14 Issues to do in Entebbe Uganda

Should you’re heading to Uganda, there’s a excessive likelihood you’ll fly into the worldwide airport in Entebbe. While many guests head straight out on a safari or gorilla trek, we expect there are many issues to do in Entebbe to make it value spending a minimum of a day or two of your journey.

We’ve spent a lot of days exploring the sights of the Entebbe space, and we’ve put collectively this information that will help you plan what to see and do right here.

Entebbe was the previous seat of presidency, however after independence this moved to close by Kampala. Entebbe itself is pretty unfold out with few tall buildings, and has fairly a tropical laid-back type. It’s onerous to think about it was the seat of presidency, particularly whenever you examine it to Kampala with its tall buildings and loopy visitors!

Whether or not you’re right here for a brief keep while ready for a safari to begin or a flight to depart, or you’ve got a number of days to discover, this information gives you a lot of concepts for issues to do in Entebbe.

From seeing chimpanzees to making an attempt conventional meals to buying domestically made souvenirs, Entebbe has one thing for everybody! Let’s get began.

14 Issues to do in Entebbe

This listing of issues to do in Entebbe covers all kinds of choices. No matter your pursuits, we expect you’ll find one thing to take pleasure in on this nook of Uganda.

Take a Strolling Tour

A good way to get an outline of Entebbe is to take a domestically led strolling tour like this. We love taking strolling excursions, particularly after we are new to an space. We discover they’re among the finest methods to see the highlights, study concerning the tradition and historical past, and get ideas from locals on different actions.

We took a tour of Kampala with the corporate that runs the Entebbe tour, and it was wonderful. Our information was educated concerning the space and historical past of the nation, and was additionally in a position to advise on issues like security, what to eat, and extra.

Most strolling excursions of Entebbe will doubtless embody issues like making an attempt the native meals, seeing native monuments, visiting the Botanical Gardens, and visiting the craft market. Simply examine what’s and isn’t included within the tour value, and keep in mind that tipping is at all times appreciated in Uganda.

Go to the Botanical Backyard

Some of the well-known sights in Entebbe is the Nationwide Botanical Gardens of Uganda, usually simply known as the Entebbe Botanical Backyard. That is usually included on guests’ safari itineraries as a result of it is a wonderful option to get an introduction to a number of the vegetation and birds of Uganda.

Discovered on the shores of Lake Victoria, the Entebbe Botanical Gardens was established in 1898. They’re one of many oldest botanical gardens in Africa. The gardens are divided into a lot of areas which characteristic vegetation and bushes from completely different areas of Uganda, in addition to different tropical, sub-tropical, and temperate areas all over the world. Over 300 species are represented.

In addition to the spectacular assortment of bushes and vegetation, the backyard is properly often known as a very good location for birdwatching. A few of the species it’s possible you’ll spot right here embody the massive marabou stork, the palm-nut vulture, the African gray parrot, pink-backed pelican, yellow-billed duck, malachite kingfisher, and lots of extra.

Chook lovers will certainly need to embody the Botanical Backyard on their listing of locations to go to in Entebbe.

It’s additionally dwelling to a lot of monkeys, together with the attractive black and white Colobus monkey which you’ll be fortunate sufficient to identify. However you might be fairly certain to see vervet monkeys as there are a selection of them right here.

There’s an entrance payment to go to the Entebbe Botanical Backyard, and you can too pay additional for a neighborhood information. You may rent a information on the backyard entrance, or be part of a tour corresponding to this metropolis strolling tour or this full day tour that features a guided go to right here.

There may be little or no signage right here so a information is an effective funding if you wish to study extra concerning the native bushes and wildlife.

Go to the Seaside

Entebbe sits on the shores of Lake Victoria, and there are a selection of stretches of seashore that may be discovered all alongside the lake. A few of the small seashore areas are sandy, some rocky. These seashore areas could be discovered all alongside the lake entrance, from the airport space, to the Botanical Backyard and past.

Just a few issues to notice. A few of the seashores are a part of lodge or restaurant property, and so are solely accessible to clients. The various lake ranges can have an effect on how a lot seashore (if any) is accessible. In recent times, growing water ranges within the lake and erosion has prompted lots of the former seashore areas to turn into inaccessible. Lastly, there’s a danger of bilharzia (schistosomiasis), so many individuals advise towards swimming within the lake.

