda are displayed through traditional clothing and artworks including drums, spears, etc.
Uganda Martyrs shrines
It was built in memory of the martyrdom of Namugongo who was killed by Kabaka Mwanga II during his reign. The martyrs were killed in 1892. This was done on his orders because of their disobedience to follow a religion and faith. That was foreign as known to Kabaka Mwanga II. To this day the martyrs are celebrated worldwide and every 3rd June. Uganda celebrate at the shrines with people from all walks of life coming together for a common cause to pray to the martyrs.
Gaddafi National Mosque
This is one of Uganda’s landmarks constructed in 1972 and completed in 2006. It has since become a symbol of Kampala. The mosque is situated in the city center and is open to visitors from all over the world. On a guided tour it’s easy to explore Gaddafi Mosque.
National Museum
Located in Kampala Uganda, it’s the oldest and biggest museum in Uganda. Conservation and maintenance of important cultural resources. More so, provision of professional knowledge and information regarding the archaeology, publication of research findings in appropriate publications, monitoring implementing policies and strategies. These are some of the artifacts found at the museum.
Kasubi Tombs
This is the burial ground for the kings of Buganda and other members of the royal family. Kasubi tombs are a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s a major spiritual center for the Baganda people and a religious center for the royal family where the kabaka and his representatives carry out important rituals related to the culture.
