Visit the old capital, Entebbe, on the banks of serene Lake Victoria for a
laid-back introduction to Uganda. Seek out the Entebbe Botanical Gardens for
tropical flora, or use Entebbe as a base to see wildlife at Ngamba Island Chimpanzee
Sanctuary.
Background
Relaxing Entebbe nestles on the northern banks of the vast Lake Victoria.
You'll soon realise that nothing is really hurried here – enjoy a
relaxing picnic on the river bank, a touch of bird-spotting or a game of golf. The
19th-century capital of the British Administration, Entebbe lies next to present-day
capital Kampala.
First-time visit
You'll be immediately drawn to Lake Victoria, Africa's
biggest lake and scene of peaceful fishing, picnics and even a spot of swimming. You
can easily spend several hours at Entebbe Botanical Gardens, created in 1898,
by wandering the natural forest - try and spot a grey kestrel or a fish eagle. At
the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, home to orphaned animals, see lions or
get up close to the more approachable pelican-like shoebill birds. Before you head
home, buy wooden carvings and batik-dyed fabric at colourful Kitoro Market,
open on Tuesdays.
Return visit
Use laid-back Entebbe as a base to explore other areas of Uganda. Enjoy a daytrip and
sail to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary where rescued chimps live happily
in the rainforest. Just west of Entebbe, get binoculars at the ready at Mabamba
Swamp to spot rare water birds. Ask locals to help you with a dugout trip
into the swamp. Play a round of golf at Entebbe Golf Course or just enjoy its
unbeatable lake views. You can take a ferry to the nearby Ssese Islands for
rambling or fishing for Nile perch.
Please note that you won't be able to make changes to your hotel or car booking. If you want to change your booking you will have to cancel your current booking and make a new booking. This can be done on ba.com.
We cannot guarantee that the same hotel room or car rental option will still be available if you have to cancel and make a new booking.