Though we haven’t swam right here, we take pleasure in strolling alongside the shoreside, sitting on the seashores, and watching the birds. Maribou storks, little egrets, cattle egrets, and pied kingfisher are frequent birds you’ll see alongside the shore. You can too get out on the lake by taking a ship tour.

Should you like aviation, it’s possible you’ll need to head over to Aero Seaside the place you’ll find a small assortment of previous airplanes and aviation tools (entrance payment to go to) subsequent to the seashore space in addition to a restaurant and bar.

Our suggestion is to benefit from the seashore views from a pleasant beachfront restaurant or bar, and benefit from the cool breeze coming over the lake as you sip a neighborhood beer or contemporary glass of fruit juice.  For instance, we frequently eat on the shoreside restaurant of the 2Friends Seaside Resort.

See the Monuments and Historic Websites

Entebbe was the seat of presidency and administrative hub till Uganda gained independence in 1962 and Kampala grew to become the capital. However Entebbe is dwelling to Uganda’s State Home, which is at the moment the official dwelling and workplace of the President.

The State Home and lots of the former colonial administrative buildings should not open to the general public. Nonetheless, you’ll undoubtedly see a few of these colonial-era buildings as you discover Entebbe.

The principle historic web site to go to is Muzinga Sq. Park, the place you’ll discover a number of vital monuments and memorials.

These embody:

• A cannon in Muzinga Sq. Park, which was left by Tanzanian troops as a part of the battle to overthrow Idi Amin. Two statues of troopers have been added subsequent to the cannon.
• The Independence Tree, or Freedom Tree, the place conferences have been held in the course of the motion to realize independence from British rule.

It’s value noting that relying on whenever you go to Entebbe, entry to numerous monuments could also be restricted or it’s possible you’ll be requested by guards to not take images. That is doubtless as a result of close to proximity of those areas to State Home.

Observe that though Entebbe might be greatest identified worldwide for being the placement of the 1976 airplane hijacking and subsequent profitable hostage rescue state of affairs, often known as Operation Entebbe or Operation Thunderbolt, there may be not a lot data on show about this. There was information {that a} museum was deliberate to open in 2007 on the Outdated Entebbe Airport, the place the incident befell, however we couldn’t discover any present details about any museums. There are a variety of books and movies about this occasion.

Town additionally has a lot of historic church buildings, each Catholic and Anglican. Some date again to colonial occasions. The Bugonga Catholic Church in Entebbe dates from 1902, making it the earliest everlasting Catholic church in Uganda. St. John’s Church historical past dates again to 1908 with the present Anglican church buildings courting again to the Nineteen Thirties with a brand new constructing additionally being constructed right here.

These of you curious about non secular historical past may additionally need to go to the Kigungu Missionary Touchdown web site, the place the primary Catholic Missionaries, Brother Amans and Father Mon Maple Lourdel, arrived in Uganda.

Right here there’s a plaque, monument, and statues of the 2 missionaries. It’s a well-liked place of pilgrimage. That is positioned simply exterior Entebbe so you’ll need transport to go to. This full day tour of Entebbe and the encircling space at the moment features a cease and go to to the Kigungu touchdown web site.

In case you are enthusiastic about delving into the historical past of Entebbe, we’d recommend contemplating hiring a neighborhood information or becoming a member of a tour.

Play a Spherical of Golf

Golf lovers will certainly need to embody a go to to Entebbe Golf Membership as a part of their journey to Uganda. Based in 1901, that is the oldest golf course in East Africa.

Right here amongst the tall pines, you’ll discover a Par 71 18-hole golf course. The course is open to non-members, and you’ll see the charges for a spherical and ebook on the official web site right here.

Should you’d reasonably watch golf than play, the golf membership additionally hosts tournaments year-round, which you’ll be able to see on their web site.

Should you’re searching for someplace to remain close to the golf course, the 4* Lake Victoria Resort is an effective possibility. It’s a colonial-era lodge with views of Lake Victoria, simply 10 minutes’ stroll from the golf course.

Go to Chimpanzees

Many individuals coming to Uganda hope to see chimpanzees within the wild, usually as a part of a chimpanzee trekking expertise. Nonetheless, if you’re solely in Uganda for a short time period, it isn’t at all times sensible to do a trek as there are not any trekking areas inside a brief drive of Entebbe or Kampala.

The excellent news nonetheless is that you just don’t have to do a full chimpanzee trekking expertise to see chimpanzees in Uganda. You may as an alternative choose to go to the chimpanzees on the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary.

