It is not by chance Uganda to be referred as the ‘Pearl of Africa’. The country comprises of several magnificent attractions that lure mammoth of visitors each year.
Though the country is most famous for its unique inhabitants in her national parks, like endangered mountain gorillas, chimpanzees and varied wildlife, there are also many other wonderful places to visit among them which include the beaches situated along the shores of Africa’s largest lake – Lake Victoria.
These beaches can be visited either on your arrival day in Uganda, before heading to the country’s remarkable Parks or after finishing your trip. This beautiful land-locked country enjoys many superb beaches, 80% of which are located in the Entebbe area. We’ve compiled a list of the some to beaches in this treasured East African Country:
Lido Beach:
Perched almost a kilometer from the Entebbe International Airport, Lido Beach is ‘fair to say’ the most famous and one of the oldest beaches in Uganda. Lido is quite busier on weekends and it is considered a party spot and is a favorite for many locals, especially those dwelling in Entebbe and other outskirts of Kampala.
An event is held there almost every weekend, ranging from family-oriented activities to wild parties. The white sandy beach enjoys beautiful sunsets. If you are looking to have fun the local way, drop by Lido Beach.
Spenah Beach:
Spenah Beach is among the locals’ favorite beaches and is considered a party beach. On a common weekend, events like weddings, birthday parties, fashion shows and music festivals are the norm.
The week days enjoy a fairly quieter time where lovers, friends and families can be seen sprawled out on the white-sanded treasure. If you desire to blend in with the locals, this beach is the best place. Snacks, roasted chicken and meat, fried fish, chips and all sorts of drinks are available!
One Love Beach:
This is one of the most famous beaches in Uganda simply because of its amazing position and the fact being it is owned by a famous Uganda musician-cum-politician, Bobi Wine – real names Kyagulanyi Sentamu Robert. In reality One Love is more than just a beach, simply a paradise! Located in Busabala, One Love Beach is a place to relax and in breathe the lake breeze on a lazy day.
Visitors can enjoy fun games of beach volley ball, sun baths, a pleasant stroll along the shore, exciting boat cruises among other activities. The beach also offers a variety of food, snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in case you get hungry. Local events are hosted on the beach regularly.
Lutembe Beach:
This beach is situated about 4 kilometers off Kampala-Entebbe Road, Wakiso District. It is situated right beside the Lutembe wetlands, a well-known bird sanctuary and home to the white-winged terns in Uganda.
Lutembe Beach is suitable for bird-watching aficionados and photographers of all levels. The beach is clean and ideal for camping. Rent a boat and head towards the rose flower garden and get a picturesque view of the many water birds.
Imperial Resort Beach:
In the south-west of Kampala lies the eye-catching Imperial Resort Beach which is suitable for water sports and sunbathing. The beach is maintained by the 5-star Imperial Beach Resort Hotel. The white sands private Imperial Resort Beach stretches on the shores of Lake Victoria, providing a real paradise for those seeking to enjoy the lake or just to soak up in sun.
At the beach, you will find many exotic trees, plants and rare birds. It is really an ideal place to take pictures. Guests from the hotel or visitors to the beach can be found enjoying mystical sunsets, sunbathing or enjoying water sport activities. Like other beaches, during weekends the beach can get crowded and it sometimes hosts local events.
Aero Beach:
Aero beach is a beautiful private beach next to the Entebbe International Airport. The beach, which is of course nestled on the shores of Lake Victoria, boasts pristine sands, summer huts, small boats and sculptural monuments of world leaders. The private compound where the beach nestles is also decorated with two huge abandoned aircrafts and plastic statutes of wild animals.
The Aero beach is always packed full on weekends that you cannot walk. Therefore if you’re this person who hates big crowds, visiting during the week days would be better. Among the breathtaking activities to indulge in include swimming, boat cruising, sunbathing among others. You can check out the beach restaurant for some fresh Tilapia Fish (from Lake Victoria) and chips as well as Pineapple rings for desert.
Munyonyo Beach:
Munyonyo is also an outskirt of Kampala which is famously known for its 5-star accommodations and also the Munyonyo Martyrs Shrine. However, Munyonyo Beach is also another notable thing in this beautiful corprate town. Located within proximity to Kampala, the Munyonyo beach is maintained by the Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort – a 5-star hotel in Munyonyo. This beach offers many fun-filled activities.
There is the opportunity to rent a speedboat or a canoe and visit Bugala and Ngamba Chimp islands nearby. Helicopter trips can be provided as well. Horseback riding, fishing, and game of paintball are other fun ways to pass time in the relaxed environment.
Waterfront Beach Entebbe:
From stunning fireworks displays to seasonal special events, there is usually something happening at Water Front beach Entebbe. Come and enjoy the great ambience here. Wonderful place fit for parties and boat cruise. It is spacious and has a number of venues for parties of people between 50 to 200 or more.
The boats are amazing carrying from 5 people to 60+ and affordable. It’s also home for the boat that takes you to Ngamba Island – Chimpanzee Sanctuary. It’s generally a great place for a holiday – lots of entertainment available! Good band music is always available on weekends – every Sunday.
Ssese Islands:
Perched in the north-west of Lake Victoria, the Ssese Islands is a famous destination point both for visitors and locals.
To locals, the paradisiacal Ssese islands is a perfect eat-out place to them; ideal for couples, honeymooners, friends. Perfect for bird-watchers and anyone looking for tranquility, the islands boast a lot of exotic birds, monkeys, and even the occasional crocodile and hippo.
Trips between islands can be arranged from Kalangala by lake taxi or private boat. On the islands, you will enjoy a nice bonfire at nights, or visit the party scene on weekends along Kalangala Bay. Have a bite to eat or enjoy a refreshing drink at one of the many restaurants and pubs in Kalangala Town nearby.
How to access the Ssese Islands? Well, you can connect from Entebbe to Ssese islands by a public ferry. Why Ferry? Simply because you will need to board with your car that you will use for transport while there. The ferry from Entebbe is excellent, quite comfortable with refreshments available.
This public ferry in Entebbe Nakiwogo pier called MV-Kalangala departs Entebbe at 2pm every day. The journey time is about 3 hours. This ferry will take a maximum of 11 vehicles should you have one you will be required to get there at 11am to be sure not to miss a space on the ferry.
The other access is in Masaka, Bulaga and the journey time here is about 45 minutes crossing from one end to the other. This ferry will take vehicles as well.
There are however still other options; Entebbe near the zoo, are several speed boats that cost like US$ 80 for special hire. Munyonyo Speke resort US$ 100 for special hire. The only advantage they serve is that you can depart any time according to your time.