Entebbe botanical gardens lying along the shores of Lake Victoria offer an exceptional nature outing and picnic retreat for visitors while in Entebbe. The gardens are the most popular birding hotspot offering a great introduction of Uganda’s rich avian diversity with up to 200 bird species. Laid out in different zones, Entebbe botanical gardens represent Uganda’s rich vegetational diversity of habitats consisting of rainforests, savanna woodlands, open water and wetlands.
Entebbe Botanical Gardens Brief History
The 40 acres Entebbe botanical gardens were established in 1898 as the first agricultural research unit, where cash crops like coffee and tea were tried and tested before planting them in estates across Uganda. The gardens includes a horticultural, and medicinal herb sections that showcase indigenous medicinal varieties that are used by the locals across Uganda. There is a seed bank with over 5000 seed specimens preserved here.
Activities and Attractions at Entebbe Botanical Gardens
Bird Watching
Entebbe botanical gardens are Uganda’s prime birding spot with a stunning checklist of over 200 species, a mere fraction of the country’s rich avian biodiversity. The gardens boast patches of diverse habitats which offer a great introduction to uganda’s rich bird diversity.
Highlights at Entebbe Botanical gardens include a radiant pair of Bat Hawk; a precuscular falcon-like raptor with large yellow eyes, Grey Parrot, Weyn’s and Orange Weavers, African Wood Owl, Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl, Crowned and Black-and-white-casqued Hornbills, Stripped and Woodland Kingfisher, Great Blue and Ross’s Turaco, Broad-billed Roller, White-throated Bee-eater, and more. The 1.5km Lake Victoria shore line is patrolled by various seasonal migrants and local waders.
Guided Nature Walks
Entebbe botanical gardens offer quality walks that crisscross various vegetational zones in here. Dedicated botanists should make use of knowledgeable site guides available at the reception and shares extensive knowledge on medicinal plants and indigenous herbs. The tracts are well gazetted and offers a quality meditative stroll.
Cycling at Entebbe Botanical Gardens
Cycling tours are another great adventure conducted across Entebbe Botanical gardens’ excellent tracks but you must carry your own bike.
Other Wildlife at Entebbe Botanical Gardens
Extensive forest patches and riverine sections attract Guereza, Vervet and Red-tailed Monkeys while the lakeside vegetation supports dozens of Nile Monitor while resident primates in the gardens include.
Entrance Fees and Guides
Entebbe Botanical gardens entrance fees ranges from 8 USD per person and 20 USD with a local site guide to enhance your expereince here.