Ngamba island is present in Lake Victoria, and is dwelling to a lot of orphaned chimpanzees. The island additionally has a lot of different native hen and wildlife species. A go to affords assured chimpanzee viewing and the chance to study all about chimpanzees. It additionally avoids the necessity for a trek. There are additionally no age restrictions right here, so it’s good if you’re visiting Uganda with youthful youngsters, as they gained’t be allowed on a chimpanzee trek.

Ngamba island could be reached by boat (by both motorized canoe or speedboat) from Entebbe, and there are numerous journeys obtainable. You may go for a half day or full day, in addition to keep in a single day on the island if in case you have extra time.

If you want to go to, you could have your Ngamba Island tickets booked prematurely earlier than heading to the island. You may see extra on the official web site right here.

Observe that you just can not carry your personal meals or drinks onto the island however there are meals choices obtainable on the island.

In Entebbe, you can too see chimpanzees on the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Training Centre, which we’ll cowl later on this article.

Eat a Rolex

Uganda has numerous scrumptious meals to attempt, however maybe probably the most well-known and in style road meals that guests should style is a rolex.

Regardless of the title, this meals has nothing to do with the watch of the identical title. The title comes from the preparation. It’s created by combining an egg omelette (usually with sliced greens) on prime of a fried chapati, after which rolling it up. The result’s “rolled eggs”, which has been shorted to “rolex”.

You could discover a Rolex on the menu at your lodge or guesthouse, or as a part of a packed breakfast. Nonetheless, we extremely advocate discovering a stall promoting rolex and shopping for them contemporary. They style quite a bit higher when eaten sizzling and proper from the pan!

In Entebbe, you will get a rolex from the road distributors on Nsamizi Street. Should you take this guided tour, you’ll go to a rolex stand and see how they’re made, with the choice to purchase one. They’re a cheap and scrumptious snack meals, and one you should attempt when in Uganda.

When it comes to road meals, one other in style dish is kikomando. That is a cheap dish made from sliced chapati and fried beans. It might additionally include further toppings corresponding to gravy, meat, or avocado.

Whereas in Entebbe, we additionally advocate you attempt the native fish and seafood from Lake Victoria. You’ll discover native perch and tilapia on a lot of native restaurant menus. In case you are self-catering, you should buy your personal contemporary seafood from the little roadside fish markets.

Go to the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Training Centre

The Uganda Wildlife Conservation Training Centre, additionally also known as Entebbe Zoo, is a 72-acre Zoo which is dwelling to over 250 animals. These embody chimpanzees, giraffes, lions, and rhinos, in addition to the uncommon and distinctive wanting shoebill stork.

Many of those animals have been rescued from poaching or unlawful trafficking, and the centre focuses on care and rehabilitation of those animals. They’ve a robust concentrate on offering as pure an setting as potential, with bigger enclosures that mimic the animal’s pure habitats the place potential.

In fact, in a perfect world it would be best to head out on safari in Uganda to see a few of these animals within the wild, however the conservation heart is definitely a very good possibility if in case you have restricted time and would love a extra assured viewing expertise.

There’s a payment for visiting the Zoo, and you’ll see extra on the official web site right here. You are able to do the usual admission, or you’ll be able to pay additional for a behind the scenes tour or Keeper for a Day tour. The latter present a way more immersive hands-on expertise the place you’ll be able to study much more concerning the centre and its work, and is certainly value contemplating if in case you have the time and finances.

You may go to the centre by yourself, and it’s additionally included on this full day tour of Entebbe.

Take a Boat Tour / Go Fishing on Lake Victoria

Entebbe sits proper on Lake Victoria, one of many African Nice Lakes. That is the world’s largest tropical lake, and the biggest lake in Africa by space. Lake Victoria spans throughout three international locations: Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. The lake has many native names, however the English title comes from the British explorer John Hanning Speke who named it after Queen Victoria.

The lake supplies the livelihood for a lot of locals, primarily by fishing. A lot of the fish you might be more likely to eat in Uganda is both going to come back from Lake Victoria, or the Nile River which flows out and in of it.

As a customer, you can too take pleasure in a while on the lake. In style actions embody taking a ship tour, which afford wildlife watching alternatives or the prospect to observe the sundown. You can too take a fishing tour on the lake.

