KARIBU, ENTEBBE & BEYOND
Birds At Karibu we are fortunate to be located away from the busy trading centers, main roads and bars which makes it a peaceful, tranquil place to either relax or begin exploring Entebbe.
Birds at Karibu
Our hillside location and mature gardens mean we are fortunate to be visited by a large variety of birdlife. To date, our staff and visiting bird-enthusiasts have spotted over 50 different species of birds in our garden. While you may not see them all at any given time, there are generally a wide variety present from the miniscule Fire-Finches and Sunbirds, to long tailed Mouse Birds, to our resident “mafia” of Eastern Grey Plantain Eaters. See a complete bird-list here
Things to do in Entebbe
Entebbe is located on a small peninsular in Lake Victoria around 35kms from the capital city of Uganda – Kampala. All major international flights come through Entebbe airport, however there is more to do here than just catch a flight. Karibu can advise on, organise, or book all of the following activities, please contact us if you would like more information.
Entebbe Botanical Gardens
Just 5 minutes by taxi from Karibu (or a 25-30 minute walk), the Botanical Gardens were established in 1898 and are home to over 300 varieties of exotic plant species as well as an abundance of birdlife, Black and White Colobus and Vervet Monkeys.
The rainforest zone in the gardens was used as a backdrop during the filming of the original “Tarzan” film in 1940. Entry is $US10 (additional charges if you have a camera or take a guide).
SUNSET BOAT CRUISES ON LAKE VICTORIA
Take a 1 ½ hour cruise along the papyrus-fringed shoreline of Lake Victoria. This is a great chance to spot a wide variety of aquatic birdlife and otters, as well as seeing fishermen cast their nets on the backdrop of the African sun setting over the lake.
There are options to do this activity in a traditional fishing boat (prices from $30pp) or on a fiberglass-hull speedboat (prices from $90pp). Both options include return transport and lifejackets. The speedboat also has an option to visit the “equator island” a bit further out in the lake (surcharge applies).
SEARCH FOR THE SHOEBILL STORK IN MBAMBA WETLANDS
This is a half day trip available any time of day, but early morning is generally best. Take a short drive down to the lake shore, then set out by boat across the lake around 45 minutes to the Mbamba Wetlands. Here you’ll transfer to a smaller boat better suited for navigating the narrow channels through the papyrus. You’ll search out one or more of the resident Shoebill Stork population, the wetland also has a rich variety of other birdlife as well. A trip includes return transfers from Karibu as well as a boat through the swamp. There are options to do this activity in a traditional fishing boat (prices from $60pp) or on a fiberglass-hull speedboat (prices from $150pp).
ENTEBBE TOURS
Take a ride with our resident driver and guide, a local of Entebbe to visit the highlights of this small town that was once the colonial capital of British East Africa. You’ll visit numerous sites of historical and cultural interest. The Botanical Gardens can also be incorporated into this tour (entrance fee paid separately). Tour length is approximately 3 hours.
UGANDA WILDLIFE EDUCATION CENTRE
The Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC) is a center for the recuperation, breeding and rehabilitation of native Ugandan animals that have been rescued from poachers or illegal traders, or from injury in their wild habitats. UWEC strive to release rehabilitated animals back into the wild when possible and also work to educate the people of Uganda about the importance of our local animals and conservation.
You can visit UWEC to see some of Uganda’s unique and rare animals such as the shoebill stork, rhino, chimpanzee, ostrich and hyena. Entrance Fees are $15 per person. Other more in-depth visits are also available such as the “Behind the Scenes Tours” and “Keeper for a Day Experience”.
NGAMBA ISLAND CHIMPANZEE SANCTUARY
Founded by the Jane Goodall Institute in 1998 this 100 acre island is a refuge for over 40 rescued chimpanzees. You can visit the island as a half-day trip departing at either 9am or 1pm. Prices vary according to the number of people on the boat, from $356 for 1 person to $88 for 4 or more people (not including transport to and from the pier).
Things to do near Entebbe
KAMPALA TOURS
Kampala is Uganda’s busy capital city, around a 40 minute drive from Entebbe via the expressway. Our resident driver and guide, can take you on a full day tour to visit the cultural and religious history of the city as well as feel the “hustle-bustle” of town.
Jinja
About 3 hours drive from Entebbe, Jinja is known as the “Adventure Capital of East Africa”.
Karibu can put you in contact with various companies who can assist you to book the following activities such as: White water rafting, kayak school, horseback safaris, quad bike safaris or bungy jumping.
GORILLA TREKKING AND SAFARIS
Our sister company, Experience Uganda, specialise in all styles of tours and safaris through-out our beautiful country.
