Things to Do in Entebbe, Uganda: A Complete Guide for 2026

If you’re heading to Uganda, there’s a high probability you’ll fly into the international airport in Entebbe. We’ve passed through Entebbe on several trips to Uganda and spent days exploring the area on either side of our safaris, and whilst many visitors head straight out on a safari or gorilla trek, we think there are plenty of things to do in Entebbe to make it worth spending at least a day or two of your trip.

We’ve spent a number of days exploring the attractions of the Entebbe area on various trips to Uganda, and we’ve put together this guide to help you plan what to see and do here.

Entebbe was the former seat of government, but after independence this moved to nearby Kampala. Entebbe itself is fairly spread out with few tall buildings, and has quite a tropical laid-back style. It is hard to imagine it was the seat of government, especially when you compare it to Kampala with its tall buildings and crazy traffic!

Some visitors are just here for a short stay, waiting for a safari to start or a flight to leave. Others have a few days to explore. Whichever you are, this guide has lots of ideas for things to do in Entebbe.

From seeing chimpanzees to trying traditional foods to shopping for locally made souvenirs, there’s a lot to enjoy here. Let’s get started.

Travel advisory (current as of June 2026): The US State Department currently has Uganda at its highest warning level, Level 4: Do Not Travel, last updated on 4 June 2026. A major reason is an active outbreak of Ebola (Bundibugyo virus) in Uganda and the neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo, which the World Health Organization declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern in May 2026. Crime, the risk of terrorism, and the potential for unrest are also cited. The UK Foreign Office has also updated its Uganda travel advice for the outbreak.

This is a fast-moving situation and the official advice changes regularly, so check the latest guidance before you make any plans. You can read the current US advice here and the UK Foreign Office advice here. If you do travel, follow your government’s guidance and your tour operator’s health precautions closely. We will keep this guide updated as the situation develops.

Quick Take: Entebbe is worth anywhere from half a day to two days, depending on your schedule. With only a few hours, walk the Entebbe Botanical Garden (UGX 20,000 entry for foreign visitors) and the lakeshore, and track down a freshly made rolex. With a full day, add the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre, also known as Entebbe Zoo (US$15 for foreign adults). With two days, take a boat out to see the chimpanzees at Ngamba Island or a day trip into Kampala. The airport is about 30 minutes from Kampala on the express highway, or you can take the scheduled Pineapple Express shuttle (around US$14 to Kampala). Entebbe itself is generally safe with the usual precautions against opportunistic crime, but read the travel advisory above before you plan a trip.

 

Things to do in Entebbe

This list of things to do in Entebbe covers a wide variety of options. Whatever your interests, we think you will find something to enjoy in this corner of Uganda.

 

Take a Walking Tour

A great way to get an overview of Entebbe is to take a locally led walking tour like this. We love taking walking tours, especially when we are new to an area. We find they are one of the best ways to see the highlights, learn about the culture and history, and get tips from locals on other activities.

Most walking tours of Entebbe will likely include things like trying the local food, seeing local monuments, visiting the Botanical Gardens, and visiting the craft market. Just check what is and isn’t included in the tour price, and remember that tipping is always appreciated in Uganda.

 

Visit the Botanical Garden

One of the most well-known attractions in Entebbe is the National Botanical Gardens of Uganda, normally just referred to as the Entebbe Botanical Garden. This is often included on visitors’ safari itineraries because it is an excellent way to get an introduction to some of the plants and birds of Uganda.

Found on the shores of Lake Victoria, the Entebbe Botanical Gardens was established in 1898. They are one of the oldest botanical gardens in Africa. The gardens are divided into a number of areas which feature plants and trees from different areas of Uganda, as well as other tropical, sub-tropical, and temperate areas around the world. Over 500 species are represented.

As well as the impressive collection of trees and plants, the garden is well known as a good location for birdwatching. Some of the species you may spot here include the huge marabou stork, the palm-nut vulture, the African grey parrot, pink-backed pelican, yellow-billed duck, malachite kingfisher, and many more.

Bird lovers will definitely want to include the Botanical Garden on their list of places to visit in Entebbe.

