Entebbe is a leafy lakeside town on the shores of Lake Victoria, Uganda's former colonial capital and the location of the international airport. The town center is just minutes from the airport.

About Entebbe City Center

Entebbe is a relaxed, green town sitting on a peninsula jutting into Lake Victoria, with a completely different pace from the bustling capital Kampala 40 km to the north. The town served as Uganda\'s colonial capital under British rule and retains a quiet, orderly character with tree-lined avenues, colonial-era buildings, and the State House (the president\'s official lake-side residence).

The Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (Entebbe Zoo) is the country\'s best place to see chimpanzees, gorillas, and other native species up close—many are rescued animals. The Botanical Gardens, established in 1898 on the lake shore, featured in the original Tarzan films and offer shaded walking paths with vervet monkeys and stunning lake views. Entebbe\'s beaches along Lake Victoria—including Lido Beach and Aero Beach—offer swimming, boat rides, and waterfront restaurants. The town is the natural place to spend a first or last night in Uganda, with charming guesthouses and lakeside hotels that feel a world away from city life.

Nearby Landmarks

Uganda Wildlife Education Centre Entebbe Botanical Gardens Lido Beach Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost Varies by traffic
Time 20-40 min

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Take a special hire taxi from Entebbe Airport to Entebbe town (UGX 30,000–50,000, 10–15 min).
2. Negotiate the fare before departure or use SafeBoda/Uber app.
3. Boda-bodas (motorcycle taxis) are cheaper but not recommended with luggage.
4. Some hotels offer free airport pickup—arrange before arrival.
5. Walking from the airport to nearby Entebbe hotels is possible (20–30 min) but not recommended at night.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi Varies by traffic 20-40 min Convenience, groups, heavy luggage

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Special hire taxis (private taxis) are available at the airport 24/7. Boda-bodas (motorcycle taxis) operate around Entebbe at all hours but are not recommended from the airport at night. The fare to Entebbe town is approximately UGX 30,000–50,000 (USD 8–14). Entebbe is quiet after 9:00 PM with limited nightlife. SafeBoda (ride-hailing app) works in the area.

Luggage Tips

Airport taxis are standard sedans with adequate boot space. Entebbe's roads are paved and in reasonable condition. Guesthouses and hotels in Entebbe are small-scale and may have stairs—confirm accessibility in advance. If continuing to Kampala the next day, leave heavy luggage at your Entebbe hotel and day-trip light.

Accessibility

Entebbe's infrastructure has limited wheelchair accessibility. Roads have few sidewalks and those that exist are uneven. The Botanical Gardens have paved main paths but dirt trails elsewhere. Major hotels (Imperial Resort Beach, Protea by Marriott) have some accessible rooms. The airport has wheelchair assistance. Private vehicles are essential for mobility-impaired visitors.