UWEC zoo in Entebbe also popularly known as Entebbe Zoo was opened in 1952 by the colonial government in Uganda, as a reception Centre for wild animals that were found as casualties.

Entebbe Zoo is on the edge of Lake Victoria, rich vegetation, home to a range of birds, butterflies and other indigenous animals make it an attractive venue for education as well as a pleasing one for those who visit, whether Ugandans or people from overseas. The zoo also sits on 70 hectares of land with a natural pristine forest and vegetation cover.

Amimals to see at the Entebbe Zoo include lions, 2- Chettahs, African cape buffalos, and Giraffees, White Rhinos, Leopard, seval cats, jackal, water bucks, the rare bush duiker on free range, warthogs, donkeys, impala, zebras, hyenas, spotted hyenas, the chimps at the zoo man-made island, primates such as baboons. On free range we may come across the patas monkeys, Black and white colobus monkeys, De brazza monkeys, African Elephant, Statunga, Eland, Long horned cow. Reptiles such as the African Rock Python, cobra, Gabon viper, crocodiles, tortoise among others.

A number of bird’s species like the fastest bird on land (ostrich), crown crested crane, unique shoe bill, African fish eagle, owl, parrots, peacock. Pied king fishers are often found at the chimp exhibit, Cattle birds. Other birds on free range include Egyptian goose, cattle egret, harmerkop,

Pied king fisher, marabou stocks, cascade hornbills, eagles, bee eaters among others.

Access to Entebbe Zoo

The zoo is a few minutes’ drive from Entebbe International Airport

A visit to uwec zoo is beyond seeing, learning about animals. We get to engage in activities like

Behind the Scenes Experience, Sight Seeing, Keeper for a day in blend of delicious meals at the zoo restaurant

Entebbe zoo participates in a number of roles such as conservation and research, animal rescues and outreach programs.

Uwec zoo in Entebbe has a number of animals that give you a memorable experience on your visit to Uganda. And it also gives you an overview of some of the animals you can find in Uganda.

Interesting activities at Uwec Zoo

Day Visits

Whether you have days or just hours in Entebbe and you are wondering how to spend your precious time? Visit the Wildlife Education Centre-(Entebbe Zoo).
At Uganda Wildlife Education Centre you will see and also hear the sounds of different animals in their enclosures, see chimps in a semi natural environment, enjoy a one kilometer forest walk or just some memorable encounters with the animal ambassadors. During your visit you will develop an important understanding of their role in protecting and conserving our planet’s natural resources.
Amimals to see at the Entebbe Zoo include lions, 2- Chettahs, African cape buffalos, and Giraffees, White Rhinos, Leopard, seval cats, jackal, water bucks, the rare bush duiker on free range, warthogs, donkeys, impala, zebras, hyenas, spotted hyenas, the chimps at the zoo man-made island, primates such as baboons. On free range we may come across the patas monkeys, Black and white colobus monkeys, De brazza monkeys, African Elephant, Statunga, Eland, Long horned cow. Reptiles such as the African Rock Python, cobra, Gabon viper, crocodiles, tortoise among others.

A number of bird’s species like the fastest bird on land (ostrich), crown crested crane, unique shoe bill, African fish eagle, owl, parrots, peacock. Pied king fishers are often found at the chimp exhibit, Cattle birds. Other birds on free range include Egyptian goose, cattle egret, harmerkop,

Pied king fisher, marabou stocks, cascade hornbills, eagles, bee eaters among others.

Its goes beyond being a zoo centre and it now holds a kids play centre with a swimming pool, swings among others.

The zoo has introduced tigers into their enclosures

Behind the Scenes

The experience takes about two-hours of educative adventure that offers special inside look tours and interesting information about how animals are taken care of (animals and birds). You will have a close up and personal encounter with the lions, elephants plus many more on this adventure one day activity

Keeper for a Day

With experience you will spend a day with the keepers of Entebbe zoo and engage in the day to day activities in the animal enclosures right from getting them food to eat, cleaning up the enclosures like that of the elephants, rhinos among others

Are you looking for time out to relax your mind off work or on a vacation the Keeper for a day gives you an adventure spend the day with our animal keepers who will share their passion for animals with you.
Participate in hands-on-activities such as preparing animal meals, cleaning enclosures and providing enrichment to stimulate them both mentally and physically.

Did you know your child can also do a keeper for a day and its amazing hands on day program for children aged 6- 16 years old who would like to work with animals and plants it’s a wonderful opportunity for children who would like to develop a career with animals or love to be around them. The package includes food and drink, play time and certificate. 

The Chimpanzee Close Up Experience

It offers us an opportunity to meet our closest relatives the chimps without a barrier in between…  Before booking for this experience, it’s subject to provision of valid health proof.

You will participate in the chimpanzee integration experience. In company of a zoo keeper, you will take the individuals on a walk at island moat.

Observe them enjoy life amidst trees and swings, learn about the chimp life style and how they adapt living with other chimps in a forest-like environment. The purpose is to help new rescued chimpanzees slowly build confidence and trust of other chimps who in turn become their long term allies. Integration is a long and continuous which is undertaken on schedule, by our keepers. The experience takes about 1 hour with the chimps

Listen to the chimp keeper’s talk about how the different chimps come to Uwec zoo, behavior and challenges. Be ready to be groomed by the infants these at can even be carried making it a memorable experience.

Chimps enjoy rough trickles and can be rough. Your guide will help interpret the different sounds, gestures and advise on how to behave towards the chimps.

Chimps at the zoo take porridge and it would be exciting to see how they do it, peeling a banana or asking for more food! Find out all these and much more through participating in this unique once in a life-time experience!

The activity is arranged Monday to Sunday, early morning at 7.30 am starting with a brief introduction by one of the keepers.

Reservation & Health: Prior reservation and health clearance is a MUST! Chimpanzees have regular health checks and update vaccinations. This is aimed at avoiding cross transmission of diseases. 

Forest Trail

Experience a one kilometer natural pristine forest with free ranging birds, mammals, butterflies and chameleons among others in an exclusive and safe environment. Learn about plants and their medicinal values in our garden, with over 100 plants.

The Horticulture / Forest Trail takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your preference. The Horticulture / Forest Trail can be booked by individuals or groups.

Uwec zoo also offers you accommodation located within the centre where you relax in a quiet and comfortable serene environment. The unit has two self-contained bedrooms, a living room and television for your entertainment. It’s ideal for both short and long stay whilst in Entebbe.

Hostels

Affordable student accommodation. The hostels comprise of either private single beds or communal bunk beds. The facilities have shared toilets, bathrooms with running water and power.

Bandas/ African Cottages

We have African traditional- styled furnished cottages (6 Double Occupancy and 2 Family Bandas), adjacent to the Kidepo exhibit where you can see a variety of animals including the giraffes as they gracefully walk about.

Campsite

The Campsite offers you affordable space to pitch your tent. It’s a great meeting place for travelers, families and groups from world over. (Bring own camping gears)

The beauty about our accommodation is, get an opportunity to visit the animal and recreation park and the whispers the wild in the serene Uwec zoo