For a comparatively small town of about 80,000 people, Entebbe is amazingly well served in terms of accommodation, with over 20 hotels and guest houses from which to choose.

There are two main reasons for this apparent overabundance: the proximity of Uganda’s only international airport; and Entebbe’s delightful surroundings, which make the town an ideal weekend retreat and a popular conference venue. The airport brings one-night guests arriving late or leaving early in the morning as well as regular cabin crew lay-over business for the hotels. Some visitors, preferring to stay outside Kampala, also use Entebbe as a base to see other parts of Uganda.

Entebbe AIRPORT
As the former seat of government until independence in 1962, Entebbe is still the location of the official residence of the president; and the magnificent State House, with its impressive gated entrance, dominates the town.

Next to the main airport road, is Entebbe’s original high street. Now somewhat overlooked and easily passed by, the street does give visitors a glimpse of past architectural styles and an impression of local life before the switch of capital to Kampala.

Entebbe is home to one of Africa’s oldest 18-hole golf courses, dating from 1901, and the original clubhouse is still in use. The course is in remarkably good condition, presenting a stiff but enjoyable test for golfers of all handicaps. It’s also remarkably inexpensive to play and, apart from weekends, the course is largely deserted. Today, Entebbe is easily missed as visitors move quickly through the town to and from the airport. This is a pity, because this is a truly delightful and quiet spot with splendid views over Lake Victoria. It’s easy to see why Entebbe was originally chosen as the colonial capital.