It’s also home to a number of monkeys, including the beautiful black and white Colobus monkey which you may be lucky enough to spot. But you are pretty sure to see vervet monkeys as there are a number of them here.

There’s an entrance fee to visit the Entebbe Botanical Garden, which is UGX 20,000 for foreign visitors. Note that payment is cashless, by card or mobile money, so you can’t pay the entry fee in cash. You can also pay extra for a local guide, which you can hire at the garden entrance, or join a tour such as this city walking tour or this full day tour that includes a guided visit here.

There is very little signage here so a guide is a good investment if you want to learn more about the local trees and wildlife.

 

Go to the Beach

Entebbe sits on the shores of Lake Victoria, and there are a number of stretches of beach that can be found all along the lake. Some of the small beach areas are sandy, some rocky. These beach areas can be found all along the lake front, from the airport area, to the Botanical Garden and beyond.

A few things to note. Some of the beaches are part of hotel or restaurant property, and so are only accessible to customers. The varying lake levels can affect how much beach (if any) is accessible.

Rising water levels in the lake and erosion have made many of the former beach areas inaccessible. There is also a risk of bilharzia (schistosomiasis), so many people advise against swimming in the lake.

Although we haven’t swum here, we enjoy strolling along the shoreside, sitting on the beaches, and watching the birds. Maribou storks, little egrets, cattle egrets, and pied kingfisher are common birds you’ll see along the shore. You can also get out on the lake by taking a boat tour.

If you like aviation, you may want to head over to Aero Beach where you will find a small collection of old airplanes and aviation equipment (small entrance fee to visit) next to the beach area as well as a restaurant and bar. There’s also usually music and it’s a popular place for locals to come and hang out and swim as well.

Our recommendation is to enjoy the beach views from a nice beachfront restaurant or bar, and enjoy the cool breeze coming over the lake as you sip a local beer or fresh glass of fruit juice. For example, we often eat at the shoreside restaurant of the 2Friends Beach Hotel.

 

See the Monuments and Historical Sites

Entebbe was the seat of government and administrative hub until Uganda gained independence in 1962 and Kampala became the capital. But Entebbe is home to Uganda’s State House, which is the official home and office of the President.

The State House and many of the former colonial administrative buildings are not open to the public. However, you will undoubtedly see some of these colonial-era buildings as you explore Entebbe.

The main historical site to visit is Muzinga Square Park, where you’ll find a few important monuments and memorials.

These include:

• A cannon in Muzinga Square Park, which was left by Tanzanian troops as part of the battle to overthrow Idi Amin. Two statues of soldiers have been added next to the cannon.
• The Independence Tree, or Freedom Tree, where meetings were held during the movement to gain independence from British rule.

Depending on when you visit Entebbe, access to various monuments may be restricted or you may be asked by guards not to take photos. This is likely due to the near proximity of these locations to State House.

Note that although Entebbe is probably best known worldwide for being the location of the 1976 plane hijacking and subsequent successful hostage rescue situation, known as Operation Entebbe or Operation Thunderbolt, there is not much information on display about this.

There was news that a museum was planned to open in 2007 at the Old Entebbe Airport, where the incident took place, but we couldn’t find any current information about any museums. There are a number of books and films about this event.

 

Visit the Religious Sites

The city also has a number of historic churches, both Catholic and Anglican. Some date back to colonial times. The Bugonga Catholic Church in Entebbe dates from 1902, making it one of the earliest permanent Catholic churches in Uganda. St. John’s Church history dates back to 1908 with the current Anglican church buildings dating back to the 1930s with a new building also being built here.

Those of you interested in religious history might also want to visit the Kigungu Missionary Landing site, where the first Catholic Missionaries, Brother Amans and Father Mon Maple Lourdel, arrived in Uganda.

Here there is a plaque, monument, and statues of the two missionaries. It’s a popular place of pilgrimage. This is located just outside Entebbe around the other side of the airport so you will need transport to visit as you have to go all the way round the airport to get there. This full day tour of Entebbe and the surrounding area includes a stop and visit to the Kigungu landing site.

If you want to dig deeper into the history of Entebbe, we’d suggest hiring a local guide or joining a tour.