Ask domestically at your lodge, they need to be capable to provide you with some tour choices. The vacationer boats will normally cease at a number of factors to choose up individuals and your lodge will help you prepare it.

Discover Native Markets

Should you take pleasure in searching native markets whenever you go to a vacation spot, then you’ll undoubtedly take pleasure in Entebbe. The city has a lot of common indoor and out of doors markets, which provide quite a lot of completely different produce.

One in style market is Kitooro Market. It is a giant lined market space with many native distributors promoting primarily contemporary produce, meat, and groceries. It underwent important renovation, and re-opened in 2021 in a brand new construction. You’ll additionally usually discover distributors within the streets exterior the market constructing itself. It’s usually open each day.

There are additionally frequently different markets in Entebbe, together with numerous road markets on various days. For instance there’s a Saturday market on the Works Sports activities Floor. This market sells a little bit of the whole lot together with clothes, meals, dwelling furnishings, and so forth.

The Entebbe Farmer’s Market is held on the primary Sunday of each month at Muti’s Backyard Cafe, and it options all types of meals and craft gadgets from native growers and creators.

Store for Souvenirs on the Craft Village

The Entebbe Juakali Centre, higher often known as the Entebbe Crafts Village, is positioned virtually instantly reverse Victoria Mall, and is an effective place for memento procuring. There are a variety of stalls right here providing quite a lot of gadgets, together with souvenirs, crafts, jewelry, artwork, clothes, sculptures, tableware, scarfs, and luggage.

There are fairly a number of stalls right here and the choices do range by stall, so do browse a bit. Pricing just isn’t mounted and haggling is anticipated, though we discovered the preliminary costs have been comparatively cheap after we visited.

We visited right here after stopping at Victoria Mall, you’ll be able to simply stroll throughout the road. We purchased a number of issues right here. This was truly the one craft market that we visited throughout our time in Uganda.

The stallholders, virtually all ladies, have been very pleasant and well mannered and we loved searching the stalls, even when it was pouring with rain after we visited!

Go to Victoria Mall

Though not likely a vacationer attraction, Victoria Mall is a well-liked vacationer cease. Opened in 2013, this shopping center is an effective place to cease if you could purchase something in your Uganda journey.

The shopping center features a good-sized grocery store, a number of retailers promoting clothes, sneakers, out of doors gear, and presents, a restaurant, a fast-food restaurant, a pharmacy, an eye fixed clinic, and a cinema. There may be an ATM, a spot to purchase SIM playing cards (Airtel), and a Foreign exchange cash change workplace.

It’s an ideal place to choose up groceries or snacks, get a SIM card, get cash, change foreign money, or purchase any last-minute wanted clothes, mountain climbing, or tenting stuff. The shopping center has good safety, and you’ll go to on foot or park on web site.

We visited and purchased a number of souvenirs from a small craft store, in addition to some toiletries and snacks from the grocery store.

The lodge, the Greatest Western Premier Backyard Resort, is related to the procuring heart. Friends have direct entry to Victoria Mall so it’s a helpful place to remain for individuals who plan to go to the mall and craft market.

Take a Day Journey to Kampala

In case you are in Entebbe for a number of days, you need to undoubtedly contemplate taking a day journey to Kampala. Kampala is the capital metropolis of Uganda, and there’s quite a bit to see right here. Because of the categorical freeway that opened in 2018 (requires tolls), it’s now solely round a 30-minute drive from Entebbe to Kampala, though visitors in Kampala itself could be very gradual.

We’ve spent a while exploring the highlights of the town, each on our personal and as a part of a guided strolling tour. We will extremely advocate a guided strolling tour because it was a great way to study concerning the historical past and tradition of the town, in addition to get ideas from a neighborhood on security.

We additionally visited different locations on our personal, utilizing a experience sharing app to get round. We extremely advocate contemplating placing the Kasubi Royal Tombs, Uganda Museum, the Baha’i Temple, Gaddafi Mosque, and Kabaka’s Palace (Mengo Palace) in your itinerary.

You may undoubtedly go to all these areas by yourself but it surely does require some coordinating as websites are unfold out. In case you are visiting Uganda as a part of a safari, you may additionally be capable to get your safari firm to incorporate a tour of Kampala’s highlights on the itinerary as properly. It’s additionally potential to ebook a tour like this which visits each Kamapala and Entebbe.

Occasion on the Night time Golf equipment

If you wish to have some late-night enjoyable, Entebbe has a number of late-night bars and evening golf equipment the place you’ll be able to dance the evening away.

