Located along the shores of Lake Victoria – largest fresh water lake in the world, Entebbe Botanical Gardens is a gateway to the Pearl of Africa. Uganda has a lot to discover ranging from beautiful landscape, wildlife and over 55 unique cultures that are all evenly spread all over the country.
About landscape, Uganda offers beautiful places one can enjoy while relaxing while getting rid of stress and Entebbe Botanical Gardens is one of these serene places. The gardens were established in 1898, seated on 40 hectares in a cool calm environment and the first and oldest botanical Gardens in Uganda. The gardens are occupied by different tree species offering a chance to do nature walks.
Much of the flora here is mainly Uganda indigenous trees and a few other exotic species. These offer a chance for visitors to learn more about medicinal herbal plants that are found in this place. The area attracts different bird species such as Grey-headed gull, various terns, giant and pied Kingfishers and swamp Flycatcher among others.
On your visit to Entebbe Botanical Gardens, you will spot several primates such as black and white colobus monkeys, guereza colobus, and Vervet monkeys among others in a small patch of forest. All these will give you eye-catching views while on your visit.
A tour to Entebbe botanical gardens.
Visitors coming to Uganda are advised to take a visit to Entebbe Botanical Gardens after up country safaris from other national parks and at least spend a full or half-day to explore the beauty of these beautiful gardens. There is a lot to do as you take a visit of Entebbe Botanical Gardens and these include;
Birding.
For bird lovers, these gardens boast over 300 bird species both water and forest birds. Most spotted birds here include Woodland Kingfisher, palm nut vulture, hamerkop, African grey parrots, black-headed Heron, long-crested Eagle, lizard buzzard, grey caped Warbler and red chested sunbird among others. A day spent birding in the garden areas is the best option you can make and never regret.
Nature walks.
For nature lovers, there are endless chances to spot different attractions like primates, birds, and plant species as you walk along the designed walking trails. The common primates here are vervet monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys and red-tailed monkeys.
The floral species are Cedars, Canon ball tree, Hoerscassia and Mediterranean Cypress while for the case of birds, Woodland Kingfisher, African grey parrots, black-headed Heron, hammerkop, lizard buzzard among others can be spotted.
Picnic.
For those who need to have lunch picnics in the wild, Entebbe Botanical Gardens offer the best sitting ground areas with cool breeze from the lake. You can choose to have your picnic overlooking the lake or in the forest watching over nature.
For students on an education or research tour, you will learn more about conservation techniques, herbal medicines, as you take a tour around the botanical gardens. Other activities in the gardens are photography, sightseeing among others.
How to access Entebbe Botanical Gardens?
The gardens are located at the entrance of Uganda just near Entebbe International Airport taking 5 minutes’ drive. When you are from Kampala, it’s 45 km taking 30 minutes’ drive.
