I really needed a break from Kampala so I organised some free accommodation at a Christian charity place (so many of them in Uganda!) and got an Uber.
Entebbe is much smaller than Kampala and on Lake Victoria, a huge inland sea, second only in size to Lake Superior in the USA. There is not a lot to see in Entebbe. A quick check online turned up the Botanical Gardens so, having already spent some time sitting in Cafe Javas in Victoria Mall, it was time to explore.
I paid 10,000 to get in and splashed out another 10,000 for a guide. I don’t usually bother but in fact he was worth the expense as I would have missed a lot without him. The vervet monkeys were all over the place coming up close to me because my bag and phone cover were banana coloured, I was told! We had to chase them away from rushing at me.
The gardens were planted by the British (bless them) and were spectacular in the range and size of trees, even having a area of jungle. In fact, the jungle area was so dense and rich in vines, that it was chosen as the location for the first Tarzan film – the black and white version. I can well believe it – the place was perfect for Tarzan.
In the evening I tried several of the restaurants on the shore, one of which had some local dancers and drummers. It was great for the first half hour and then I just wished (I am sure I was not the only one) that they would shut up. I felt like saying “Do you do requests?”
Entebbe is ok for a day or two, but after that there really isn’t anything to occupy you. It’s a little dull and unexciting, unless you’re into staring out across a lake, goig fishing and listening to African drumming for hours on end.