 

Play a Round of Golf

Golf lovers will definitely want to include a visit to Entebbe Golf Club as part of their trip to Uganda. Founded in 1901, this is the oldest golf course in East Africa.

Here amongst the tall pines, you’ll find a Par 71 18-hole golf course. The course is open to non-members, and you can see the fees for a round and book on the official website here.

If you’d rather watch golf than play, the golf club also hosts tournaments year-round, which you can see on their website.

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay near the golf course, the 4* Lake Victoria Hotel is a good option. It’s a colonial-era hotel with views of Lake Victoria, just 10 minutes’ walk from the golf course.

 

Visit Chimpanzees

Many people coming to Uganda hope to see chimpanzees in the wild, normally as part of a chimpanzee trekking experience. However, if you are only in Uganda for a brief period of time, it isn’t always practical to do a trek as there are no trekking locations within a short drive of Entebbe or Kampala.

The good news however is that you don’t need to do a full chimpanzee trekking experience to see chimpanzees in Uganda. You can instead opt to visit the chimpanzees at the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary.

Ngamba island is found in Lake Victoria, and is home to a number of orphaned chimpanzees. The island also has a number of other native bird and wildlife species. A visit offers guaranteed chimpanzee viewing and the opportunity to learn all about chimpanzees. It also avoids the need for a trek. There are also no age restrictions here, so it is good if you are visiting Uganda with younger children, as they won’t be allowed on a chimpanzee trek.

Ngamba island can be reached by boat (by either motorized canoe or speedboat) from Entebbe, and there are various trips available. You can go for a half day or full day, as well as stay overnight on the island if you have more time. Prices vary depending on the type of boat and the size of your group, so we’d recommend checking current rates and booking directly with the Chimpanzee Trust, who run the sanctuary.

If you would like to visit, you need to have your Ngamba Island tickets booked in advance before heading to the island. You can see more on the official website here.

Note that you cannot bring your own food or drinks onto the island but there are food options available on the island.

In Entebbe, you can also see chimpanzees at the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre, which we will cover later in this article.

 

Eat a Rolex

Uganda has a lot of delicious food to try, but perhaps the most well-known and popular street food that visitors must taste is a rolex.

Despite the name, this food has nothing to do with the watch of the same name. The name comes from the preparation. It’s created by combining an egg omelette (normally with sliced vegetables) on top of a fried chapati, and then rolling it up. The result is “rolled eggs”, which has been shorted to “rolex”.

You may find a Rolex on the menu at your hotel or guesthouse, or as part of a packed breakfast. However, we highly recommend finding a stall selling rolex and buying them fresh. They taste a lot better when eaten hot and right from the pan!

In Entebbe, you can get a rolex from the street vendors on Nsamizi Road. If you take this guided tour, you will visit a rolex stand and see how they are made, with the option to buy one. They are an inexpensive and delicious snack food, and one you must try when in Uganda.

In terms of street food, another popular dish is kikomando. This is an inexpensive dish made of sliced chapati and fried beans. It may also come with additional toppings such as gravy, meat, or avocado.

While in Entebbe, we also recommend you try the local fish and seafood from Lake Victoria. You’ll find local perch and tilapia on lots of local restaurant menus. If you are self-catering, you can buy your own fresh seafood from the little roadside fish markets.

 

Visit the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre

The Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre, also often referred to as Entebbe Zoo, is a large lakeside conservation centre which is home to over 250 animals. These include chimpanzees, giraffes, lions, leopards, and rhinos, as well as the rare and unique looking shoebill stork.

Many of these animals have been rescued from poaching or illegal trafficking, and the centre focuses on care and rehabilitation of these animals. They have a strong focus on providing as natural an environment as possible, with larger enclosures that mimic the animal’s natural habitats where possible.

Of course, in an ideal world you will want to head out on safari in Uganda to see some of these animals in the wild, but the conservation centre is a good option if you have limited time and would like a more guaranteed viewing experience.

There’s a fee for visiting, which is US$15 for foreign adults (payable in the local shilling equivalent), and you can see the full range of rates on the official website here. You can do the standard admission, or you can pay extra for a behind the scenes tour or Keeper for a Day tour.

The latter provide a much more immersive hands-on experience where you can learn a lot more about the centre and its work, and is definitely worth considering if you have the time and budget.

