Perched on the northern shores of Lake Victoria, Entebbe is located in the Wakiso District of Uganda. You can fly to Entebbe when you’re visiting Kampala, Uganda’s capital city - it’s just 40 km away. Both Entebbe and Kampala are verdant, vibrant destinations with friendly populations.
You can use either as a launch pad to explore the rest of Uganda, or focus on experiencing the cities in their own right.
Entebbe isn’t just about tranquility, it’s also a place where Uganda’s history is told. Every corner tells a story, and the richness of Ugandan culture is alive in the people and their traditions.
Discovering Entebbe
Having served as the capital during British colonial rule (which ended in the 1920s), Entebbe is endowed with a generous share of leafy boulevards and old colonial buildings, which you can easily explore on foot. The city also boasts a generous number of white sand beaches beside Lake Victoria.
These beaches are lined with hotels, restaurants, and nightlife venues and have become extremely popular with local and international tourists. It’s worth noting that the beaches are very crowded on weekends, but they’re relatively empty during the week. However, you must resist the urge to dive in, as the water isn’t suited to swimming.
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Entebbe is also a great springboard to Lake Victoria’s many islands, most notably the stunning Ssese Islands and Chimpanzee Island, which, as the name suggests, is a chimpanzee sanctuary.
Known as a destination for safari and gorilla spotting, the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre is a great attraction to start with. Admire Entebbe’s flora at the Entebbe Botanical Garden. Finally, a trip to Entebbe wouldn’t be complete without standing on the Equator.
For a close encounter with primates, head to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary on Lake Victoria. Entebbe is also the perfect place for a gorilla trekking tour. Hike through dense forests and feel the excitement build as you come face-to-face with a gentle gorilla family.
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For a more leisurely adventure, take a cycling tour around Lake Victoria. Stalls overflow with fresh, local produce at Kitooro Market. Bananas take centre stage here as it is the national fruit.
For a hearty meal, you must try luwombo, a traditional method of stewing meat in banana leaves. You can opt for slow-cooked chicken or beef in onions, ginger, finely chopped peanuts, spices and more. For a delightful snack, order ‘rolex’ (no, not the watch).
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The Entebbe crafts village is a colourful maze of market stalls brimming with handmade treasures. This makes for a truly Ugandan shopping adventure. You’ll find intricately woven baskets and beautifully carved wooden sculptures. Each piece is crafted by local artisans who pour their heart and heritage into everything they create.
Grab yourself one of the country’s most prized exports - Ugandan coffee.
Exploring Kampala
For a historical lesson on Uganda, Kampala proves itself to be the perfect destination. Head straight for the Uganda Museum on Kololo Hill to learn about the country’s past.
The capital city was originally built on seven hills, but it’s undergone almost constant renovation, and it’s beyond the hills that you’ll find a hotel for your stay in Kampala. It’s safe to walk around any time of day or night, but if you really want to immerse yourself in Kampala’s local culture and don’t mind battling with the city’s traffic, get around on a boda-boda motorbike. Local taxis come in the form packed mini-buses called matatus.
Kampala’s urban center is studded with important government and religious buildings, such as the monumental Uganda National Mosque which has a capacity of up to 15,000.
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Kampala is alive with a strong arts and culture scene, particularly among the city’s predominantly young population. With burgeoning visual arts groups and ardent support from locals, you can find contemporary and underground galleries alike. Smart shoppers can peruse the city’s many vibrant markets for locally made clothes and jewelry.
Flights to Entebbe: Airlines and Services
Together with our global network, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines offers flights to Entebbe, serving Entebbe International Airport (EBB). With over 1.000 hours of interactive in-flight entertainment available on your personal screen on intercontinental KLM flights, you’ll have reached your destination before you know it.
KLM offers a range of services to suit every traveller. From comfortable Premium Comfort Class to Business Class. Looking for extra choice, convenience, and comfort during an intercontinental flight? Upgrade to our Premium Comfort Class and enjoy a spacious, exclusive cabin. Fly in style with KLM Business Class, where privacy, comfort, and attentive service come together. Enjoy high-quality food and drinks, personalized attention from our cabin crew, and the ultimate in relaxation.
Here are some popular flight routes to Entebbe on American Airlines:
| Route | Dates | Price (from) |
|---|---|---|
| New York (JFK) to Entebbe (EBB) | 02/01/26 - 02/08/26 | $956 |
| Charlotte (CLT) to Entebbe (EBB) | 12/29/25 - 01/06/26 | $1,876 |
| Philadelphia (PHL) to Entebbe (EBB) | 01/01/26 - 01/09/26 | $1,984 |
Note: Fares displayed have been collected within the last 24hrs and may no longer be available at time of booking. Some fares listed may include one or more connections that are Basic Economy, which class is subject to additional terms and conditions. Modifying this information may result in a different fare. To find the most updated fare, please visit aa.com.
Practical Information
Entebbe is usually hot throughout the year, but if you want some respite from the heat then visits in August are recommended. Planning your next adventure? The KLM Travel Guide is here to inspire and inform, with expert tips and recommendations for destinations worldwide. Discover must-see attractions, local dining spots, and hidden gems, making it easy to create unforgettable travel experiences.
Both Entebbe and Kampala have a significant population of residents from India and, as a result, the cities’ food culture takes a distinct Asian slant, although the rise in the number of international restaurants nods towards both Entebbe’s and Kampala’s increasing cosmopolitanism.
This information is provided by Qatar Airways as a courtesy. Although it is updated regularly, please check back frequently as travel conditions can change.
