Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Center (UWEC), popularly referred to by its former name – the “Entebbe Zoo”, is the place that thousands go to see and learn about a variety of wildlife. It is the best place to visit to spot a lot of the big animals without going to the national parks. UWEC or the Zoo is located on the shore of Lake Victoria in Entebbe, about 10mins drive from the Entebbe international Airport, and about 40 minutes’ drive from Kampala the capital city of Uganda.
Entebbe Zoo Entry fees
East African adults: 10,000 Uganda Shilling, Kids: 5,000
Foreign resident adults: USD10, Kids 5
Non East African adults: 15, kids USD 10
Animals and other wildlife to see at UWEC
Some of the animals at the zoo include Lions, leopard, hyena, jackal, caracal, serval cat, African golden cat, rhino, tiger, chimpanzees, giraffes, antelopes, crocodiles, elephants, buffalo, zebras, otters, baboons, monkeys, and different types of snakes, etc… Almost all the animals are in enclosures and therefore watched from safety behind a fence. Only the monkeys are outside the enclosures and free range in the trees and forest.
Other than animals, there are these iconic and hard to find birds also kept in enclosures including the Shoebill, African Grey Parrot, Ostrich, Grey-crowned Crane and the colorful Peacock which however is got from outside Uganda. On the whole however, UWEC is very rich in bird species and one of the birding spots one should include when planning for birdwatching in Entebbe.
Between visits to different enclosures of animals, there are many species of plants and trees to learn about. Many local plants that have become rare have been brought to the center for conservation and study purposes and while walking through the zoo you will find learn about them and their uses such as medicinal, spices, fruits, etc…
How to see the animals at UWEC
Walking on your own
Once you have paid the entry fee at the gate, you will get into the zoo and can start walking on your own to tour the entire place by yourself. This is what most people do.
The zoo is well organized with nice wide trails and signage showing where each of the animals and wildlife is to be found.
At each enclosure of animal is a signage with information about the animal or wildlife you are observing. The trees and plants do also have tags bearing their name (both botanical and English names).
At many of the wildlife enclosures you find zoo personnel (guides) who share information about the wildlife and take questions.
Note that visitors’ cars are not allowed into the zoo. They are left in designated parking space near the zoo.
Guided tour
If you want a guided tour, that is, to have someone take you around and share information, there are tour guides available at the entrance. Once you have paid the entry fees you will request for the guide.
Taking a guide is highly recommended especially for groups.
The guide makes your tour around better organized and also shares a lot of information about the zoo and the wildlife and activities as well.
Do not want to walk? Take a ride
There are zoo vehicles that will take you around driven by a knowledgeable guide.
The vehicles come with a price of course.
They are hired at 50,000 Uganda shillings taking a group not more than 5 on one vehicle.
Want more than just seeing the animals from behind a fence?
UWEC has these activities that allow one to get close to the animals and interact with some of them.
Behind the scenes experience
This is a must to do experience if you want to get more from a wildlife experience at Entebbe Zoo. During the behind the scenes experience activity you get closer to certain animals and interact with some of them. You will interact through feeding them and thus get to observe them closely.
This activity is available twice every day and the time schedule are 9.30am to 12pm, and 2.30pm to 4.30pm
Fees:
East Africa adults: 50,000 Uganda Shilling, Kids: 30,000 Uganda Shillings
Resident adults: USD 50, Kids: USD15
Non East African adults: USD 70, Kids: USD35
Keeper for a day
During the Keeper for a day experience you will join the care takers on their routine which includes cleaning enclosures, inspecting animals, preparing feeds and feeding the animals among others.
This activity requires advance reservation.
Fees:
East Africa adults: 100,000 Uganda Shilling, Kids: 50,000 Uganda Shillings
Resident adults: USD 75, Kids: USD35
Non East African adults: USD 150, Kids: USD70
Chimpanzee up close experience
This is a special activity where visitors have the rare opportunity to participate in the baby chimpanzee integration experience. Visitors get to carry the chimp babies and care for them.
This activity is available every day from 7.30am to 8.30am
Fees:
East Africa adults: 300,000 Uganda Shilling
Resident adults: USD 200
Non East African adults: USD 290
Non wildlife activities to do at UWEC
Other than watching animals and other wildlife at the zoo, there are other fun activities such as
- Quad bike riding
- Camel riding
- Donkey riding
- Chilling at the beach
- Taking a boat ride on the lake
There is also a kid’s play ground with lots of playing equipment such as bouncing castles, swings, and a swimming pool.
