Uganda Tours Starting in Entebbe

Uganda Tours Starting in Entebbe

Uganda, famously known as the Pearl of Africa, is a country blessed with breathtaking landscapes, rare wildlife encounters, pristine lakes, lush forests, and unforgettable cultural experiences. And for most travelers, the adventure begins in Entebbe—a peaceful, scenic lakeside town located along the shores of Lake Victoria. With its international airport, botanical gardens, wildlife sanctuaries, beaches, and quiet charm, Entebbe is not just an arrival point but an ideal base for launching unforgettable safaris across the country. Uganda tours starting in Entebbe provide convenient access to the country’s top national parks and attractions, making it the perfect starting point for both short trips and extended multi-day journeys.

Whether you’re heading to the gorilla highlands in southwestern Uganda, the savannahs of Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Park, the primate forests of Kibale, or the adrenaline capital Jinja, Entebbe offers easy and direct connections to all major tourism circuits. Many travelers prefer Entebbe over Kampala due to its proximity to the airport, quieter atmosphere, lakeside accommodation options, and seamless transfers. From one-day excursions to multi-week expeditions, Entebbe remains one of the most strategic and traveler-friendly starting points in Uganda.

This detailed blog explores the best Uganda tours beginning in Entebbe, must-visit destinations, suggested itineraries, unique activities, travel tips, and why Entebbe is the perfect launchpad for uncovering the wild beauty of Uganda.

Why Start Your Uganda Safari in Entebbe?

Starting your safari in Entebbe comes with numerous advantages:

Direct access to Entebbe International Airport
Short transfer times to domestic flights
Quiet, scenic, and relaxing environment
Plenty of lakeside hotels and guesthouses
Close proximity to attractions like Ngamba Island and Botanical Gardens
Easy access to both western and northern tourism routes

Unlike Kampala’s busy traffic and fast-paced energy, Entebbe offers a calm and smooth beginning to your Ugandan adventure.

Top Attractions in Entebbe Before Your Safari Begins

Most travelers spend at least one night in Entebbe to rest after a long flight. During this time, you can explore several incredible attractions nearby.

Entebbe Botanical Gardens

A peaceful, forested garden home to monkeys, beautiful birds, and lakeside walking trails. It’s one of the best places for relaxing strolls and nature photography.

Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (Zoo)

Perfect for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and travelers wanting to learn about Uganda’s animals before seeing them in the wild.

Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Located on Lake Victoria, a boat trip from Entebbe takes you to this sanctuary where rescued chimpanzees are cared for in a natural environment.

Entebbe Beaches

Multiple beaches along Lake Victoria offer great places to unwind, enjoy fresh tilapia fish, and watch stunning sunsets.

Craft Markets and Local Eats

Explore handmade crafts, try local Ugandan rolex, or enjoy lakeside dining in quiet restaurants.

Once you’ve relaxed and acclimatized, your safari begins—departing directly from Entebbe.

Top Uganda Tours Starting in Entebbe

Entebbe’s location makes it ideal for connecting to all major national parks and safari circuits.

1. Murchison Falls National Park Safaris

Northwest of Entebbe lies Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and one of its most thrilling safari destinations.

Highlights of Murchison Falls Safari

Boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls
Game drives featuring lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and leopards
Nile Delta birdwatching tours
Scenic savannahs and riverbanks
Hike to the top of the falls

Travel Time via Road: 5–6 hours
Travel Time via Flight: 1 hour to Pakuba or Chobe Airstrip

Starting your safari from Entebbe makes the transition smooth and quick, especially with domestic flights.

2. Queen Elizabeth National Park Tours

Queen Elizabeth National Park is southwest of Entebbe and offers incredible wildlife diversity and iconic landscapes.

Key Experiences

Tree-climbing lions of Ishasha
Kazinga Channel boat cruise
Elephants and buffaloes grazing the plains
Volcanic crater lake drives
Leopards, hippos, crocodiles, and more
Over 600 bird species

Travel Time via Road: 6–7 hours
Via Flight: 1 hour to Kasese or Mweya Airstrip

A perfect combination of water and land safari experiences.

3. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Gorilla Trekking Tours

Bwindi is the most popular destination in Uganda for gorilla trekking, and Entebbe is the perfect starting point for the journey.

