Formerly known as Entebbe Zoo, the Uganda wildlife Education is one of the top tour destinations for a weekend escape, school tours, research, family tours, honeymoon, events and relaxation. From just a place for rescuing and conserving the endangered wildlife species, UWEC evolved and now hosts several visitors all year round.

In the 1960s, it was converted from just rescuing the endangered wildlife species to an ancient Entebbe Zoo. This was at the time when some rare species such as the bears and tigers where conserved. Forward to 1994, UWEC Trust was founded to spearhead conservation education at the zoo. The word “Entebbe” is a local Luganda word, meaning a “seat”. It is believed this name was derived because at that time the Buganda kingdom traditional courts used be held from here and victims could be sentenced to jail or set free. Entebbe was also at one point the British administrative capital.

It was founded in 1952, by the colonial government in Uganda, primarily to rescue and treat the sick, orphaned, confiscated animals from traffickers or injured animals from the wilderness. Each year, about 100 endangered birds, reptiles and primates are rescued and offered asylum here. At the zoo, there is a play station for children, corporate events can be hosted, an active restaurant, animals and behind-the-scene experience.

UWEC is located at the shores of Lake Victoria; the second largest freshwater lake in the world. It occupies about 72 sq.kms of land with its major bay starting from Entebbe. On-road from Kampala, it takes about 30 mins to drive via the newly constructed Entebbe express, and the alternative route may last for about 45mins to 1 hour, on a clear day with not much traffic.

WHAT YOU FIND AT UGANDA WILDLIFE EDUCATION CENTER?

Primates.

UWEC does rescue and offers asylum to some endangered primate species in the country. These include; the chimpanzees, red-tailed monkeys, olive baboons, Rwenzori black and white Colobus monkeys and the Patas Monkeys. You will not find here mountain gorillas because they only adapt to high altitude forests and cannot survive outside their natural environment.

Birds.

Find some of the most beautiful and lovely birds globally at this centre. These include; the Ostrich- one of the heaviest land birds, African fish eagle, grey crested crane, African grey parrot, Indian peafowl and the pink-backed pelican.

Mammals.

The centre is home to some notable mammals caged, fed, and raised. These include the newly introduced tigers, lions, serval cats, leopard, giraffes, Hartebeests, camel, common Eland, impala, bushbuck, giant forest Hog, African Buffalo and African elephant. The experienced site guides will explain to you different animals, their lifespan and their distinct characteristics.

Reptiles.

Look out for some of the most fierce and common reptiles in the wild at this center. These include; Nile crocodiles, Gabon viper, March Terappin and the African rock python.

Uganda wildlife education centre entrance fees.

This is a simple guide through the rates charged at the zoo, though subject to changes.

For east African citizens, entrance is 10,000 UGX for adults and 5,000 UGX for children. Foreign Non-resident pay USD 15, foreign resident Kids – 5 USD and foreign residents Adults – 10 USD.

ACTIVITIES AT UGANDA WILDLIFE EDUCATION CENTRE.

Chimp close up.

This is where the guide gives you a chance to go closer to the chimpanzees, watch, feed and take photos with them. It is so intimate, lasts for over two hours and one gets the opportunity of uncovering the chimpanzees’ lives.

This is charged USD 290 for non-residents and USD 200 for foreign residents.

Keeper for a day.

This is an exciting activity that starts very early in the morning to evening. You get to join UWEC keepers to prepare feeds for the animals and join in feeding them. Here you use a track from one exhibition point to another.

Non-residents pay 150usd, foreign residents pay 100usd and children – 50usd.

VIP Exclusive behind the Scenes experience.

This is a more practical way of touring the area, as you get to join keepers past the walls and fences. They show you how to conduct temperature checks, feed the lions and direct the animals to their facilities. Non – residents pay 100 USD for this experience and foreign residents, pay 70 USD.

Uganda wildlife education centre is one of the most amazing places to visit around Entebbe city. In just a single day, you have the best of fun, refreshed, play and get to admire Uganda’s treasures in a single day. The center opens by 0800hours and closes at 1800hours local time.