Shoebills at Mabamba
A canoe trip through the papyrus of Mabamba Swamp gives one of the best chances in Uganda to see the prehistoric-looking shoebill.
Uganda Cities & Gateways
Entebbe
Green, quiet and lapped by the waters of Lake Victoria, Entebbe is where most Uganda journeys begin, and a surprisingly rewarding place to linger.
- Location
- Lake Victoria shore
- Known For
- International airport
- From Kampala
- About 40 km
- Highlight
- Shoebills at Mabamba
Discover Entebbe
Your gateway to the Pearl of Africa.
Entebbe sits on a peninsula on the northern shore of Lake Victoria, about 40 km south of Kampala. It is home to Entebbe International Airport, the main arrival point for visitors to Uganda, and many safaris begin and end here.
Far calmer than the capital, Entebbe is a garden town of wide streets, lakeside beaches and colonial-era buildings. It served as the seat of the British colonial administration and remains home to State House, the official residence of the President.
Before or after a safari, there is plenty to fill a day: the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre, a boat trip to see shoebills in Mabamba Swamp, or an excursion to the chimpanzees of Ngamba Island.
Why Entebbe
More than an airport town.
Entebbe offers a gentle introduction to Uganda's wildlife and culture on your first or last day.
Botanical Gardens
Founded in the late 1890s, the gardens are home to colobus monkeys, hornbills, turacos and centuries-old trees beside the lake.
Wildlife Education Centre
UWEC rescues and cares for animals that cannot return to the wild, offering close views of chimpanzees, lions, shoebills and more.
Ngamba Island Chimpanzees
A boat ride across the lake to a sanctuary caring for orphaned chimpanzees.
Lake Victoria Beaches
Relax on lakeside beaches and enjoy fresh tilapia and Nile perch at sunset.
Convenient Start & Finish
Stay close to the airport after a long flight or before an early departure.
Location
Where is Entebbe?
Entebbe lies on the northern shore of Lake Victoria, about 40 km south of Kampala. The Kampala–Entebbe Expressway has made the drive much quicker, often under an hour outside rush hours.
From Entebbe, safaris head west towards Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda's smallest savanna park at around 370 square kilometres and roughly 240 km from Kampala, and on to Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi and Kibale. For gorilla trekking in southern Bwindi, some travellers fly into Kigali instead, as it can significantly reduce driving time compared with the long road journey from Entebbe.
When to visit
Every season tells a different Entebbe story.
Entebbe is warm all year, moderated by the lake, with two rainy seasons and two drier spells.
Main Dry Season
Sunny days and good conditions for boat trips and the gardens; a busy safari period.
Long Rains
Heavy showers and storms over the lake, but lush gardens and good birding.
Mid-Year Dry Season
Pleasant, drier weather and peak gorilla-trekking season across Uganda.
Short Rains
Intermittent showers, green landscapes and quieter hotels.
What is the best month to visit Entebbe?
Entebbe is a year-round gateway; drier months suit boat trips best.
Warm and fairly dry, great for Mabamba boat trips and lakeside dinners.
Hot and sunny, among the best months for exploring around the lake.
Long rains begin, with dramatic storms rolling across Lake Victoria.
The wettest month, though mornings are often clear for birding.
Rains ease and the botanical gardens are wonderfully green.
Drier weather returns as the main safari season begins.
Cool by Ugandan standards, dry and pleasant; a busy arrival month.
Good weather for boat trips and a popular month for safaris.
Mostly fine with some returning showers.
Short rains arrive; excellent birding as migrant species appear.
Showery afternoons, quiet hotels and lush scenery.
Drier and warm, with festive-season visitors arriving.
Explore the area
Discover the different faces of Entebbe.
From papyrus swamps to colonial gardens, Entebbe has a surprising variety of sights.
West of townMabamba SwampA Ramsar-listed wetland on the shores of Lake Victoria, explored by canoe in search of shoebills, papyrus specialists and many water birds.
Town centreEntebbe Botanical GardensLakeside gardens with tropical trees, forest trails, colobus monkeys and abundant birdlife.
LakeshoreUganda Wildlife Conservation Education CentreA rescue and education centre showcasing Uganda's wildlife, from chimpanzees and lions to shoebills and crested cranes.
On the lakeNgamba IslandA forested island sanctuary for orphaned and rescued chimpanzees, reached by boat from Entebbe.
LakeshoreBeaches & Lakeside RestaurantsSandy lake beaches and relaxed restaurants serving fresh fish, ideal for a first evening in Uganda.
Wildlife
Wildlife & birds around Entebbe.
Entebbe is one of Uganda's most rewarding birding towns. The lakeshore, gardens and wetlands host kingfishers, turacos, hornbills and fish eagles, while Mabamba Swamp is famous for the shoebill.
The Wildlife Education Centre and Ngamba Island offer close encounters with rescued animals, including chimpanzees.
11 animals to look for
Shoebill
Chance of seeingCommon
Where to look: Mabamba Swamp
The star of Mabamba, standing motionless in the papyrus waiting for lungfish.
1 / 11
Chimpanzee
Chance of seeingVery common
Where to look: Ngamba Island & UWEC
Rescued chimpanzees cared for at sanctuary and education centre.
