Karibu Guest House Entebbe

If you are looking for a friendly, affordable and comfortable place to stay close to the Entebbe International Airport, Karibu Guest House in Entebbe is a wonderful choice. The word Karibu means “Welcome” in Swahili — and that’s exactly how you WILL feel the moment you arrive. With only seven beautiful rooms, peaceful gardens, delicious food, and a relaxed atmosphere, Karibu offers a perfect start or end to your Uganda adventure.

A Boutique Guest House with a Personal Touch

Karibu Guest House opened in 2012 and quickly became one of Entebbe’s most loved boutique hotels. It’s run by Leslie from Corsica and Kevin from New Zealand, who together bring a warm, international touch to Ugandan hospitality. They have created a place that feels like home — cozy, stylish, and full of care. The guest house is small enough to feel personal, but professional enough to provide all the comforts travelers need. Guests often say that staying at Karibu feels like visiting old friends rather than checking into a hotel.

Peaceful Location Just 10 Minutes from the Airport

Karibu Guest House is only about 10 minutes by car from Entebbe International Airport, making it a perfect stop for anyone arriving in or leaving Uganda. It’s located on a quiet hillside just above the town center, far enough from the noise but close enough to easily reach all the main attractions. The property sits behind a secure gate and is surrounded by lush tropical gardens full of colorful flowers and birds. Interestingly, the house was once the home of a former Ugandan president, which adds a touch of history to your stay. Today, it’s a charming stone building that welcomes travelers from all over the world.

Peaceful Location Just 10 Minutes from the Airport

Karibu Guest House has only seven en-suite rooms, giving it a calm and intimate atmosphere. Each room is decorated with simple elegance — a mix of natural colors, wooden furniture, and local art that reflects Uganda’s warmth and culture. You can choose between double or twin rooms, depending on your needs. Every room includes:

Comfortable beds with mosquito nets
Bedside tables and reading lights
A seating area for relaxing
Storage space for your luggage
An en-suite bathroom with a toilet, sink, and walk-in shower or bathtub

Three of the ground-floor rooms open directly onto private terraces, where you can sit outside and enjoy the garden views. The upper rooms overlook both the garden and Lake Victoria, especially beautiful at sunset.

All rooms come with free Wi-Fi, and because there are only seven rooms in total, the service feels very personal and peaceful.

(Note: The swimming pool does not have depth markings, so please take care before diving in!)

Facilities to Relax and Enjoy

Karibu Guest House may be small, but it’s filled with charm and thoughtful details. Inside, there’s a comfortable lounge with soft cushions, wooden furniture, and books to browse. It’s a cozy place to relax after a day of exploring Entebbe.

The restaurant is one of the highlights of Karibu. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it serves a variety of freshly prepared dishes made with local ingredients. Guests often say the food here can “compete with the best restaurants in Uganda.” Whether you order fish from Lake Victoria, homemade pasta, or a tasty vegetarian meal, every dish is made with love and attention.

You can eat indoors or outside on the terraces, where you can enjoy the cool breeze and views of the garden. The bar offers wines, beers, fresh juices, and cocktails — perfect for an evening drink under the stars.

In the garden, you’ll find a beautiful swimming pool with built-in seating and a natural rock waterfall. It’s surrounded by palm trees and flowering plants that attract colorful birds. Many guests say that relaxing here with a cool drink feels like being in a tropical paradise.

Warm Hospitality and Excellent Service

What makes Karibu really special is the friendly staff. From the moment you arrive, everyone greets you with genuine smiles and helps you feel at home. The team is always happy to arrange airport transfers, day trips, or safaris across Uganda. Their goal is to make your stay as easy and enjoyable as possible. The service is relaxed but professional — never rushed, never impersonal. That’s why so many travelers return to Karibu again and again.

Things to See and Do Around Karibu Guest House

Entebbe is a small, beautiful town on the shores of Lake Victoria, and there’s plenty to explore nearby. Karibu Guest House is a great base for all kinds of activities — from nature and wildlife to culture and adventure.

1. Visit Lake Victoria

Start your exploration with Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake. You can enjoy a boat cruise, go fishing, or simply sit by the water and watch the sunset. Half-day or full-day trips to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary are highly recommended. Here, you’ll meet rescued chimpanzees and learn about conservation efforts — an unforgettable experience.

2. Explore the Botanical Gardens

The Entebbe Botanical Gardens are just a short distance from Karibu. They’re full of tall trees, colorful flowers, and friendly wildlife, including black-and-white colobus monkeys, hornbills, and Marabou storks. The gardens often host music and cultural events, making them a great place to spend a relaxing morning or afternoon.

3. Discover the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC)

Known locally as the Entebbe Zoo, the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre is home to many rescued animals — lions, leopards, giraffes, and elephants, among others. Visitors can take part in special programs such as “Chimpanzee Close-up” or “Keeper for a Day”, where you can help feed and care for the animals. It’s a fun and educational experience for both adults and children.

4. Visit Mabamba Swamp

A short drive from Entebbe, Mabamba Swamp is a paradise for birdwatchers. It’s one of the best places in the world to see the rare shoebill stork, as well as many other bird species. You can explore the swamp by canoe with a local guide — a peaceful and unforgettable experience.

5. Take a Day Trip Further Afield

If you have extra time, you can travel farther to explore Jinja, East Africa’s adventure capital, famous for the source of the River Nile. You can also visit the Ssese Islands, a group of beautiful islands on Lake Victoria, perfect for relaxing beaches and boat rides.

Perfect for All Types of Travelers

Whether you are a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, Karibu Guest House has something for everyone. Couples love the peaceful and romantic setting, while families appreciate the space and friendly service. Solo travelers find it safe, welcoming, and easy to meet new people. With its small size, you never feel lost in the crowd — every guest is cared for personally.

Why Stay at Karibu Guest House Entebbe

Only 10 minutes from Entebbe International Airport
Seven comfortable rooms with en-suite bathrooms
Beautiful gardens and swimming pool
Delicious food prepared by talented chefs
Peaceful location close to Entebbe’s main attractions
Friendly and personal service that makes you feel at home

Karibu Guest House is a perfect example of Ugandan hospitality — warm, personal, and full of heart. It’s the ideal place to relax after a long flight or to prepare for your safari adventure.

Final Thoughts

At Karibu Guest House, you’re not just a guest — you’re family. From the charming rooms to the delicious meals and smiling faces, everything here is designed to make you feel welcome and comfortable. Whether you stay one night or several, Karibu is a little slice of peace and warmth in the heart of Entebbe — the perfect introduction to Uganda.