Before independence in 1962 Entebbe was the capital of Uganda before that status was transferred to Kampala. In our opinion it's a much nicer place to stay and explore than
Kampala, being much more relaxed, has wide open spaces with lawns and Lake Victoria is normally close enough to walk to wherever you are staying. With a population of some 70,000, it rose to prominence in the late 19th Century when it was used as a base by the British Colonial
Commissioner, Sir Gerald Portal, having previously been where the Buganda Chief sat to adjudicate cases (in fact the word "Entebbe" comes from the Lugandan word for "seat".)
Entebbe is probably not
somewhere where you would want to stay for more than a few days before starting
your adventure in Uganda but, normally after a long flight, it's a good place to
wile away a few days either on arrival or before you depart from Uganda. Victoria Shopping Mall has a reasonable range of shops and is very modern ~ it
even has a KFC for those missing western style food (already?) and there are some beaches
which you can either walk to or get a cheap ride to and from. Another new
shopping mall is under construction. Given that you can't purchase Ugandan Shillings before arrival, we recommend you
buy a limited amount of Ugandan money on arrival at the airport but then
advantage of better rates in Entebbe itself the following day.
Places to see and visit include an impressive zoo where animals wander in large
enclosures (though take care of the wandering monkeys who are infected with
rabies), the reptile house where the non-squeamish can handle snakes, the State
House (the official residence of the President of Uganda) and the historical
site in Kigungu where the first missionaries arrived. There are also boat rides
on Lake Victoria available as well as well as East Africa's oldest golf course.
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As yet largely uncommercialised,
Western Uganda has many tourist
attractions for the explorer to visit.
As well as the main tourist attractions
there are many other activities
to enjoy in Western Uganda.
A guide to the main towns in and
around Western Uganda, where to stay,
eat and things to see and do.
A comprehensive guide to the best
places to stay when visiting Western
Uganda from hotels to camp sites.