Tag: Beach

Is There a Beach in Uganda? (Options!)

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If you’ve chosen the Pearl of Africa for your upcoming safari vacation, you might be wondering – is there a beach in Uganda? 

After all, Kenya is home to the glorious Diani Beach, while Tanzania has Zanzibar – an entire island of beaches! So, in this article, I explain what to expect from beaches in Uganda and offer some options when it comes to relaxing and swimming in the country. 

So, is there a beach in Uganda?

Yes, there is a beach in Uganda. However, Uganda is a landlocked country, and the beaches in Uganda are on the shores of Lake Victoria. There are several beaches in Entebbe, while the Ssese Islands are Uganda’s closest thing to a tropical beach paradise. 

So, while Uganda does have some beaches, it would be wrong to think of the Pearl of Africa as a beach destination! Far from it, actually, as I explain below. 

What are Uganda’s beaches like?

Sunset on Banda Island, the Ssese Islands.

Uganda’s beaches are not suitable for sunbathing and swimming. While some Ugandans do head into Lake Victoria for swimming, it’s not deemed safe to do so. This is due to the presence of a freshwater parasite called Bilharzia, which is present in many water bodies in Uganda, and in East Africa more generally. 

So, as picturesque as Uganda’s beaches might be – particularly those in the Ssese Islands, they’re not in any way comparable to the stunning white sand beaches that are present on Kenya’s East coast or those that surround Zanzibar. If you’re planning to visit a beach in Uganda, keep your clothes on and head for a walk along the sand – don’t venture into the water! 

Beaches in Uganda: Two main options

Even though they’re not good for swimming or sunbathing, you can certainly visit Uganda’s beaches, and they make for some beautiful photo opportunities! With that in mind, you have two main options if you want to visit one of Uganda’s beaches: 

Entebbe

While you’re in Entebbe, heading for a meal at one of the beachside restaurants is a wonderful way to spend a lunchtime, looking out across Lake Victoria in the process. You can also walk down sections of the beach in Entebbe, although it’s not a particularly long stretch of sand. 

There’s an excellent pizzeria on the beach, and you can share a pizza with your partner while sipping a cold bottle of Nile Special beer. While you might not be able to hop into the water, it’s still a lovely way to spend some time while you’re in Entebbe. 

The Ssese Islands

I visited the Ssese Islands with friends in 2015, and it was definitely worth the effort. To reach the Islands, you need to take a ferry from Entebbe, which takes approximately three hours. There are lots of places to stay in the archipelago, which is made up of 84 small islands, but there isn’t much to do when you reach land! 

The stunning white beaches are undoubtedly alluring, but the fact that the water is unsafe makes them tantalizing in many respects. Make sure you book into one of the beachside resorts that has a swimming pool, so you can cool off while enjoying the pace of life on the islands! 

What are the best options for swimming in Uganda?

If you want to go swimming outside in Uganda, Lake Bunyonyi is the best option, which is located in the country’s extreme southwest, not far from the Rwandan border. 

However, most major international hotels in Uganda have swimming pools, so there’s no reason why you can’t head to Entebbe or the Ssese Islands for swimming. You will just need to limit yourself to swimming in the pool, as opposed to the great outdoors! 

I put together this super helpful resource about swimming in Uganda, so you can explore your options and know where it’s safe (and unsafe) to head into the water.

The verdict: Is there a beach in Uganda?

So, the bottom line is that, yes, there are beaches in Uganda. Entebbe beach is the most accessible, being in close proximity to Uganda’s only international airport. However, for paradise beach vibes, you need to head to the Ssese Islands, located within Lake Victoria. 

But remember – Uganda’s beaches are not suitable for sunbathing or swimming. If you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation in East Africa, Diani Beach in Kenya and Zanzibar in Tanzania are much better options!