Entebbe, on the northern shore of Lake Victoria about 36 km southwest of Kampala, is the first place almost every visitor to Uganda sees, since it is home to Entebbe International Airport, the country’s main gateway. Once the seat of colonial government for the Uganda Protectorate before independence in 1962, Entebbe today is a quieter, greener alternative to Kampala, with lakeside scenery, historic gardens and Uganda’s national zoo all close to the airport.
The town at a glance
- Population of about 81,160 at the 2024 census, on the northern shore of Lake Victoria
- About 36 km southwest of Kampala, home to Entebbe International Airport, Uganda’s main air gateway
- Formerly the seat of government of the Uganda Protectorate, until the capital moved to Kampala at independence in 1962
- Uganda’s State House, the president’s official residence, is located in Entebbe
A gentler start or end to a Uganda safari
Because nearly every international safari begins and ends at Entebbe’s airport, many visitors spend a night here before or after their safari, and the town rewards the stop. The Entebbe Botanical Gardens, laid out in 1898 on the lakeshore, offer a relaxed walk among old trees, monkeys and forest birdlife right beside the water, while the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, the country’s national zoo, gives an easy introduction to Ugandan wildlife for visitors short on time before departing.
A name tied to history
Entebbe’s name comes from the Luganda word for “seat” or “chair,” reflecting its role as an administrative centre since 1893. The town gained international attention in 1976 as the site of Operation Entebbe, a dramatic hostage rescue at the airport carried out by Israeli special forces, an event that remains part of the town’s modern history.
Things to do
- Walking or birdwatching in the Entebbe Botanical Gardens on the lakeshore
- Visiting the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, the national zoo
- Relaxing by Lake Victoria before or after a flight
- Day outings to nearby Ssese Islands or Mabamba Swamp for shoebill birding
Practical information
- Home to Entebbe International Airport, the arrival and departure point for most Uganda safaris
- About 45 minutes to an hour from Kampala by road, traffic depending
- A comfortable, quieter base for a first or last night compared with central Kampala
Entebbe offers an easy, lakeside introduction or farewell to a Uganda safari. Offmap Safaris can arrange an airport-night stay with a botanical gardens or zoo visit built in. To start planning, visit Plan My African Safari, message us on WhatsApp at +256 701 243 304, or email [email protected]. See also our notes on health and safety and visa and entry requirements.
