The Botanical Garden is over 100 years old but has become more beautiful with age. Tropical trees, plants, flowers, birds, monkeys, butterflies n abundance along Lake Victoria. Take a picnic lunch and spend the most wonderful day in Entebbe.
The Entebbe Botanical Gardens established in 1898 are situated on the northern shores of Lake Victoria virtually on the equator. Experiencing an annual rainfall of 1623 mm and at an altitude of 1134 metres the gardens are set in 40.7 hectres.
The gardens house a collection of species of plants of the tropical, sub-tropical and temperate zones, besides several shrubs and other plants regenerated naturally over the years.The collection as of 1998 numbered 309 species, 199 indigenous to Uganda, 122 with known medicinal value and 110 exotic. The gardens are a popular attraction for visitors of which some 40,000 per year are passing through the gates since the rehabilitation in 1998.
The entrance is located close to the Botanical Beach Hotel. Colobus monkeys are common. The gardens are an opportunity for birding enthusiasts to open their birding account for Uganda or merely to add to an existing list. Palm Nut Vulture and African Grey Parrot are resident, whilst Bat Hawk is often seen over the gardens at sunset and is best observed from the Botanical Beach Hotel patio bar. Naturally there is loads of exotic plants and trees.
Accommodation
- Kidepo Guest House
- Uwec Leisure Accommodation
- Lake Heights Hotel
- Sienna Beach Hotel
Specialized Tour Operators
- Home to Africa Tours and Travel Company
- Maranatha Tours and Travel
- Great Lakes Safaris Limited
Botanical Gardens provides a perfect introduction to the Pearl of Africa with all of its beauty and magical splendor. The Botanical Gardens is beautiful pearl within the Pearl of Africa – Uganda – that most visitors do not get to see since it is not on itineraries unless you are a birder.
Entebbe Botanical Gardens is one of the best places near Kampala where you can spot many species of birds. It is also a place of tranquility and peace, a feast for the eyes and there is a notable absence of people – you are simply immersed in nature, the sounds of birds breaking the stillness of the moment. It is simply a lovely place to spend a few hours – you can bring along a picnic lunch and make it an all-day adventure.
The Entebbe Botanical Gardens established at the turn of the 20th history is a place of flowers, plants, trees not only native to Uganda but from other tropical locations around the world – it is certainly a place of beauty and discovery for flowers, plants, shrubs, trees, monkeys, insects, and magnificent birds. It is a birders paradise within 40 minutes from Kampala, a low priced entry and you can do it without a self-appointed guide who is looking to make a few shillings – since, unless they know what they are talking about, the chatter becomes a distraction from seeing the beauty of the garden and discovering birds, often the best person to guide you is your driver-guide supplied by your tour company.
The Entebbe Botanical Gardens are not equipped for the disabled however a slow drive in a safari vehicle through the park will certainly allow anyone who is unable to walk to see these wondrous gardens. For those coming to do some birding – it is best to have an East African Orthinology Book on hand and a good pair of binoculars will also make your time here better.
Right at the entrance in the tall trees you usually find a pair of Verreaux’s eagle owls. Birds of the gardens include the orange-tufted and red chested Sunbirds and Orange Weaver. The latter breed in the bushes on the shores of Lake Victoria along with slender-billed Northern Brown –throated, yellow backed, Jackson’s Golden-backed, Black-headed and Vieillot’s black weavers. The rocky headland along the Lake making an ideal observation point. On the lake and around the shore look for long-tailed Cormorant, Common Squacco and black-headed herons, hamerkop, African Open-billed Stork, yellow-billed duck, Grey headed gull, various terns, giant and Pied Kingfishers and swamp Flycatcher. Scan the boats at the large jetty where you often find Pratincoles (2-3 pairs are usually present). Black-headed Gonolek and Red-chested Sunbird occur in the dense scrub covering the headland.
As you stroll along the paths, you will find a medicinal garden, stands of Bamboo, thick underbrush, towering trees, simply a lovely morning, afternoon or full day in the quiet of the Botanical Gardens along Lake Victoria that seems to appear over and over as you walk along. Local Rumors (including Bradt Guide) have it that the early black and white Tarzan Movies were made here. Enjoy your day in Entebbe Botanical Gardens.
Get Social