Lake Victoria & Kampala
On the shores of one of Africa's great lakes, Lake Victoria, Entebbe and Kampala are two of Africa's most pleasant urban centres.
Jun to Sept
Overview
The two largest towns of Uganda, Kampala and Entebbe, lie only 37 km apart. Entebbe is set on Lake Victoria. Whilst Kampala, the capital of Uganda, has an equally scenic location on a series of hills some 10 km inland.
Kampala
Kampala is a vibrant African city, bustling and full of the sights, smells and sounds of a forward-moving and dynamic capital. The traffic is terrible, but there is always a great deal to look at. Most of everyday life happens on the street. People eat and drink, and buy and sell. But they also visit the barber and manufacture things within inches of the traffic too.
Though it sprawls over numerous hills, the business heart of the city is really quite small. Thus it is more appealing to visit than other capitals in the developing world.
Entebbe
Entebbe is much sleepier but attractive. The botanical gardens’ great claim to fame is that the rainforest zone in the gardens was used as a set during the filming of the original “Tarzan” film in 1940. It was established in the late 19th century. Unlike the older parks and green places of Kampala, it has survived and thrived.
Near the gardens is the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC), a rehabilitation centre for native Ugandan rescue animals.
Lake Victoria
Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania share the shores of Lake Victoria. But this enormous body of water is the size of a small country in its own right! There are numerous islands which are covered with tropical rainforest, fringed by white sandy beaches and dotted with traditional fishing villages. A prime example would be Ngamba Island.
Milandi Joubert
Africa Travel Specialist
Features
Why you may love it
- On the shores of one of Africa's great lakes, Lake Victoria, Entebbe and Kampala are two of Africa's most pleasant urban centres
- Kampala tours include the Kasubi Tombs and museum, the Bulange Palace, the cathedrals and the craft markets
- Entebbe has lovely botanical gardens and the lakeshore
- The perfect location for evening sunset cruise, drinks at sundown or strolls along the lake shore
- See rare species like the ostrich and the shoebill stork at the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre
- Lake Victoria is the largest of the Great Lakes of Africa and the largest tropical lake in the world
- Also on Lake Victoria is Jinja, home to some of the best white-water rafting in the world
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When to visit Lake Victoria & Kampala
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- FishHome to many species of fish that appear nowhere else
- SizeWorld's largest tropical lake - 59,947km²