You can visit the centre on your own, as we did. It’s easy to get to from most of Entebbe, either on foot or by car. It’s also included on this full day tour of Entebbe.

 

Take a Boat Tour / Go Fishing on Lake Victoria

Entebbe sits right on Lake Victoria, one of the African Great Lakes. This is the world’s largest tropical lake, and the largest lake in Africa by area. Lake Victoria spans across three countries: Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. The lake has many local names, but the English name comes from the British explorer John Hanning Speke who named it after Queen Victoria.

The lake provides the livelihood for many locals, primarily through fishing. Much of the fish you are likely to eat in Uganda is either going to come from Lake Victoria, or the Nile River which flows in and out of it.

As a visitor, you can also enjoy some time on the lake. Popular activities include taking a boat tour, which afford wildlife watching opportunities or the chance to watch the sunset. You can also take a fishing tour on the lake.

Ask locally at your hotel, they should be able to give you some tour options. The tourist boats will usually stop at several points to pick up people and your hotel can help you arrange it.

 

Explore Local Markets

If you enjoy browsing local markets when you visit a destination, then you will definitely enjoy Entebbe. The town has a number of regular indoor and outdoor markets, which offer a variety of different produce.

One popular market is Kitooro Market. This is a large purpose-built covered market area with many local vendors selling primarily fresh produce, meat, and groceries. It underwent significant renovation, and re-opened in 2021 in a new structure. You’ll also often find vendors in the streets outside the market building itself. It’s normally open daily although in our experience produce varies depending on the day you visit.

There are also regularly other markets in Entebbe, including various street markets on varying days. For example there is a Saturday market at the Works Sports Ground. This market sells a bit of everything including clothing, food, home furnishings, etc.

The Entebbe Farmer’s Market is held on the first Sunday of every month at Muti’s Garden Cafe, and it features all sorts of food and craft items from local growers and creators.

 

Shop for Souvenirs at the Craft Village

The Entebbe Juakali Centre, better known as the Entebbe Crafts Village, is located almost directly opposite Victoria Mall, and is a good place for souvenir shopping. There are a number of stalls here offering a variety of items, including souvenirs, crafts, jewellery, art, clothing, sculptures, tableware, scarves, and bags.

There are quite a few stalls here and the offerings do vary by stall, so do browse a bit. Pricing is not fixed and haggling is expected, although we found the initial prices were relatively reasonable when we visited.

We visited here after stopping at Victoria Mall, you can just walk across the street. We bought a few things here. This was actually the only craft market that we visited during our time in Uganda.

The stallholders, almost all women, were very friendly and polite and we enjoyed browsing the stalls, even if it was pouring with rain when we visited!

 

Go to Victoria Mall

Although not really a tourist attraction, Victoria Mall is a popular tourist stop. Opened in 2013, this shopping mall is a good place to stop if you need to buy anything for your Uganda trip.

The shopping mall includes a good-sized supermarket, several shops selling clothing, shoes, outdoor gear, and gifts, a cafe, a fast-food restaurant, a pharmacy, an eye clinic, and a cinema. There is an ATM, a place to buy SIM cards (Airtel), and a Forex money exchange office.

It’s a great place to pick up groceries or snacks, get a SIM card, get money, exchange currency, or buy any last-minute needed clothing, hiking, or camping stuff. The shopping mall has good security, and you can visit on foot or park on site.

We visited and bought a few souvenirs from a small craft shop, as well as some toiletries and snacks from the supermarket.

The hotel, the Best Western Premier Garden Hotel, is connected to the shopping centre. Guests have direct access to Victoria Mall so it is a handy place to stay for those who plan to visit the mall and craft market.

 

Take a Day Trip to Kampala

If you are in Entebbe for a few days, you should definitely consider taking a day trip to Kampala. Kampala is the capital city of Uganda, and there’s a lot to see here. Thanks to the express highway that opened in 2018 (requires tolls), it’s now only around a 30-minute drive from Entebbe to Kampala, although traffic in Kampala itself can be very slow.

