Travelers visiting Uganda for a safari tour will spend at least a day in either Kampala or Entebbe before setting out to explore Uganda. This is to allow them unwind and relax off the jet lag and may be have a short experience to orient one into the life of Uganda. Many travelers ask which of the two towns would be the ideal arrival destination for a stay upon arrival as they prepare to set off either to Bwindi National Park for the gorilla trekking experience, and/or the many beautiful destinations.
Below I shall discuss what makes each destination a nice place to start from your Uganda adventure so that you can have an idea which of the two would offer the best reception for you in Uganda.
Entebbe
Near the airport
Entebbe is home to the Entebbe International Airport and is therefore your arrival destination in Uganda. Are you arriving late in the night want the nearest place to the airport, definitely you will overnight in Entebbe. There are hotels within a minute’s drive from the airport. On the other hand, you may arrive early in Uganda but do not wish to drive a long distance, so staying in Entebbe being the preferred option.
Unwind on Lake Victoria
Entebbe is situated on a peninsula along Lake Victoria, Africa’s freshest largest lake. The lake shore offers the ideal place to relax off the jet lag. There are plenty of water hotels and resorts along Lake Victoria with nice sandy beaches. In fact many travelers prefer Entebbe over Kampala to enjoy the peace and tranquility on Lake Victoria.
Small population and no hustle
If want to stay away from chaos and congestion, Entebbe is quiet town with a small population. However, the weekends are different as many revelers from Kampala and beyond flock the beaches and resorts in Entebbe, visit Uganda Wildlife Education Center, Botanical Gardens, the Airport.
Plenty of things to do and see, especially for nature lovers
Entebbe has a number of lovely places you can visit to occupy you if you some free time on arrival. Many of the places are easy to access from most hotels in Entebbe with no hustle at all. Some of the top places to see include Lake Victoria and beaches, Botanical Gardens, Uganda Wildlife Education Center (the Uganda Zoo), and the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary on Lake Victoria which is on Lake Victoria but best accessible from the Entebbe on a 45 minutes speed boat
Safer
Due to the small population and better organization, Entebbe is relatively safer from petty crimes compared to the bustling Kampala City
Express way to bypass Kampala traffic
Many travelers preferred to stay in Entebbe to easy their travels to the different parts of Uganda. This is because if one stayed in Entebbe one still had to go through Kampala on the way to the popular parks hence increasing travel time. However with the new Entebbe Express way one bypasses the chaos in Kampala whether going south to Bwindi National Park home of the gorillas, or northward to Murchison Falls National Park Uganda’s biggest park and prime destination for safari, or east to the Sipi Falls.
In fact, staying in Entebbe considerably reduces your travel time as you forego the heavy traffic jam if you stayed in Kampala.
Kampala
Vibrant with lots of people
Kampala being the capital of Uganda is where all Ugandans come to hustle and try to make it in life. It is economic hub of the country and lots millions of people flock the city every day. It is a city full of life and if you want to experience the vibe of an African city then Kampala will give you it you to the fullest on your arrival.
The best night life East Africa
Kampala is famous for its very vibrant nightlife, that is believed to be the best in the East African region. It is a city that never sleeps. There are many night clubs and bars, and lots of fun activities through out the night. If this is the kind of reception you want to experience then continue to Kampala upon arriving in Uganda.
Many historical, religious & cultural land marks
Kampala is important to the formation of Uganda as a country and has many important historical, religious and cultural landmarks. If you are the person interested in icons then Kampala is your place to spend a day on your arrival.
Great city tour
Kampala is much bigger than Entebbe and offers so much you can do and many things to do. A walk in the vibrant city will take you into the economic lives of people, visit some important landmarks, taste a number of local cuisines. If you are looking forward to having a enjoying an African city tour, Kampala will give you a typical experience.
Wide selection of hotels /places to stay
Kampala has plenty of hotel options in the different parts of the city that will cater for all traveler budgets and preferences.