Entebbe city is often known for being the main gateway into Uganda since it has the country’s main airport, Entebbe International Airport. Although this is very true, Entebbe city is not limited to the international airport, as it also has many interesting things to discover. A day tour in Entebbe city is a time of discovery, exploration, excitement, and adventure. This is merited by the city’s incredible sights. This day tour of this beautiful city is better started off from the history of the city to get a better understanding of Entebbe. This history extends back as far as the pre-colonial times and through to the post-colonial era.
About Entebbe city
Entebbe city is a peninsula city located in the southwest of the capital city, Kampala. It is a peninsula city because it is situated on a peninsula of Lake Victoria. A peninsula is a land that extends into a water body. Entebbe city sits on a total area of 56.2 square kilometers of land with over 20 square kilometers of water.
This city is on a protruding peninsula into the lake for about 36 kilometers. The nature of Entebbe city as a calm, quiet, and green city made it a top candidate for the colonial powers to use as their main administration post. The word “Entebbe” is a local Luganda word that means a seat.
Brief history of Entebbe
Following the construction of Entebbe International Airport, this small, beautiful city gained more popularity from the colonial masters. They later established this central administrative post of the British Protectorate of Uganda. After the exit of the colonial powers following the gaining of independence in 1962, this city remained the major administrative office of the country.
This is the permanent resident of the president of Uganda. The fame of this city grew instantly after the Queen of England, Queen Elizabeth II, boarded her chartered flight back to the United Kingdom in 1952. This was after learning about the king’s death and her yet-to-come installation as the new Queen of England.
The events of the hijacked plane that carried Israeli hostages were also an event that captured the international community’s attention on the popularity of Entebbe. In the wee hours of 4th July 1976, an operation by the Israeli Army and the Special Forces code-named Thunderbolt or Operation Entebbe was launched. This is meant to rescue the hostages of the hijacked Air France plane by Palestinian rebel groups that carried Israeli civilians. The plane was cleared to land in Entebbe by the then-president, Idi Amin Dada. Upon landing, the Israeli army launched an attack to rescue all the hostages.
Things to do in Entebbe city
When it comes to what Entebbe city has to offer, a lot is availed from the exciting sights and sounds to the educational and recreational ventures. Below is a list of adventurous and exciting things to do in Entebbe city.
Botanical garden tour
The botanical garden is also called the Entebbe Botanical Garden, situated in the heart of Entebbe at the shores of Lake Victoria. This beautiful garden harbors various flora and fauna species. It was established in 1898 for research during the colonial era. It covers an area of about 40 hectares. The garden hosts both indigenous and exotic species of flora, with some dating to over 200 years. During this day tour in Entebbe city, visitors can venture through this garden while enjoying its scenic beauty.
Visit UWEC
The Uganda Wildlife Education Center, UWEC, is also known as Entebbe Zoo. This is a modern sanctuary for educational and exciting purposes. Visitors learn about the different animals and their ecosystems where these animals dwell. It was established first as a sanctuary for the rescued animals from smugglers and the injured animals. This visit to UWEC opens up an adventurous and learning experience for visitors through activities like finding these animals.
Boat cruise on Lake Victoria
The boat cruise on Lake Victoria is also another activity done on a day tour in Entebbe city. Lake Victoria is the biggest freshwater lake on the African continent and is best explored on a boat cruise. This boat cruise offers an exploration of the lake, where visitors encounter various species, like birds, and also interact with the fishermen on the lake.
Craft shopping
Entebbe city has a lot of craft shops where visitors can shop for handmade craft products like African footwear, dresses, and souvenirs. This exciting experience of craft shopping can be done during this day tour in the city.
Taste local Ugandan cuisines.
With many scattered local restaurants in Entebbe city, visitors have plenty to choose from for a taste of the local Ugandan cuisine. Uganda has various cultures and each with its own distinct cuisine, and during this day tour to Entebbe city, visitors have a chance to have a taste of most of these dishes.
Beach relaxation
As the day tour gets tighter and more adventurous, visitors can cool off and relax on a beach at the shores of Lake Victoria. Entebbe city, being a peninsula city, is right for exciting beaches dotted on the shoreline of the lake. During this day tour in this city, visitors can explore these beaches and participate in the beach games.
Mabamba swamp tour
Mabamba swamp tour can also be done on a day tour in Entebbe city. This swamp is located on Lake Victoria and is popularly known for hosting the famous shoebill stork. This large bird is known as the bird from hell, given its appearance and sound. Mabamba swamp also hosts other bird species like the African jacana, kingfishers, herons, and the cattle egret, among others. Away from the birds, this swamp also captures incredible scenes of the surrounding nature.
Night life
A day tour in Entebbe city can be climaxed by a nightlife experience through the beautiful and vibrant nightclubs. This nightlife brings out the happy times of the day as visitors mix with the locals to enjoy the night. Visitors can sip on the local beverages as the local music headlines the nightlife.