The Entebbe Botanical Gardens established in 1898 are situated on the northern shores of Lake Victoria virtually on the equator. Experiencing an annual rainfall of 1623 mm and at an altitude of 1134 metres, the gardens are set on 40.7 hectares.
The gardens house a collection of species of plants from the tropical, sub-tropical and temperate zones, besides several shrubs and other plants regenerated naturally over the years. The collection as of 1998 numbered 309 species, 199 indigenous to Uganda, 122 with known medicinal value and 110 exotica. The gardens are a popular attraction for visitors of which some 40,000 per year are passing through the gates since the rehabilitation in 1998.
The entrance is located close to the Botanical Beach Hotel. Colobus monkeys are common. The gardens are an opportunity for birding enthusiasts to open their birding account for Uganda or merely to add to an existing list. Palm Nut Vulture and African Grey Parrot are residents, whilst Bat Hawk is often seen over the gardens at sunset and is best observed from the Botanical Beach Hotel patio bar. Naturally, there are loads of exotic plants and trees.