We’ve spent some time exploring the highlights of the city, both on our own and as part of a guided walking tour. We can highly recommend a guided walking tour as it was a good way to learn about the history and culture of the city, as well as get tips from a local on safety.

We also visited other destinations on our own, using a ride sharing app to get around. We highly recommend considering putting the Kasubi Royal Tombs, Uganda Museum, the Baha’i Temple, Gaddafi Mosque, and Kabaka’s Palace (Mengo Palace) on your itinerary.

Note: the Uganda Museum has been closed for renovation since August 2024 and, as of 2026, has not yet reopened, with no confirmed reopening date. If you are hoping to visit, check its current status before you plan your day around it.

You can definitely visit all these locations on your own but it does require some coordinating as sites are spread out. If you are visiting Uganda as part of a safari, you might also be able to get your safari company to include a tour of Kampala’s highlights on the itinerary as well. It’s also possible to book a tour like this which visits both Kampala and Entebbe.

For more ideas about visiting Kampala, see our detailed guide to things to do in Kampala.

 

Enjoy Evening Entertainment

There are a few options for evening entertainment in Entebbe, including a number of bars and nightclubs. Some restaurants also host live music depending on the day of the week.

One good option we can recommend is Goretti’s Pizzeria And Bar. This beach front pizzeria has lovely views across Lake Victoria as well as delicious pizza. On Friday evenings from 6pm to 9pm they also host live music performances. We really enjoyed the performance which was free (tips appreciated). Do check in advance before visiting though as performances can vary.

If you want to have more late-night fun, Entebbe also has several late-night bars and night clubs where you can dance the night away.

The Street Club Entebbe is a popular option. This is a restaurant and lounge by day and a night club by night. Another option is the Knight Riders Discotheque.

If you are planning on going out at night, do read our tips on safety in Entebbe and plan your transport in advance.

 

Tours from Entebbe

There are a number of popular tours that you can take from Entebbe, including day tours of local attractions as well as longer multi-day safari tours that cover more of Uganda.

The most popular day trips are going to be to Kampala, Mabama Swamp, and Jinja. The closest national park for wildlife viewing is going to be Lake Mburo. But you can also join a number of multi-day safari tours from Entebbe that include things like safari game drives, village visits, chimpanzee trekking, and gorilla trekking.

Here are some options to consider.

• This full day tour includes the highlights of Entebbe as well as a trip to the Mabamba swamp where you have a chance to see the elusive and odd-looking shoebill stork
• If you are primarily focused on bird watching, then consider booking a tour with Mabamba Shoebill Tours. They run a half-day tour to the swamp from Entebbe, including a boat ride, which gives the opportunity to see a number of rare birds including the shoebill stork.
• If you are on a short trip to Uganda, perhaps for business, and really want to experience a safari game drive, you could consider this two-day safari to Lake Mburo National Park. Lake Mburo is the closest national park to Entebbe, and a two-day trip gives you a real game drive without committing to a longer safari.
• If you would like to visit the highlights of Entebbe and Kampala, check out this two-day tour which does just that.
• Want to get out to Jinja and the source of the Nile? Check out this full-day trip to Jinja, which takes you to the point where the Nile flows out of Lake Victoria.
• There are also many multi-day safari focused tours from Entebbe, including tours which feature chimpanzee trekking and gorilla trekking. You can see some of the best options on GetYourGuide here and Viator here.

 

Where to Stay in Entebbe

There are a number of accommodation options in Entebbe across a range of price points. We recommend the following as a starting point.

