The Entebbe Botanical Gardens is found in Entebbe, Uganda. This site was established in 1898, thus the oldest botanical gardens in Uganda. The Entebbe Botanical Gardens span a total land area of 40.7 ha. The Entebbe Botanical Gardens is both a tourist and research center with plenty of flora and fauna. Plants species available include ornamentals, fruits, medicinal, timber etc.

Location of Entebbe Botanical Gardens?

The Entebbe Botanical Gardens is situated right at the northwestern shorelines of Lake Victoria. The gardens stretch across 1.5 km of the shoreline, providing a strategic position for views of the lake. The Entebbe Botanical Gardens are also less than 2 km from the Uganda Wildlife Conservation and Education Center. This is 5 minutes drive southwards from the gardens.

Attractions at Entebbe Botanical Gardens?

Flora

At the moment, the Entebbe Botanical Gardens showcases over 500 plant species. These range from ornamentals to cash crops and medicinal plant species etc. A tour at the Entebbe Botanical Garden will reveal to you cash crops like coffee, tea, cocoa and rubber etc. The same tour offers horse cassia, Bermuda cedar, cannonball tree, coconut tree, and oil palm etc.

Fauna

The Entebbe Botanical Gardens boasts diverse fauna with plenty of birds, primates, rodents, insects and others. Red-chested sunbirds, marabou storks, Vieillot’s black weaver and black headed herons are among the common bird species here. Other bird species that find shelter at the Entebbe Botanical Gardens include the little greenbul, hadada ibis and grey woodpecker.

Other faunae that can be sighted at the Entebbe Botanical Gardens include the Ugandan crested mangabeys, vervet monkeys, red colobus monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, spiders and plenty of butterfly species etc. Common lizards, geckos, snails, toads and frogs are also residents at the Entebbe Botanical Gardens.

Lake Victoria

This is Uganda’s largest lake and a major attraction for travelers to the Entebbe Botanical Gardens. You get great views of the shoreline while enjoying the cool air that comes from Lake Victoria. Lake Victoria has a diverse range of fish species and also plenty of aquatic birds consider it home. Landscapes around the lake are very marvellous and nice to look at.

Activities to do at Entebbe Botanical Gardens?

Identification of plants

With hundreds of plant species grown and managed at the Entebbe Botanical Gardens you have plenty to identify. There is a huge chance that you have never seen some of the plant species planted here. Therefore, this is an opportunity to explore and learn more about unique plant species and their roles in the environment and to humans.

Environmental awareness

At the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, you might think that you are just a guest but there is much more to do there. This is a chance to express your appreciation for environmental conservation through support. You also get to learn the various plant species that are conserved after facing threats of their extinction. This information will be disseminated by you to other people.

Purchase plants

While identifying the plenty of medicinal and ornamental plant species available at the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, you have an opportunity to purchase those available for that purpose. These plants can make your home compound look lovelier while also healing a number ailments you might have.

Birdwatching

With over 100 bird species, the Entebbe Botanical Gardens is a significant urban bird haven. Birdwatching in the Entebbe Botanical Gardens is so special to ornithologists and birders. Here, you will spot the African wood owl, sedge warbler, African grey parrot, broad-billed roller, Egyptian goose, water thick knee and great blue turaco etc.

Nature walk

Leisurely strolling in the gardens and along the shores of Lake Victoria is a memorable activity on its own. The distance is walkable which makes the nature walk shorter but worthwhile. This is a great opportunity to enhance your body fitness while getting views of nature around you. The peace and quite at Entebbe Botanical Garden is key to the experience.

Picnicking

With plenty of space at Entebbe Botanical Gardens, you are offered an opportunity to enjoy a picnic. This is crucial to people who need to socialize more after long weeks and months of working non-stop. Relax and hear the sounds of birds and primates that boost the feeling of being blown by the cool air from the serene Lake Victoria.

Photography

With all the mentioned attractions, the Entebbe Botanical Gardens is among the most perfect places in Uganda for photography. Brightly colored flowers, indigenous and exotic trees and numerous landscapes can serve as lovely backgrounds. Birds and primates can also be timed for the best shorts.

What is the cost of touring the Entebbe Botanical Gardens?

To be granted permission to enter the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, you will need to pay 20,000 Uganda shillings which is approximately $6 at the entrance. This excludes the guiding fee, which you will pay if required.