Botanical Gardens in Kampala and Entebbe
The best botanical gardens in Entebbe and Kampala – Uganda. A botanical garden is an establishment where wildlife and nature are protected for scientific study and display to the public. In Uganda, botanical gardens are situated around the country which travelers engage in for research and other study purposes. Usually, this is an eco-tourism site with several plant species and other wildlife species. They are typically used as research areas, recreational areas, tourism sites, and many other purposes.
Which botanical gardens are in Kampala and Entebbe?
While on a Uganda safari, there are several botanical gardens that travelers can visit and create everlasting memories.
Makerere Botanical Gardens
Makerere Botanical Gardens were established in 1948 by a British Botanist Professor – Robert Baldwin at Makerere University. He aimed to showcase Uganda’s rich plant biodiversity. The garden hosts several plant species that range from 1000 in number that travelers encounter during safaris in Uganda. These plant species are categorized as indigenous plant species, medicinal plant species, and tropical rainforest tree species. During a visit to this area, there are several walking trails in the area for travelers to encounter the plant species. Also, a few bird species and small primates are usually seen in the area. Makerere Botanical Gardens are open for travelers from Monday to Friday working hours from 0800 hours to 1700 hours. In this area, there are no online appointments.
Munyonyo Botanical Gardens
Munyonyo Botanical Gardens are located in the Munyonyo areas on the Kiruddu road on the shores of Lake Victoria within central Uganda. This area has several plant species that are available in this area. In the area, there are several small primates and bird species that travelers encounter.
Kampala Botanical Gardens
Kampala Botanical Gardens is found within Kampala near the golf course of Kampala and the area is about 14 to 15 acres of land. These gardens are home to several plant species indigenous and exotic plant species. Additionally, the area also has a small pond with several walking trails. It is home to several bird species and small primates which are seen during the visit. Kampala Botanical Gardens are open for travelers throughout the year for travelers with opening hours from 0800 hours to 1700 hours.
Entebbe Botanical Garden
Entebbe Botanical Garden is located in Entebbe near the Entebbe International National Airport. The Entebbe Botanical Gardens was established in the 20th century in 1898. It was established near Lake Victoria and a few kilometers away from Kampala city. The area is situated near the equator line. The area is home to several tree species which were introduced in the 20th century. It is the largest botanical garden in Uganda. These gardens hold a history that in the movie called Tarzan, it is where it was acted from in 1958. It is also considered to be the National botanical garden of the country. These gardens have different vegetation zones including rainforests, bird species, and primates.
Primates in the area include the black and white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and many others. Bird species in the area include the orange weavers, violets black weavers, Red-chested sunbird, black-headed heron, pied kingfisher, common squacco, swamp-fly catcher, African open-billed stork, giant kingfisher, yellow-billed stork, black-headed gull, hammerkops, and many others. The botanical gardens also have several nursery beds with several tree species like cedars, coconut palms, canon ball trees, Mediterranean cypress, and many others.
Activities that travelers engage in the botanical gardens.
While in the botanical gardens around Kampala and Entebbe, there are several activities that travelers on their Uganda safaris engage in and they include;
Birding tours
This is one of the primary activities which is done around these areas. Botanical gardens are habitats for the bird species and also have more food for the birds to feed on. Birding in this area is usually done at any time of the day. But the best time is during the morning hours of the day. These bird species include ruff, gull-billed tern, little weaver, striated Heron, white-browed coucal, and many others.
Swimming
Swimming is one of the other activities that travelers engage in during their visit to the Entebbe Botanical Garden. The gardens are near Lake Victoria and within the gardens, there is a beach. Travelers engage in several beach life while in the area.
Camping
Camping in the gardens is another activity that travelers on their safaris can engage in. Travelers are supposed to set up tents for the camping. Those without tents can hire from the officials in charge of the area. There are specific areas for camping in which travelers can set up their camps with a fireplace to ensure safety during the camping.
Site drive viewing
Site drive viewing is usually done in a safari van which has a pop-up roof for viewing the wildlife and sites around the gardens. This is more done in the Entebbe Botanical Gardens which travelers on their safaris who are not interested in walking can engage in. These site drives take you around the trails of the area to view the forests and wildlife.
Nature walks
Nature walks are carried out in the different walking trails of the area. The walk takes you through the dense forests of the area with the cold breeze of the area. During this walk, you can sit and see several attractions around the area like the dense forests, small primates like monkeys, and many others.
Where to stay during the visit to the botanical gardens in Uganda
While on the safaris to the botanical gardens in Kampala and Entebbe, there are several accommodation facilities that travelers can choose to stay in. These facilities range from mid-range to luxury, and budget facilities. These facilities include the Via via the hotel, hotel Africana, Serena Hotel, Four Points by Sheraton, Hilltop Hotel, Lake Victoria Serena Hotel, Red Chilli Hotel, Munyonyo Resort, and many others. While on a safari to the botanical gardens of Kampala and Entebbe, travelers are supposed to consider the visit as part of the city tour for the amazing experience.