• 2Friends Beach Hotel – this is a good value option located by the shores of Lake Victoria and 10 minutes drive from the airport. The hotel has comfortable air-conditioned rooms, some with lake views, all with private bathrooms. There’s an on-site restaurant and beach bar, small outdoor swimming pool, and the staff are very friendly. We’ve stayed here a number of times and always had a good experience.
• Papyrus Guest House – this is a good value option offering peaceful accommodation a little way from the centre of Entebbe. If you are looking for more of a traditional guest house feeling, this is a good option to consider. Rooms are all en-suite and there is an on-site restaurant for meals. Just note rooms have fans rather than air-conditioning.
• Best Western Premier Garden Hotel – conveniently located right next to Victoria Mall, this four star hotel is also close to many other attractions in Entebbe including the Botanic Gardens. All the rooms are air-conditioned with en-suite facilities.
• Imperial Botanical Beach Hotel – this hotel is located next to the shore and has an excellent location next to both the Botanical Garden and Wildlife Centre. It also has its own beach access. En-suite rooms are air-conditioned and there’s an on-site restaurant.
• Lake Victoria Hotel – this colonial era hotel was originally designed as the recreational centre for the Governor of Uganda. It is conveniently located for both Entebbe Golf Club and Entebbe Cricket Ground. It offers 4* accommodation with a pool and restaurant.
• The Boma Hotel – this luxurious boutique hotel is found in a 1940s era home and offers private en-suite accommodation with air conditioning. There’s an on-site restaurant and bar as well as a pool, and it is conveniently located for most sights. This is one of our favourite hotels in Entebbe.
• Admas Grand Hotel – this well reviewed 4* hotel offers quality accommodation near Entebbe’s main sights. Rooms are en-suite and air-conditioned, and there’s a swimming pool, fitness centre and restaurant on-site, as well as a hot tub, spa and wellness centre.

Of course, there are many more options in Entebbe across a range of prices. You can see more options for Entebbe on booking.com here.

 

How to Get to Entebbe

Entebbe is the location of the main international airport in Uganda, so this is where most visitors to Uganda arrive. It is common for those on safari to be picked up directly at the airport and to spend their first night in Entebbe. It is also a popular last night overnight stay.

Entebbe is also well connected to Kampala. There is an express highway between the two, which only takes around 30 minutes to travel by car. Note this is a toll road, but the fee is well worth paying as the old Entebbe-Kampala road can take over 2 hours to traverse due to traffic.

If you are arriving into Entebbe airport and staying in Entebbe or Kampala, your hotel might be able to arrange an airport transfer for you. You can also book this yourself using a service like this.

There is also a shared shuttle bus service from Entebbe to Kampala and Jinja known as the Pineapple Express. This offers an affordable scheduled service from a number of Entebbe locations including the airport. Fares are around US$14 from the airport to Kampala and US$29 from the airport to Jinja, and you can book this online here.

 

How to Get Around Entebbe

There are a number of ways to get around Entebbe. First, the town is not very big, so you could walk between many of the attractions yourself. You can do this yourself, or on a guided walking tour like this.

We walked around most of Entebbe and had a great time, just be aware that it can be very hot so you will want to prepare with a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of drinking water.

However, some attractions are pretty spread out, depending on what you want to visit, and you may need to take transport. Your two main options in Entebbe are boda boda and car taxis.

Boda bodas, which are motorbike taxis, are easy to find along the streets and drivers will often stop and ask if you want a ride if they see you out walking. Or you can take a regular car taxi. You can use a ride-sharing app like Uber to arrange transport or ask at your hotel who can help arrange transport.

If you decide to take a boda boda, we highly recommend you take one that offers a helmet to riders. We personally stick to car taxis for safety reasons, but boda bodas are a cheap and easy form of local transport.

 

Is Entebbe Safe?

Entebbe is fairly safe, although you will want to be aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions when visiting.

The main issue visitors to Entebbe will need to be aware of is opportunistic crime. Things like bag snatches and pickpocketing are something to be aware of, as is the risk of mugging.

As a visitor, you want to minimise the risks. This means not wearing expensive jewellery or carrying a lot of money. We’d also advise you to keep any camera equipment or expensive phones out of sight in a bag, and only bring them out when you intend to use them. It is also a good idea to avoid walking after dark if possible.

We walked all around Entebbe and took many photos using our small compact camera and phone, and we never felt in any danger. However, we did primarily visit popular locations in daylight and kept our smartphone and camera tucked away in a bag when not in use.

Scams are also something to be aware of. We recommend booking any tours in advance with a licensed reputable tour operator. If you are nervous about walking around, then a walking tour is a great option.

Beyond crime, you should also be aware of health risks. As of June 2026 there is an active outbreak of Ebola (Bundibugyo virus) in Uganda and the neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo, which the World Health Organization has declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. This is the main reason several governments, including the United States, currently advise against travel to Uganda (see the travel advisory near the top of this guide). Check the latest health guidance from the WHO and your own government before travelling, and follow any screening or precautions that are in place.

