Millions of people across the globe share a similar sentiment – having a memorable wedding; picture perfect beginning to a new chapter in life. Whereas various factors make this dream manifest, the venue of the ceremony/reception, to a great extent, makes or breaks this achievable fantasy.
The floating restaurant on Lake Victoria on the outskirts of the Uganda Wildlife Education Conservation Center (UWEC) or Entebbe Zoo as it is commonly referred to, has increasingly become one such location.
For people who have a soft spot for nature and those yearning to break celebratory routine or impress guests at professional engagements, the zoo-floating restaurant combo in Entebbe avails the best medley of nature, calm and a contemporary environment to create the best of memories.
It is also a preferred detour spot for tourists leaving or going to the airport and those seeking to explore Entebbe and Lake Victoria.
Funded by the Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, the facility has become a top wedding and conference venue on Lake Victoria, a core diversification strategy of UWEC’s tourism products.
Since its commission in 2018, the floating restaurant, as was projected, has immensely widened the scope of tourism in Entebbe, bringing a contemporary touch to the ordinary zoo visits. Tourists have a great option for relaxing and unwinding after the long excursions at the zoo.
“The establishment of the floating restaurant was meant to diversify the tourism product at UWEC. Besides Education, Conservation, and Research, there is need to boost Recreation with new products and new ways of consuming nature and wildlife departing from the classical zoos,” said Eric Ntalumbwa, PRO UWEC, in an interview with our reporter Patience Natukunda.
Asked whether the operations of the facility feed into the objectives of the conservation centre, Ntalumbwa said the establishment is a launch pad for various conservation projects on Lake Victoria as well as wetland and forest ecosystems within the Lake Victoria basin.
“This facility supports our Conservation Education programmes on Lake Victoria. These include; Species conservation programs of shoebills at the Makanga and Lutembe Wetland system, Grey crowned crane wetland systems around Lake Victoria, African grey parrots in Ngamba and other islands on Lake Victoria,” he noted.
Initially established by the colonial government in Uganda in 1952 as a reception center for Wildlife causalities and orphaned wild animals, Entebbe Zoo was later upgraded to a Wildlife Conservation Education Center in 1994.
Thanks to its numerous revamps, 70 years later, the Centre is still rescuing and rehabilitating injured and orphaned wildlife, breeding endangered wildlife species with the goal of re-introducing them in the wild as well as educating Ugandans and other visitors about the importance of Wildlife conservation.
Why the Floating Restaurant is a perfect pick for your function
Social events
Despite the uncertainty of the years ahead, saying “I do” and savoring the day’s euphoria at the UWEC gardens is worth the leap.
What’s more memorable than looking deep into the eyes of your new wife or husband, wedding bands shimmering for the world to witness, promising each other “forever” under a tower of giraffes? Or better yet, feeding the giraffes before you head out to the glamourous floating restaurant to feast the evening away?
You get to hang out with the world’s fastest, flightless birds- the ostriches among other mammals, reptiles and the cats that call UWEC home.
Witnessing a newly wed couple having a time of their life in the wild at UWEC might get you high on the wedding fever but for a person who got to live this modern-day fairytale, like a prince and his princess with two fairly god mothers (well represented in the lovely giraffes), Moses Sentamu says the experience was unique.
“It was such a unique experience that me and my wife had. Our photoshoot was incredible. We had such an amazing day,” Sentamu speaks of his wedding like a moment he had waited for all his life, and luckily, got to live it.
Apart from the gardens, the wildlife and the mesmerizing indoor space at the restaurant, the beautiful sandy beach stretching up to 500m on the shores of Lake Victoria is yet another element that would add flavor to a celebration. Whether resting by the lake or watching the sunset – fingers entwined with your partner is a treat you want so bad, you can make it all happen here.
Business Engagements
Hosting a conference soon? Bringing comfort, quality and a bit of luxury to business wouldn’t hurt an entity looking to impress prospective investors or clients and the restaurant has the ideal, fully furnished halls. With the changing tech dynamics, the facility is well enabled for hosting hybrid events.
This is also a perfect venue for a company retreat, thanks to the myriad of elements that make it a relaxing, business/work venue and a place to wind down after the day’s bustle.
The facility can accommodate up to 300 guests. For accommodation options, the UWEC bandas are a more affordable pick.
According to Ntalumbwa, these services are affordable “with an effective policy that takes into consideration the welfare of wildlife, guests and staff at UWEC.”
Does it not sound like the perfect place to close that deal, shake hands and sip on champagne or a Tusker Cider while you take in the chill breeze sweeping in from Lake Victoria? Who knows, the relaxing sound of the waves crashing against the shore could be all you need to nail your elevator pitch. Over to you!