2 / 11
Black-and-white Colobus
Chance of seeingCommon
Where to look: Botanical Gardens
Graceful monkeys with flowing white tails leaping through the treetops.
3 / 11
Vervet Monkey
Chance of seeingVery common
Where to look: Gardens and lakeshore
Common and inquisitive around Entebbe's green spaces.
4 / 11
Great Blue Turaco
Chance of seeingCommon
Where to look: Botanical Gardens
A large, colourful turaco often seen hopping through the canopy.
5 / 11
Grey Crowned Crane
Chance of seeingCommon
Where to look: Wetlands and UWEC
Uganda's national bird, featured on the flag.
6 / 11
African Fish Eagle
Chance of seeingVery common
Where to look: Lake Victoria shore
Its ringing call is the soundtrack of the lakeshore.
7 / 11
Papyrus Gonolek
Chance of seeingOccasional
Where to look: Mabamba Swamp
A bright red papyrus specialist sought after by birders.
8 / 11
Pied Kingfisher
Chance of seeingVery common
Where to look: Lakeshore
Hovers over the water before plunging after fish.
9 / 11
Hornbills
Chance of seeingCommon
Where to look: Botanical Gardens
Black-and-white-casqued hornbills call loudly from the tall trees.
10 / 11
Sitatunga
Chance of seeingRare
Where to look: Mabamba Swamp
A shy swamp antelope, rarely glimpsed in the papyrus.
11 / 11
The Shoebills of Mabamba
Search for Africa's most prehistoric bird.
Early in the morning, a short drive and boat crossing bring you to Mabamba Swamp, where local guides paddle you through channels of papyrus and water lilies. The prize is the shoebill, a huge grey bird with an enormous bill, which stands perfectly still before lunging for fish.
Along the way you will see jacanas, kingfishers, herons and many other water birds, making it a perfect first or last morning in Uganda before or after your safari.
Safaris to 中文
Tours that start in Entebbe
Uganda safaris and day trips beginning and ending in Entebbe.
Tanzania · 8 days
8-Day Western Circuit: Saanane Island, Rubondo & Serengeti
Rubondo Island · Serengeti
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Tanzania · 12 days
12-Day Western Circuit: Saanane, Rubondo, Gombe & Mahale
Rubondo Island · Kigoma · Gombe · Mahale Mountains
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Tanzania · 8 days
8-Day Western Circuit: Saanane, Rubondo & Gombe Stream
Rubondo Island · Gombe
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Tanzania · 10 days
10-Day Western Circuit: Rubondo, Gombe & Mahale
Rubondo Island · Mahale Mountains · Gombe
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Uganda · 4 days
4-Day Uganda (Entebbe Start): Primates, Plains and Untamed Wonders
Kibale Forest · Queen Elizabeth
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Uganda · 5 days
5-Day Uganda (Entebbe Start): Wildlife, Lakes, and Timeless Landscapes
Murchison Falls
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Uganda · 6 days
6-Day Uganda (Entebbe Start): Primates, Savannas & Cultural Trails
Kibale Forest · Queen Elizabeth · Lake Mburo
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Uganda · 7 days
7-Day Uganda (Entebbe Start): Primates, Plains & Cultural Heartbeats
Murchison Falls · Kibale Forest · Queen Elizabeth
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Uganda · 8 days
8-Day Uganda (Entebbe Start): Primates, Plains and Bunyonyi Bliss
Kibale Forest · Queen Elizabeth · Bwindi · Lake Bunyonyi
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
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Usually replies within minutesHeritage
The story behind Entebbe.
Entebbe's name comes from the Luganda for a seat, often linked to a Buganda chief who held court here. In the early 1900s the British made Entebbe the administrative capital of the Uganda Protectorate, and it remained so until independence in 1962, when the capital moved to Kampala.
The Entebbe Botanical Gardens were laid out in the late 1890s, and many government buildings and colonial houses from that era still stand among the trees. The town is also remembered internationally for the 1976 hostage rescue at the old airport terminal.
Today, Entebbe is home to State House and several important conservation institutions, including the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre, which plays a key role in rescuing wildlife and teaching Ugandans about conservation.
How far is Entebbe Airport from Kampala?
About 40 km; via the expressway the drive is often under an hour outside rush hours.
Should I stay in Entebbe or Kampala on arrival?
Entebbe is quieter and closer to the airport, ideal after a long flight. Kampala suits those who want city sightseeing.
When is the best time to see shoebills?
Early morning, when the birds are actively feeding and the light is soft. Sightings are frequent but never guaranteed.
Is Entebbe worth a day?
Yes. The botanical gardens, UWEC, Mabamba Swamp and Ngamba Island make a full and rewarding day.
Should I fly into Entebbe or Kigali for gorilla trekking?
Entebbe suits classic Uganda circuits. For southern Bwindi, Kigali is often closer and can save hours of driving.
Can I swim in Lake Victoria?
Swimming in the lake is generally not advised because of the risk of bilharzia; enjoy the beaches from the shore or a pool.
Your safari starts here
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Let Gip Adventure welcome you to Uganda in Entebbe and set your safari off to the perfect start.