Entebbe is a little slice of paradise off the coast of Lake Victoria majorly known for being home to the Entebbe International Airport, the only international traffic serving airport for Uganda. Before the 1962 independence, Entebbe was the protectorate administrative center for the colonial British government which easily escalated the town’s development.
The town is also known for the terrorist stand-off that happened at the airport in 1976 which was quelled out by the combination of Israeli commandos and Ugandan soldiers. The standoff is famously known as “Operation Entebbe”.
Most people only go to Entebbe for two things; a weekend at the beach or on their way to the airport, yet the little town has so much that you can do in a day if you put your mind to it.
Visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Center
It might not be something you have ever thought of doing but, the UWEC is one of the best places if you are planning a family day out. Kids get to pet the animals such as; giraffes, rhinos, lions, elephants, leopards among others and you get to learn something new about Uganda’s wildlife.
Although commonly known as a zoo, the center is more of a habitat offering rehabilitation and veterinary services for wild animals that operates as a leisure center for people too.
Go Golfing
There is vast golfing space for any enthusiasts in Entebbe right opposite the State House you will find the Entebbe Golf Club where most avid golfers in the area can be found. And if you do not know how to; pay for classes at the club, rent a few clubs and tee your way into game.
One of the country’s sprawling golfing space can be found at the Lake Victoria Serena just off the Entebbe- Kampala highway, the golf is in a very serene environment right on the shores of lake Victoria.
Birding
If you are a birding enthusiast you should know that Uganda has over 1000 bird species. When in Entebbe, you get a chance to enjoy the experience of observing most of them in their natural habitats especially at the vast tropical Botanical gardens that are on your way to the Uganda Wildlife Education Center.
Cruise To The Islands
Entebbe being the gateway to the rest of the world, its shores are also the common docking site for cruise ships that take guests to the Ssese. This is an archipelago of islands floating on Lake Victoria that form some of the most beautiful romantic and weekend getaways for anyone interested.
Sailing
Did you know there is a sailing club in Entebbe? Well every weekend you will notice little dhow looking boats floating in the distance on the lake usually in groups.
The sailing club usually holds maritime sporting competitions that if you cannot engage in, watch and cheer and they have theme days such as family day for you to enjoy with the loved ones.
Visit The Reptile Sanctuary
There is a place in Entebbe that is not for the faint of heart. A place where the crawlers/ reptiles that can be bred in Uganda have a home at a place called the Uganda Reptile Sanctuary.
From, snakes of all types to chameleons and crocodiles, you get to learn more about these misunderstood creatures and maybe pet a few of them.
Picnic At The Beach
Entebbe has beaches in plenty, most of them don’t allow food and others allow you to have a picnic with friends and still buy drinks and delicious Tilapia while there. Take a day off and relax in Entebbe.
Evelyn Masaba is the Public Relations and Marketing Manager at Jumia Travel Uganda
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