Birding in Entebbe Botanical Gardens: Entebbe Botanical Gardens is the only natural botanical garden in Uganda, It is located on the shores of Lake Victoria in Uganda. Entebbe Botanical Gardens is a lush greenery covering an area of approximately 40 hectares, this fascinating sanctuary is home to over 309 plant species. The gardens were gazetted in the 1900’s and were established in 1998, the gardens have become to most popular destination for bird lovers, botanists and tourists seeking to explore the hidden gems of Uganda. The gardens boast a stunning array of flora, such as colourful trees, fragrant flowers, exotic palms and rare orchids. Tourists can wander through winding pathways lined with astonishing baobab trees, and mahogany among others.
One of the main highlights of the Entebbe botanical gardens is the collection of medicinal plants that have been used by traditional healers for years. Tourist can learn about the healing properties of these plants and their cultural importance in African medicines. The gardens also harbor a butterfly sanctuary, offering visitors a chance to spot these fascinating features in their natural habitat. More so, the botanical gardens also serve as a research and conservation center. The gardens aim to conserve endangered plant species and educate the public about the importance of biodiversity conservation. the garden is home to over 100 bird species including rare bird species such as the Verreeaux’s eagle owls
Common bird species spotted in the Entebbe botanical gardens
Visitors planning to go for a Uganda birding tours in the Entebbe botanical gardens will have an opportunity to encounter different birds species including waterbirds such as Grey-Headed Sparrow, the Spur-winged Lapwing, White-winged Tern, Klaas’s and Diederik Cuckoos, Northern Crombec, Tambourine Dove, Cameroon Sombre Greenbul, Little Grey Greenbul, the Pink-backed Pelican, Yellow-billed Stork, Eastern Grey Plantain-eater, Yellow White-eye, Purple-banded Sunbird, African Jacana, Lesser Jacana, Pied Kingfisher, Water Thick-knee, Madagascar Bee-eater, Egyptian Goose, Black-headed weaver, Slender-billed Weaver, Yellow-backed Weaver, the Africa and Red-billed Firefich, Black-and-white-Casqued Hornbill, Senegal Coucal, Little Stint, Little Weaver, Striated Heron, Ruff, Gull-billed Tern, Black-headed Gonolek, Ruppell’s Long-tailed Sterling, Yellow-billed Duck, Glossy Ibis, African Open-billed Stork, Malachite Kingfisher, Blue-checked Bee-eater, Common Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, Black Crake, Long-tailed Cormorant, Crowned Hornbill, Vieillot’ Black Weaver, Woodland Kingfisher, Hadada Ibis , palmnut and Hooded Vultures, Shikra , Lizard buzzard , Long-crested eagle , Grey kestrel , Black Crake , Blue-cheeked Bee eater , Angola swallow , winding and red faced cisticolas , Grey capped warbler , common wattle –eye , and Green –throated and scarlet-chested Sunbirds. among others
Birding packing list for a Uganda birding tour at Entebbe botanical gardens
Binoculars, a good pair of binoculars is an important piece of equipment for spotting a far distance bird, visitors are recommended to carry one to use and provide astonishing views of the birds
Field Guide, bring along an East African Ornithology Book to help you identify the various bird species you encounter. This guide will provide valuable information about their appearance, behavior, and habitat.
Goot birding clothing, wear light and breathable clothing suitable for the weather and avoid startling the birds
Hat and Sunscreen, Protect yourself from the sun with a hat and sunscreen.
Sturdy Footwear, Comfortable walking shoes, or hiking boots are recommended.
Water and Snacks, Stay hydrated during your birdwatching session. Carry a water bottle and some light snacks to keep your energy up.
Camera, Capture the beauty of the birds you encounter.