The Avenue Membership Entebbe is a well-liked possibility. It is a restaurant and lounge by day and an evening membership by evening. An alternative choice is the Knight Riders Discotheque

In case you are planning on going out at evening, do learn our recommendations on security in Entebbe and plan your transport prematurely.

Excursions from Entebbe

There are a variety of in style excursions which you could take from Entebbe, together with day excursions of native sights in addition to longer multi-day safari excursions that cowl extra of Uganda.

The preferred day journeys are going to be to Kampala, Mabama Swamp, and Jinja. The closest nationwide park for wildlife viewing goes to be Lake Mburo. However you can too be part of a lot of multi-day safari excursions from Entebbe that embody issues like safari recreation drives, village visits, chimpanzee trekking, and gorilla trekking.

Listed below are some choices to think about.

• This full day tour consists of the highlights of Entebbe in addition to a visit to the Mabamba swamp the place you’ve got an opportunity to see the elusive and odd-looking shoebill stork
• In case you are primarily centered on hen watching, then contemplate reserving a tour with Mabamba Shoebill Excursions.  They run a half-day tour to the swamp from Entebbe, together with a ship experience, which supplies the chance to see a lot of uncommon birds together with the shoebill stork.
• Birders may additionally contemplate this 2 day tour, which incorporates each Mabamba Swamp and the Entebbe Botanic Gardens.
• In case you are on a brief journey to Uganda, maybe for enterprise, and actually need to expertise a safari recreation drive, you are able to do so with a day journey to Lake Mburo Nationwide Park from Entebbe. This can contain numerous driving, however it’s an possibility if in case you have restricted time.
• If you want to go to the highlights of Entebbe and Kampala, try this two-day tour which does simply that.
• In search of a extra adventurous tour? Try this two-day journey to Jinja which has horse-riding, quad biking, and white water rafting in addition to a strolling tour of Jinja itself
• There are additionally many multi-day safari centered excursions from Entebbe, together with excursions which characteristic chimpanzee trekking and gorilla trekking. You may see a number of the greatest choices on GetYourGuide right here and Viator right here.

The place to Keep in Entebbe

There are a variety of lodging choices in Entebbe throughout a spread of value factors. We advocate the next as a place to begin/

• 2Friends Seaside Resort – it is a good worth possibility positioned by the shores of Lake Victoria and 10 minutes drive from the airport. The lodge has snug air-conditioned rooms, some with lake views, all with personal loos. There’s an on-site restaurant and seashore bar, small out of doors swimming pool, and the employees are very pleasant. That is the place we’ve got chosen to remain on each of our visits to Entebbe.
• Papyrus Visitor Home – it is a good worth possibility providing peaceable lodging a bit method from the centre of Entebbe. In case you are searching for extra of a standard visitor home feeling, it is a good possibility to think about. Rooms are all en-suite and there may be an on-site restaurant for meals. Simply notice rooms have followers reasonably than air-conditioning.
• Greatest Western Premier Backyard Resort – conveniently positioned proper subsequent to Victoria Mall, this 4 star lodge can be near many different sights in Entebbe together with the Botanic Gardens. All of the rooms are air-conditioned with en-suite services.
• Imperial Botanical Seaside Resort – this lodge is positioned subsequent to the shore and has a superb location subsequent to each the Botanical Backyard and Wildlife Centre. It additionally has its personal seashore entry. En-suite rooms are air-conditioned and there’s an on-site restaurant.
• Lake Victoria Resort – this colonial period lodge was initially designed because the leisure centre for the Governor of Uganda, and it’s the place Queen Victoria stayed on her go to to Uganda in 1958. It’s conveniently positioned for each Entebbe Golf Membership and Entebbe Cricket Floor. It affords 4* lodging with a pool and restaurant.
•  The Boma Resort – this luxury boutique lodge is present in a Nineteen Forties period dwelling and affords personal en-suite lodging with air con. There’s an on-site restaurant and bar in addition to a pool, and it’s conveniently positioned for many sights.
•  Admas Grand Resort – this properly reviewed 4* lodge affords high quality lodging close to Entebbe’s important sights. Rooms are en-suite and air-conditioned, and there’s a swimming pool, health centre and restaurant on-site, in addition to a sizzling tub, spa and wellness centre.