A further consideration applies to LGBTQ+ travellers. Since the passing of the May 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act, LGBT people (or those perceived as such, and anyone seen to promote LGBT issues) are at increased risk of fines, harassment, violence, imprisonment, and in some cases the death penalty, according to the US Department of State. LGBTQ+ visitors should read their government’s advice carefully before planning a trip to Uganda.

If you are unsure of anything, we strongly recommend asking for advice at your hotel or from a trusted guide.

We recommend reading up on the latest travel advice provided by your government before visiting, as we recommend for any country. For example, you can see the advice for visiting Uganda on the UK government website here, and the US State Department website here.

 

Practical Considerations for Entebbe

Here are some practical tips for your time in Entebbe and Uganda to help you plan your trip.

 

Language

The official languages of Uganda are English and Swahili; however, there are a lot of local languages spoken in Uganda. The most widely spoken language in the area is Luganda. Although Swahili has been made an official language, we rarely heard locals speaking it.

As a tourist in Entebbe and Kampala, you can get by pretty well with English as most people in the tourism industry here speak at least some English. At attractions and museums, the information is often written in English.

 

Drinking Water in Uganda

The tap water in Uganda is generally not regarded as safe for visitors to drink. You should drink bottled water, or consider filtering your own water. See our guide to safe drinking water when travelling for some suggested options.

 

Internet Access in Uganda

If you want to get online, you have two main options in Uganda. You can rely on WiFi, which is generally available for free at most hotels as well as many other locations such as cafes and restaurants.

You can also invest in a SIM card. We bought an Airtel SIM card at Entebbe airport on arrival. You can also get a SIM card at Victoria Mall in Entebbe. It was very good value and we loaded it with enough data to last for our whole visit. It worked reliably across the majority of the country, with some exceptions in the most remote areas.

Just be aware there is a registration process which involves a scan of your passport, fingerprinting, and a photo. It’s not difficult, but it does take about 10 minutes or so.

If you want more advice on internet access when travelling, see our guide to getting online when travelling for some tips and advice.

 

Money in Uganda

Uganda uses the Uganda shilling, or UGX. We recommend always having some local currency on hand for tipping, markets, and other small purchases. It is best to tip local staff in local currency as they then do not have to pay to have it exchanged.

Ugandan shillings can be easily withdrawn at ATMs across the country, although these may charge a small fee for doing so. We recommend doing this from an ATM at the airport or one attached to a bank. There are also places where you can exchange currency at the airport as well as in Kampala, Entebbe, and other larger cities.

Credit cards are widely accepted for transactions at most tourist-focused businesses, especially for larger transactions.

Most tourist focused businesses will also accept the United States dollar (USD) and some will also accept the United Kingdom pound sterling (GBP) and the Euro. But the best foreign currency to have and most widely accepted is the U.S. dollar. The bills need to be in good condition and of a recent issue. They can’t have any marks or be in poor condition as otherwise they might not be accepted. So if bringing USD currency with you, be sure to check it before your trip.

It’s also worth checking the exchange rate, as you might find yourself getting a better value if you pay in the local currency rather than in USD or other foreign currency.

 

Power Outlets / Travel Adapters for Uganda

Uganda uses a three-pin plug (Type G plug), as you will find in the UK and a number of other countries in East Africa. If you are coming from the UK or other country that uses the British plug, then your equipment will be fine and you shouldn’t need a travel adapter.

If you are visiting from a different country, such as from the USA, Canada, or most of Europe, then you will need a travel adapter like this.

Uganda uses a 220v-240v system. This is similar to much of the world with the exception of parts of the Americas, including Canada and the USA, where 110v is the norm. If you are travelling from one of these countries, you will need to check if your equipment supports the higher voltage. It should be written on the plug.

Generally, lower powered devices like cameras, laptops, and phone chargers support 110v – 240v, whilst higher power devices like hairdryers do not. See our guide to travel adapters for more on this topic.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Entebbe

What is there to do in Entebbe?