Other tourist activities to combine with a birding safari at Entebbe botanical gardens
Swimming
For water lovers, you can always go for a swim on the shores of Lake Victoria during your visit to Entebbe Botanical Gardens. More so, visitors are encouraged to carry decent and appropriate swimsuits and a towel. visitors should also be cautious as they swim to avoid accidents such as drowning. In addition to that, beware of the water that you intend on diving into since there is a risk of contracting a disease known as bilharzia.
Photography
For people who love taking photographs of nature or are interested in taking part in a photoshoot with friends/family, Entebbe Botanical Gardens is the perfect spot. The lush greenery at the botanical gardens contains tall green trees and probably tree squirrels or monkeys in the background, making it ideal for photo lovers.
Nature walks around the botanical gardens
Nature walks at Entebbe Botanical Gardens is another amazing activity offered to visitors on a Uganda safari at the botanical gardens. Nature walks at the botanical gardens are one way you can explore the hidden gems of the garden’s rich biodiversity. During this activity, you will be guided by an experienced local guide through the stunning forests while giving you all the necessary explanations and learning points that you may need. There will be several stops for you to take photographs and enjoy the cool breeze as you take in all these precious moments.
Other places to visit around Entebbe
Visiting the Uganda reptile’s village
Visiting the Uganda Reptiles Village is excellent for those who are fascinated with reptiles. The sanctuary takes care of all kinds of reptiles including crocodiles, turtles, tortoises, lizards, chameleons and snakes such as vipers, cobras, mambas and puff adders. Most of these reptiles were rescued and rehabilitated after being found in people’s homes and gardens. After they receive a call from someone who spotted a reptile in their compound, staff are sent to pick it up. When the number of reptiles increases, some are released back into the wild.
Visiting Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
This sanctuary is home to more than 40 orphaned chimpanzees who have been rescued from within and outside Uganda. The young chimps are brought to the Centre for rehabilitation and to start a new life on the beautiful island. Here they are looked after by some of the best caretakers and researchers. To reach the Nyamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, one would need to take a boat or public ferry. Once on the island, you have an opportunity to observe the chimps feeding from an enclosure before retreating back to the forest. Visitors to the island can also participate in feeding the chimps or volunteer for a while in the facility
visit Zika Forest
Zika forest is the forest where the Zika Virus was first discovered by scientists in 1947. A group of researchers are currently studying the insects trapped in the forest to come up with groundbreaking findings that will be of benefit to the world. Zika forest is a Favorite for birders and those who just want to explore a tropical forest within reach. Visitors on a Uganda adventure tour to the forest can get the opportunity to spot a variety of magnificent features such as monkeys, birds and countless butterflies. Visitors should not that, there is no chance of catching the Zika Virus in the forest these days.
Vising the Entebbe Zoo
Entebbe Zoo famously known as Uganda Wildlife Education Center, which was opened in 1952 by the Colonial Government in Uganda, was a reception center for wild animals that were found as casualties (sick, injured, orphaned, confiscated from illegal trade, and for other educational reasons). This captivating zoo is situated on the shores of Lake Victoria, with forested cages of wild animals for tourism and education. The zoo offers both domestic and foreign tourists great chances to see animals such as lions, elephants, giraffes, crocodiles, leopards, birds like the shoe bill, and many others. During your visit to Entebbe Zoo, you will be able to see the animals of Uganda and the ecosystems in which they live, as well as how they eat, play, and walk
Visiting Ssese Island
Ssese island is one of the Islands you shouldn’t out when on your exploration in Lake Victoria, is a tropical Island and one of the famous destinations to explore while in Uganda. Ssese Island is one of the world’s hidden gems, and the finest island to explore. The Island is commonly visited by many visitors and a tranquil Island can be reached either by boat, ferry, or even a domestic chatter. The Ssese Islands offer some of the best fishing spots in Uganda. Ssese island offers visitors remarkable activities such as horseback rides, birding, hiking, Nile Perch fishing and ATV quad biking among others, making it the best place to chill out and relax. Ssese Island also offers an astonishing and pleasant environment to its visitors.