In fact, there are numerous extra choices in Entebbe throughout a spread of costs. You may see extra choices for Entebbe on reserving.com right here.

Find out how to Get to Entebbe

Entebbe is the placement of the primary worldwide airport in Uganda, so that is the place most guests to Uganda arrive. It is not uncommon for these on safari to be picked up instantly on the airport and to spend their first evening in Entebbe. It is usually a well-liked final evening in a single day keep.

Entebbe can be properly related to Kampala. There may be an categorical freeway between the 2, which solely takes round half-hour to journey by automobile. Observe it is a toll highway, however the payment is properly value paying because the previous Entebbe-Kampala highway can take over 2 hours to traverse as a consequence of visitors.

In case you are arriving into Entebbe airport and staying in Entebbe or Kampala, your lodge would possibly be capable to prepare an airport switch for you. You can too ebook this your self utilizing a service like this.

There may be additionally a shared shuttle bus service from Entebbe to Kampala and Jinja often known as the Pineapple Specific. This affords an inexpensive scheduled service from a lot of Entebbe areas together with the airport, and you’ll ebook this on-line right here.

Find out how to Get Round Entebbe

There are a variety of how to get round Entebbe. First, the city just isn’t very large, so you can stroll between lots of the sights your self. You are able to do this your self, or on a guided strolling tour like this.

We walked round most of Entebbe and had a good time, simply remember that it may be highly regarded so it would be best to put together with a hat, sunscreen, and loads of consuming water.

Nonetheless, some sights are fairly unfold out, relying on what you need to go to, and it’s possible you’ll have to take transport. Your two important choices in Entebbe are boda boda and automobile taxis.

Boda bodas, that are motorcycle taxis, are simple to search out alongside the streets and drivers will usually cease and ask if you would like a experience in the event that they see you out strolling. Or you’ll be able to take an everyday automobile taxi. You should utilize a ride-sharing app like Uber to rearrange transport or ask at your lodge who will help prepare transport.

Should you resolve to take a boda boda, we extremely advocate you’re taking one that provides a helmet to riders. We personally stick with automobile taxis nowadays for security causes, however boda bodas are an inexpensive and simple type of native transport.

Is Entebbe Protected?

Entebbe is pretty protected, though it would be best to pay attention to your environment and take primary precautions when visiting.

The principle challenge guests to Entebbe will want to pay attention to is opportunistic crime. Issues like bag snatches and pickpocketing are one thing to pay attention to, as is the danger of mugging.

As a customer, you need to minimise the dangers. This implies not carrying costly jewelry or carrying some huge cash. We’d additionally advise you to maintain any digital camera tools or costly telephones out of sight in a bag, and solely carry them out whenever you intend to make use of them. It is usually a good suggestion to keep away from strolling after darkish if potential.

We walked throughout Entebbe and took many images utilizing our small compact digital camera and telephone, and we by no means felt in any hazard. Nonetheless, we did primarily go to in style areas in daylight and saved our smartphone and digital camera tucked away in a bag when not in use.

Scams are additionally one thing to pay attention to. We advocate reserving any excursions prematurely with a licensed respected tour operator. In case you are nervous about strolling round, then a strolling tour is a good possibility.

In case you are uncertain of something, we strongly advocate asking for recommendation at your lodge or from a trusted information.

We advocate studying up on the newest journey recommendation supplied by your authorities earlier than visiting, as we advocate for any nation. For instance, you’ll be able to see the recommendation for visiting Uganda on the UK authorities web site right here, and the US state division web site right here.

Sensible Concerns for Entebbe

Listed below are some sensible ideas in your time in Entebbe and Uganda that will help you plan your journey.

Language

The official languages of Uganda are English and Swahili; nonetheless, there are numerous native languages spoken in Uganda. Probably the most extensively spoken language within the space is Luganda. Though Swahili has been made an official language, we hardly ever heard locals talking it.

As a vacationer in Entebbe and Kampala, you will get by fairly properly with English as most individuals within the tourism business right here converse a minimum of some English. At sights and museums, the knowledge is usually written in English.

Ingesting Water in Uganda

The faucet water in Uganda is mostly not considered protected for guests to drink. You need to drink bottled water, or contemplate filtering your personal water. See our information to protected consuming water when touring for some advised choices.

Web Entry in Uganda

If you wish to get on-line, you’ve got two important choices in Uganda. You may depend on WiFi, which is mostly obtainable free of charge at most inns in addition to many different areas corresponding to cafes and eating places.