The most popular things to do in Entebbe are visiting the Entebbe Botanical Garden, seeing the animals at the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (Entebbe Zoo), and taking a boat trip to see the orphaned chimpanzees at Ngamba Island. You can also relax along the Lake Victoria shoreline, eat a freshly made rolex, browse the craft village and local markets, and take a day trip to Kampala.

Many visitors only have a short time in Entebbe on either side of a safari or gorilla trek, and there is enough here to fill a half day to two days.

What can you do in Entebbe in a day?

With a full day in Entebbe, we’d suggest starting at the Entebbe Botanical Garden for the trees and birdlife (UGX 20,000 entry for foreign visitors), then heading to the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre to see chimpanzees, shoebill storks, and other wildlife (US$15 for foreign adults).

In between, track down a rolex from a street stall for lunch, and finish with a drink or a meal at a beachfront restaurant looking out over Lake Victoria.

How many days do you need in Entebbe?

Most people need between half a day and two days in Entebbe. Half a day is enough for the Botanical Garden and a meal by the lake. A full day lets you add the wildlife centre, and two days gives you time for a boat trip to the chimpanzees at Ngamba Island or a day trip into Kampala.

If Entebbe is just your arrival or departure point for a safari, even an afternoon is enough to see a couple of the highlights.

How do you get from Entebbe to Kampala?

The quickest way from Entebbe to Kampala is by car along the express highway, which takes around 30 minutes (it’s a toll road, but worth it as the old road can take over two hours in traffic). Your hotel can usually arrange a private car or airport transfer.

There is also a scheduled shared shuttle, the Pineapple Express, which runs from several points in Entebbe including the airport, with fares of around US$14 to Kampala. Ride-sharing apps like Uber also operate in the area.

Is Entebbe safe to visit?

Entebbe itself is generally safe for the usual travel precautions, with opportunistic crime such as bag snatching and pickpocketing the main day-to-day concern. We walked all around the town and never felt in danger, though we stuck to popular areas in daylight and kept our valuables out of sight.

That said, you should check your government’s official travel advice before booking. As of June 2026 there is an active Ebola outbreak in Uganda and the wider region, and several governments, including the United States, currently advise against travel to Uganda. The situation changes regularly, so always read the current advice first.

Is it worth staying in Entebbe?

Yes, Entebbe is worth a stay, especially if you are arriving or departing on an early or late flight, or want a calmer base than Kampala. It is far more laid-back than the capital, sits right on Lake Victoria, and has a good range of hotels and guesthouses close to the airport.

We’ve stayed in Entebbe several times and found it a relaxing place to start or end a trip to Uganda, with enough to see and do to justify a night or two.

 

Further Reading

That sums up our guide to things to do in Entebbe! Before you head on, we also wanted to share some other resources you might find useful for planning your trip to Uganda.

• We also have a detailed guide to things to do in Kampala, Uganda’s capital city.
• If you are looking for a guidebook, there is the Bradt Travel Uganda Guide. This is the only travel guide that covers just Uganda. There is also the Lonely Planet East Africa guide, which covers Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi for those also travelling elsewhere in the region.
• If you’d like a guidebook to birds, we use the Pocket Guide: Birds of East Africa and find it very useful. For general wildlife, we use the Pocket Guide to the Mammals of East Africa.
• Seeing primates in the wild is one of the most popular activities in Uganda. See our detailed guide to chimpanzee trekking in Uganda and gorilla trekking in Uganda for all the information you need to plan that part of your trip.
• You are likely going to want to take a lot of photos when you visit Uganda. See our tips for taking great safari photos, as well as our guide to the best safari cameras and lenses to help you get the best results
• If you are wondering what to bring with you, see our detailed guide to what to pack for safari.
• If you are planning on visiting Kenya, check out our guide to things to do in Nairobi and our suggested 1 day Nairobi itinerary, which has lots of ideas for the city
• If you would like to skip plastic waste, you might consider filtering your own water as you travel. See our guide to safe drinking water when travelling for tips
• We have a guide to getting online when travelling, to help you stay connected in Uganda
• You’re going to need to power all your devices when you travel – see our guide to the best travel adapters so you can choose the right one for Uganda

And that’s it! As always, we hope you found this guide useful. If you have any questions or comments, just pop them in the comments section below and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.