Highlights

Gorilla trekking in multiple sectors
Gorilla habituation experience
Batwa cultural tours
Lush, mist-covered rainforest
Birdwatching paradise

Travel Time via Road: 8–10 hours
Via Flight: 1 hour to Kisoro or Kihihi

Fly-in gorilla trekking from Entebbe is one of the most convenient safari options.

4. Lake Mburo National Park Safaris

Lake Mburo is the closest national park to Entebbe.

Highlights

Walking safaris
Night game drives
Horseback safaris
Boat cruises
Zebras, impalas, elands, hippos

Travel Time via Road: 4–5 hours

Perfect for short 1–2 day safaris starting in Entebbe.

5. Kibale Forest Chimpanzee Tracking Tours

Kibale Forest National Park is the primate capital of East Africa.

Popular Activities

Chimpanzee tracking
Birdwatching in Bigodi Wetland
Forest photography
Butterfly species and monkeys

Travel Time via Road: 5–6 hours
Via Flight: 1 hour to Kasese or Fort Portal Airstrip

An excellent addition to a Queen Elizabeth or Bwindi safari.

6. Jinja and the Source of the Nile Tours

Though closer to Kampala, Entebbe still provides easy access to Jinja.

Best Experiences in Jinja

White-water rafting
Bungee jumping
Quad biking
Sunset cruises
Visit the source of the Nile

Travel Time via Road: 3–4 hours

This is the perfect adventure tour after your wildlife safari.

7. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Tours

Located along the Entebbe–Gulu highway, Ziwa is perfect for rhino trekking.

Highlights

On-foot rhino tracking
Nature walks
Shoebill canoe tours

Travel Time via Road: 3 hours before reaching Murchison Falls

Often included in Murchison Falls itineraries.

Best Uganda Tour Itineraries Starting from Entebbe

3-Day Murchison Falls Safari

Day 1: Drive or fly from Entebbe
Day 2: Game drive + Nile boat cruise
Day 3: Hike top of the falls + return

4-Day Queen Elizabeth Safari

Day 1: Transfer from Entebbe
Day 2: Game drive
Day 3: Kazinga boat cruise
Day 4: Return

5-Day Gorillas and Lake Bunyonyi

Day 1: Fly from Entebbe to Kihihi
Day 2: Gorilla trekking
Day 3: Lake Bunyonyi relaxation
Day 4: Travel back to Entebbe or continue safari

7-Day Western Uganda Safari

Kibale chimps
Queen Elizabeth
Ishasha lions
Bwindi gorillas
Lake Mburo safari
Return to Entebbe

10-Day Uganda Big Five and Gorillas

Rhinos at Ziwa
Murchison Falls
Kibale chimps
Queen Elizabeth
Bwindi gorillas

These itineraries can be tailored to traveler preferences, budget, and time.

Transport Options for Tours Starting in Entebbe

Entebbe’s strength is accessibility. Travelers can choose from:

4×4 Safari Vehicles

Land Cruisers
Safari vans
Pop-up roofs
Professional drivers

Domestic Flights

Entebbe Airport connects to:

Kasese
Kisoro
Kihihi
Pakuba
Arua

Short flights reduce long driving hours.

Boat Transfers

Trips to Ngamba Island
Trips across Lake Victoria (private or shared boats)

Private Transfers

Comfortable SUVs available for smaller groups or couples.

Tips for Starting Your Safari in Entebbe

Stay at least one night before your safari
Choose accommodation close to the airport
Plan early morning departures
Pack for changing weather conditions
Carry some snacks and drinking water for long drives
Use experienced safari companies for best experience

A well-timed start ensures a smooth, stress-free safari launch.

Why Tours Starting in Entebbe Are Perfect for Travelers

Entebbe offers:

Comfortable lakeside accommodations
Immediate access to domestic flights
A quieter environment for resting after flights
Smooth connections to Uganda’s national parks
Extra wildlife and cultural activities before your safari
Beautiful scenery and fresh air from Lake Victoria

It is both the gateway and the perfect first taste of Uganda.

Book Your Uganda Safari Starting in Entebbe with Experiya Tour Company

Experiya Tour Company specializes in organizing Uganda tours starting in Entebbe, offering reliable transfers, personalized itineraries, professional guides, and the highest standards of safety and comfort. Whether you’re planning a short wildlife trip or a full Uganda safari adventure, Experiya ensures a seamless journey from Entebbe to every corner of the Pearl of Africa. Book your Uganda tour starting in Entebbe with Experiya Tour Company and explore Uganda with confidence, convenience, and expert guidance.