You can too spend money on a SIM card. We purchased an Airtel SIM card at Entebbe airport on arrival. You can too get a SIM card at Victoria Mall in Entebbe. It was excellent worth and we loaded it with sufficient knowledge to final for our complete go to. It labored reliably throughout the vast majority of the nation, with some exceptions in probably the most distant areas.

Simply remember there’s a registration course of which entails a scan of your passport, fingerprinting, and a photograph. It’s not troublesome, but it surely does take about 10 minutes or so.

If you would like extra recommendation on web entry when touring, see our information to getting on-line when touring for some ideas and recommendation.

Cash in Uganda

Uganda makes use of the Uganda shilling, or UGX. We advocate at all times having some native foreign money readily available for tipping, markets, and different small purchases. It’s best to tip native employees in native foreign money as they then shouldn’t have to pay to have it exchanged.

Ugandan shillings could be simply withdrawn at ATMs throughout the nation, though these could cost a small payment for doing so. We advocate doing this from an ATM on the airport or one hooked up to a financial institution. There are additionally locations the place you’ll be able to change foreign money on the airport in addition to in Kampala, Entebbe, and different bigger cities.

Bank cards are extensively accepted for transactions at most tourist-focused companies, particularly for bigger transactions.

Most vacationer centered companies can even settle for the US greenback (USD) and a few can even settle for the UK pound sterling (GBP) and the Euro. However the most effective overseas foreign money to have and most generally accepted is the U.S. greenback. The payments have to be in good situation and of a latest challenge. They will’t have any marks or be in poor situation as in any other case they won’t be accepted. So if bringing USD foreign money with you, be sure you examine it earlier than your journey.

It’s additionally value checking the change fee, as you would possibly end up getting a greater worth for those who pay within the native foreign money reasonably than in USD or different overseas foreign money.

Energy Shops / Journey Adapters for Uganda

Uganda makes use of a three-pin plug (Kind G plug), as you’ll find within the UK and a lot of different international locations in East Africa. In case you are coming from the UK or different nation that makes use of the British plug, then your tools can be positive and also you shouldn’t want a journey adapter.

In case you are visiting from a unique nation, corresponding to from the USA, Canada, or most of Europe, then you’ll need a journey adaptor like this.

Moreover, Uganda makes use of a 220v-240v system. That is much like a lot of the world except for elements of the Americas, together with Canada and the USA, the place 110v is the norm. In case you are travelling from considered one of these international locations, you’ll need to examine in case your tools helps the upper voltage. It ought to be written on the plug.

Usually, decrease powered units like cameras, laptops, and telephone chargers assist 110v – 240v, while greater energy units like hairdryers don’t. See our information to journey adapters for extra on this subject.

Additional Studying

That sums up our information to issues to do in Entebbe! Earlier than you head on, we additionally needed to share another sources you would possibly discover helpful for planning your journey to Uganda.

• In case you are searching for a guidebook, there may be the Brandt Journey Uganda Information. That is the one journey information that covers simply Uganda. There may be additionally the Lonely Planet East Africa information, which covers Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi for these additionally touring elsewhere in area
• Should you’d like a guidebook to birds, we use the Pocket Information: Birds of East Africa and discover it very helpful. For common wildlife, we use the Pocket Information to the Mammals of East Africa.
• Seeing primates within the wild is among the hottest actions in Uganda. See our detailed information to chimpanzee trekking in Uganda and gorilla trekking in Uganda for all the knowledge you could plan that a part of your journey.
• You’re doubtless going to need to take numerous images whenever you go to Uganda. See our ideas for taking nice safari images, in addition to our information to the greatest safari cameras and lenses that will help you get the most effective outcomes
• In case you are planning on visiting Kenya, try our information to issues to do in Nairobi and our advised 1 day Nairobi itinerary, which has a lot of concepts for the town
• If you want to skip plastic waste, you would possibly contemplate filtering your personal water as you journey. See our information to protected consuming water when touring for ideas
• Now we have a information to getting on-line when travelling, that will help you keep related in Uganda
• You’re going to want to energy all of your units whenever you journey – see our information to the greatest journey adapters so you’ll be able to select the correct one for Uganda

And that’s it! As at all times, we hope you discovered this information helpful. When you’ve got any questions or feedback, simply pop them within the feedback part beneath and we’ll get again to you as quickly as we will.