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About Entebbe
Entebbe, a serene town located on the northern shores of Lake Victoria, is often considered the gateway to Uganda. As of 2023, Entebbe has a population of approximately 100,000 people. The town is known for its tranquil atmosphere, lush greenery, and its role as a key point of entry for travelers to Uganda.
The climate of Entebbe is tropical, with two rainy seasons: March to May and September to November. The temperatures are generally moderate throughout the year, thanks to its proximity to Lake Victoria, which helps to regulate the climate. The best time to visit Entebbe is during the dry seasons from December to February and June to August, when the weather is ideal for exploring the outdoors.
Entebbe is served by Entebbe International Airport (EBB), the main international gateway to Uganda, located just a few kilometers from the town center. The airport is well-connected to various international destinations, including direct flights from Saudi Arabia. Airlines such as Saudia, Qatar Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines operate flights to Entebbe from major Saudi cities like Riyadh and Jeddah, often with convenient connections.
Entebbe’s cuisine offers a mix of traditional Ugandan dishes and international flavors. Local staples include Matoke (steamed green bananas), Luwombo (a dish made with meat or ground nuts steamed in banana leaves), and Chapati. Fresh fish from Lake Victoria, particularly tilapia and Nile perch, is a highlight of the local dining experience. For dessert, tropical fruits like mangoes, pineapples, and jackfruit are widely available and delicious.
Entebbe is home to several attractions that highlight its natural beauty and historical significance. The Entebbe Botanical Gardens, established in 1898, offer a peaceful retreat with a variety of indigenous and exotic plant species. The gardens are also a great spot for birdwatching, as they attract numerous bird species.
For wildlife enthusiasts, the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC), also known as the Entebbe Zoo, provides an opportunity to see and learn about the country’s native animals, including lions, elephants, and chimpanzees. The nearby Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, located on Lake Victoria, offers boat trips where visitors can observe rescued chimpanzees in a natural setting.
Outdoor activities in Entebbe include relaxing on the sandy beaches of Lake Victoria, such as Aero Beach and Spenah Beach, which are popular spots for locals and tourists alike. The town also serves as a starting point for safaris and trips to other parts of Uganda, including the famous Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Saudi Arabian nationals visiting Entebbe will need to apply for a visa prior to their arrival in Uganda. The electronic visa (e-Visa) system allows Saudi citizens to apply for a tourist visa online, which simplifies the process. It is recommended to check the latest visa requirements and travel advisories before planning your trip.
Transportation to Entebbe City Center from Airport
Entebbe Intl. Airport
In Entebbe, there is a heavy traffic in general. Although traffic flow is comfortable late at night and early in the morning, traffic during the day is rather heavy. Besides, the drivers in the city don't follow traffic rules. For this reason, renting a car may sometimes be troublesome for those who are not so familiar with Entebbe traffic. However, it is possible to find the offices of many car rental companies in the city center. Considering the heavy traffic, you can prefer motorbike to the car if you are experienced at riding a motorbike. However, you should bear in mind that the most injury cases in Uganda are caused by motorbike accidents. If you are going to ride a motorcycle, at least you should wear your helmet. If possible, it would be a good idea to wear special protective clothing (such as jackets, knee pads).
Public transportation in Entebbe may sometimes be very challenging. Especially the careless and dangerous driving of the drivers as well as the old and neglected cars may be frightening for tourists. Means of public transport in the city are the minibuses, which are especially preferred at short distances, and the buses. These vehicles, which are extremely low in price, cover even the shortest distances at a longer time than they should due to the extremely crowded and heavy traffic. Motorcycle taxis called Boda Boda are the most preferred means of transportation in Entebbe.
The fact that motorbikes are smaller and have more agility compared to cars come with great advantages in heavy and complicated traffic. However, you should always remember to take the necessary precautions for your safety. Besides Boda Boda, the motorcycle taxis, you can also find normal taxis easily in the city center.
Taxis in Entebbe generally don't have fixed stands and a legal status. So anyone may serve his/her car as a taxi if you ask, or they may sometimes offer to pick you up. Taxi service in the city is not very reliable because there are not any regulations for taxis here. None of the taxis has a taximeter; even when they have, the taximeters are mostly broken. For this reason, it is absolutely necessary to negotiate and agree with the driver in advance about the destination and taxi fare. Generally speaking, you shouldn't hesitate to bargain because the taxi fares are very high, especially if you are a tourist.
If you want to take a taxi, always try to prefer a taxi that your hotel or, if possible, someone you know recommends you take. Entebbe International Airport serves not only Entebbe city but also many other surrounding cities. Transportation from these cities to Entebbe International Airport is mostly provided through Kampala. It is very easy to reach Entebbe International Airport from Kampala by small minibuses. These minibuses depart every 30 minutes or hourly depending on the density. Ticket only costs 3000 UGX, it means 1 dollar. However, the tourists may sometimes be charged twice a ticket price. The journey takes about one hour. If the traffic is not heavy, the journey time is much shorter.
You can also get to the city center from Entebbe International Airport in a very short time. Taxi is the most preferred transportation option from the airport to Entebbe city center, which is very close to the airport. You can also reach the city center by renting a car at the airport. Another alternative is the shuttle-like transfer vehicles run by Uganda Airport Transfers Company.
Taxi
You can easily find a taxi in front of the airport exit. If possible, try to take a taxi you are recommended or ask your hotel to arrange a taxi for you. As there is no taximeter in the taxis in Entebbe, remember to bargain with the driver about the taxi fare in advance. Don't pay the taxi fare in advance.
Rent a car
You can find the car rental offices of Hertz and Europcar at the airport. You also save time by renting your car online in advance. Please remember that you must have an international driver's license to rent a car. If you want to take advantage of this option, you should bear in mind that Entebbe traffic is generally quite dense and complicated. In addition renting a car, you can also rent a motorbike, which is a very common option in Entebbe.
If you want, you can also rent a car with a driver as well. Unlike the standard airport shuttle services, Uganda Airport Transfers, which is a private company, provides transfer services with various vehicles. Transfer vehicles vary from standard 3-person cars to 25-person buses. Each vehicle takes a luggage per seat. Another different service provided by this company is that it offers "door-to-door" service rather than traveling on a specific route. In addition, you can also benefit from the taxi services provided by this company.
Hotel Shuttle Services
A limited number of hotels offer airport shuttle services since Entebbe International Airport and the city center are very close to each other. However, even if your hotel doesn't provide shuttle service, they can arrange an option to pick you up at the airport upon your request.
