Page 48 - October - December 2022 Edition

Evening Bird-Watching from a Local Fishing
Boat [4]: Call Rogers at Shoebill Boat Tours, pack
some cheese, crackers and a sundowner, and
then hoist yourself into this vessel. Rogers is a bird
enthusiast, making it a lovely-and-informative
float through the reeds. (He also has life-vests
and a motor, so it’s safe, and speedy when
How to make the most of a short visit to Uganda’s gateway city! needed.) This is an authentic, “local” excursion.
by Dr. Nathaniel Dunigan Nakiwogo Landing Site.
Booking ESSENTIAL: +256 785 723 338. Starting
at Ugx 70k for two people.
When people consider spending time in Entebbe, Secure parking is available at the MV Kalangala
the first advice they usually receive is: “Go to the Ferry terminal for a very small fee.
zoo!” Officially called the Uganda Wildlife
Conservation Education Centre (UWEC) [1] on our map Bicycle Tours: Let the fantastic guides at Gregg Za Mugula:
“the zoo” certainly is not to be missed! Especially Uganda Tours show you Entebbe as you pedal! Frédéric Lepron
recommended is the more-expensive-but-worth-it They have a wide-range of bike-tour
BEHIND THE SCENES tour for up-close engagement with the Shoebill Boat Bird-Watching: Leslie Nielsen options—from historical, to giving-back, and
magnificent animals. from relaxing rides to intense experiences for do some quick food shopping. Try Gorilla
Call +256 414 320 520 for times. expert riders—and more. Most can be arranged Conservation Café [5], across the street from
BEHIND THE SCENES fees payable on arrival: with as little as an hour’s notice, and prices start Victoria mall. Their proceeds go to the protection
Non-East-African: Adults $70, Kids $35. Residents: Adults $50, Kids $15. East Africans: Adults Ugx 50k, at only $20/person. Their bikes are the quality of endangered mountain gorillas at Uganda's
Kids Ugx 30k. Regular admission much cheaper. Giant© brand, and are well-maintained. For a Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and to the
list of their many offerings, call or WhatsApp: health of people, too. Preorder salads, burgers
But there is even more to do in Entebbe! +256 740 913 423. They also have a small and more via WhatsApp: +256 786 358 081.
office in the lobby of the Protea Hotel by Marriott And don’t forget a bottle of wine. There’s a great
Here are my top suggestions for spending two enjoyable days in this charming community by the lake. [8]. selection at Yash Supermarket [6] in Kitoro,
+256 758 463 226. Then head to the Botanical
Entebbe Za Mugula [2]: This cultural site with remarkable rock formations—between the airport and the Picnic! At nearly 0 degrees latitude, and at Gardens or to Entebbe Za Mugula!
lake—is a must-visit. Tradition says that in the 18th century—Mugula, a Muganda chief—carved a seat almost 1,200 meters above sea-level, this is the
for himself into the rocky shore. From here, judicial hearings were held, decisions were made, and perfect climate for a picnic—year-round. If you Pizza! For a delightful pizza experience, visit
penalties were enforced. It is believed that this is where “Entebbe” gets its name—from the word for didn’t pack a blanket, you can easily buy a Cinque at Hotel No. 5 [7] in Bugonga. Charming
“seat” or “chair.” This is an extraordinary site in many ways. **NOTE: Due to changing security protocols handmade mat from a street vendor, and then setting, excellent service. Cinque has really
(given the proximity to the airport), allow extra time for checks, detours, and to ask folks for raised the bar for what it means to serve a “pie”
directions—and be prepared to be turned back. But for my money, it’s worth the try.** in Uganda, and they’re right here in Entebbe!
They also offer some vegan and gluten-free
4 pizzas. “Foodie” dishes available in the boutique
The National Botanical Gardens [3] hotel’s main dining-room. +256 779 299 625,
Are among the oldest in East Africa, dating back @hotelnumber5 (f i t).
5 3 to 1898. There are more than 100 species of trees
and plants in the vast gardens, as well as a Frédéric Lepron Swimming! After spending time on the Entebbe
lovely stretch of beach—and birds and
6 9 1 monkeys, oh my! You can hire a guide, or Entebbe Botanical Gardens: peninsula—surrounded by water—why not take
a refreshing dip? The pool at the Protea Hotel by
7 roam freely (after paying the entrance fee), lay Marriot [8] is right on the lake’s majestic shores.
out a picnic, or even camp overnight in your For only Ugx 15k/adult and 10k/child, you are
own tent. Fees payable at the gate on welcome to lounge poolside, swim, relax, and to
arrival—cash only. (Non-East-African: Adults buy food and drinks. For 35k, you have access to
8 Ugx 20k, Students Ugx 10k. Residents [Adults or the gym and spa which include sauna,
Students]: Ugx 10k.
Ugandans: Adults Ugx 5k, Students Ugx 3k. steam—AND the swimming pool. +256 414 323
132. Or you can visit the pool at the historic Lake
Guided Tour or Camping: Ugx 10k.) Victoria Hotel [9] (opened in 1948). It is larger
and has a high-dive, but is not on the lake.
2 25k/adult and 15k/child. +256 414 351 600.
(These are also great options for spending the
day before a flight out. Showers and
luggage-storage available.)

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