Entebbe Eco Tour – Full Day
Overview
This full-day Entebbe eco-tour immerses you in Uganda’s wildlife, history, and nature. Begin with a canoe trip at Mabamba Wetland to spot the rare Shoebill Stork, Blue Swallow, and over 260 bird species. Visit the Uganda Reptile Village to encounter snakes, crocodiles, tortoises, and chameleons up close. Continue to the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre to see rescued elephants, chimpanzees, lions, and giraffes, with an optional behind-the-scenes experience. After a local lunch, explore Kigungu Historical Site, the birthplace of Uganda’s Catholic mission. Conclude at Entebbe Botanical Gardens, wandering among over 500 plant species and playful monkeys. Enjoy the serene lakeside setting and gentle breeze from Lake Victoria.
Starts in: Mabamba Wetland
Ends at: The National Botanical Gardens
Pickup: 08:30AM
Drop-off: 06:00PM
Highlights
- Uganda Reptile Village
- Kigungu historical site
- Shoebill sights at Mabamba Swamp
- Visit Uganda Wildlife Education Centre
- Tour Entebbe Botanical Gardens
- Local food tasting
- Visit Nakiwogo Market
A renowned Ramsar Site, for being home to endangered species like the Shoebill Stork and Blue Swallow, the wetland hosts over 260 bird species. Take a motorized canoe trip on Lake Victoria to reach the wetland, named by fishermen for the large lungfish, or “Mamba,” that inhabit the area — a favourite food of the shoebill! Other notable birds include Pallid Harrier, Papyrus Gonolek, Swamp Flycatcher, Pygmy Goose, Lesser Jacana, Grosbeak Weaver, Palm-nut Vulture, Papyrus Canary, Malachite and Pied Kingfisher, Gull-billed Tern, Goliath Heron, and Egrets.
Located just 3 km off the Kampala–Entebbe Road, Uganda Reptile Village immerses visitors in the fascinating world of reptiles. Founded in 2002 by Yasin Kazibwe, the park promotes reptile conservation and education. See snakes such as Black Mamba, Jameson’s Mamba, Rock Pythons, Vipers, Egyptian and Forest Cobras, and Puff Adders, along with chameleons, tortoises, crocodiles, and monitor lizards. Visitors can even handle a Rock Python or tortoise. All visits support community development initiatives, combining adventure with impact.
Established in 1952, this centre rescues and rehabilitates injured or orphaned wildlife. It is home to over 400 indigenous animals, 500 plant species, and 250+ bird species. Enjoy close encounters with chimpanzees alongside expert keepers, as well as lions, tigers, and numerous grazers including the famous elephant “Charles”. Other residents include zebras, antelopes, monkeys, giraffes, cheetahs, rhinos, warthogs, and birds such as the African fish eagle. Enhance your visit with a $70 pp optional behind-the-scenes experience, step into the role of a caretaker for the day, feeding giraffes, chimps, and other animals up close.
This is followed by a local lunch and refreshment at a restaurant.
After lunch, visit Kigungu Historical Site on the shores of Lake Victoria, where Uganda’s Catholic mission began. The first missionaries, Br. Amans, and Fr. Lourdel Maple, landed here on 17 February 1879. Highlights include the fishing village, Entebbe Airport runway, and lakeshore birdlife.
Uganda’s first and oldest agricultural research site (est. 1898), spanning 40.7 hectares along 1.5 km of Lake Victoria shoreline. The gardens protect over 500 plant species, including indigenous and exotic fruits, medicinal plants, spices, ornamentals, timber, and wild crop relatives. Spot Red-tailed, Vervet, and Colobus monkeys moving freely among the trees, and support conservation efforts by adopting or planting a tree. With its serene atmosphere and the gentle breeze from Lake Victoria, the gardens provide a perfect climax to your Entebbe Eco Tour after a day of diverse explorations.
Afterward, relax as you are dropped off at your hotel or any preferred location in Entebbe, marking the end of a memorable day.
Note: All transfers outside Entebbe will be offered at an extra cost.
Inclusions
- Private Transport in a 4WD Minibus
- Return Boat Transfers to Mabamba Swamp
- Lunch and mineral water per person
- An English-speaking guide
- Entrance fees included per site visited
Exclusions
- Optional activities and services not mentioned above.
Additional notes:
- Pickup and drop-off outside Entebbe will be offered at an additional fee.
- Cash payments: US Dollar notes printed before 2017 will not be accepted.
- All notes must be clean and free of stamps, ink, markings, or dirt.
- Clients should specify their pickup point at the time of booking.
- The trip excludes optional activities.
- UWEC behind the scenes experience is an optional activity.
Pricing
| No. of Pax | Price P/Person – USD |
| Solo traveller | 385 pp. |
| 02 | 270 pp. |
| 03 | 225 pp. |
| 04 | 205 pp. |
| 05 | 190 pp. |
| 06 | 172 pp. |