Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre popularly known as “Entebbe Zoo”, UWEC is located 40Km from Uganda’s Capital Kampala and just 15 Minutes’ drive from Entebbe International Airport.

Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education was opened in 1952, by the Colonial Government in Uganda, as a reception center for wild animals that were found as casualties. The Centre cares for rescued animals often victims of bush meat trade, habitat destruction, or illegal trade. Individuals that can make it in the wild are released back. The Centre doesn’t buy animals nor use them for entertainment, but rather as ambassadors to help save and maintain those in the wild.

While at the center, it’s beyond seeing and learning about animals. One gets to listen to interpretative talks from the keepers; guides who work with animals every day. You can sign up as an animal surrogate mother for a day, participate in; corporate events, behind the scenes experiences and get to see primates, elephants, giraffes, Birds and other animals at close range.

1. The Chimpanzee Close up Experience: Have you ever imagined meeting your closest cousin without a barrier in between? Subject to provision of valid health proof, participate in the chimpanzee integration experience. In company of a keeper, you will take the individuals on a walk at island moat. Observe them enjoy life on trees, learn, 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 process which is undertaken on schedule, by the keepers. This experience takes one hour in a controlled environment. Listen to the chimp caregiver talk about how they came to their history, how they came to the center, behavior and challenges. Be ready to be groomed by the infants and return a favor through carrying or grooming them. Chimps enjoy rough trickles and can be rough. Your guide will help interpret the different sounds, gestures and advise on how to behave whilst with your closest cousins. Imagine a chimp holding their cup of porridge, 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!

• Fees: Make a contribution of $290 and be sure you have helped the Centre maintain them as well as saving those in the wild!
• Dates and Time: The activity is arranged from Monday to Sunday, early morning at 7.30 am. The activity starts 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.

2. Keeper for a Day – Adults: Are you a working adult or a student wondering what it would be like to have a career with animals? Or are you just thinking of taking time off from your daily routine? If so, the Keeper for a Day program is for you! Similar to a job shadowing, participants spend the day with the animal keepers who will share their passion for animals with you. Experience the keeper’s everyday work and come very close and constant with all kinds of local animals. Get to release the felines from their cages, feed a Rhino, Giraffe, Elephant while coming in direct contact with all of them. Participate in hands-on-activities such as preparing animal meals, cleaning enclosures and providing enrichment to stimulate them both mentally and physically.

•  Fees: 

Foreign non Residents Adults: $150 Lunch and drink included

Foreign Residents Adults: $75

East Africans Adults: 35,000 Uganda Shillings

• Dates and Time: Everyday, but advance reservation is required!

3. Keeper for a Day – Junior: This hands on day program is specifically designed 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 experience inspires responsible stewardship among young people. The package includes food, drink, play time and certificate.

• Fees:

Foreign non Resident Children: $ 70 per child

Foreign Residents:  $35

East African Children: 50,000 Uganda Shillings

• Date and Time: Advance reservation is required!

 4.Behind the Scenes: The two hour entertaining and educative adventure offers an exciting special inside look         tour and interesting information about how we can care about our animals and birds. You will have a close up             and personal encounter with the Giraffes, Rhinos, lions, elephants, Shoebill plus many more wonders you have            perhaps never imagined meeting.

• Fees:

Foreign non Residents: Adults $70, Children $35

Foreign Residents: Adults $50, Children $15

East Africans: Adults 50,000 Ugx, Children 30,000 Ugx

• Date and Time: The Inside Look Tour is offered daily from 9 to 12am and 2.30 to 4.30 pm

5. Forest Trail – Adult: Experience a one kilometer natural pristine forest walk with free ranging birds, mammals, butterflies and chameleons among others in an exclusive and safe environment. Learn about plants and their medicinal values in the Centre’s garden, with over 100 plants that grace the grounds and create a peaceful landscape for both the visitors and the center’s resident animals.
   Tell the staff what you would like to see and learn and they will make it happen!

• 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.
• Fees: Entrance fees entitle you to general Centre visit.

Foreign non Resident Adults: $15

Foreign Residents Adults: $10

East Africans Adults: 10,000 Ugx

6. Forest Trail – Junior:

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 the Centre’s garden, with over 100 plants that grace the grounds and create a peaceful landscape for both the visitors and the center’s resident-animals. Tell the staff what you would like to see and learn and we will make it happen!

• 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.
• Fees: Entrance fees entitle you to general park visit!

Foreign non Resident Children: $ 5

Foreign Resident Children: $ 5

East African Children: Ugx 5,000

7. Day Visits: Whether you have days or just hours in Entebbe and you are wondering how to spend your precious time, Visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre – Entebbe Zoo. At The Education Centre you can hear a lion’s roar, the owl’s hoot, see chimpanzees in a semi natural environment, enjoy a one kilometer forest walk, the gentle whispers of the wind through the trees or just some memorable encounters with the animal ambassadors, and listen to the guides talk. During your visit you will develop an important understanding of their role in protecting and conserving our planet’s natural resources.

• Fees:

East African Adult: UGX 10,000
East African Children: UGX 5,000

Non East African Adult (Residents): UGX 20,000 ($10)
Non East African Children (Residents): UGX 10,000 ($5)

Non East African Adult: UGX 30,000 ($15)

Non East African Children: UGX 15,000 ($8)

For schools and big groups, Contact the center for group discounts.

8. Cheetah & Elephant Experience: Take Part in a one hour thrilling encounter with either the cheetah or Elephant as they make their daily enrichment exercises. Discover many amazing facts and experiences as you take photos of a life time!

• Fees:

Foreign non Residents: Adults $50, Children $30

Foreign Residents: Adults $50, Children $30

East Africans: Adults 100,000 Ugx, Children 50,000 Ugx.

9. The Exclusive VIP Experience: This Personalized adventure lets you get up close and personal with our animal ambassadors, with your own personal tour guide, we let your kids enjoy the bikes, donkeys and Camel rides as well as a meal in your Restaurant overlooking Lake Victoria

• Fees:

Foreign non Residents: Adults $100, Children $30

Foreign Residents: Adults $70, Children $30

East Africans: Adults 100,000 Ugx, Children 50,000 Ugx.

10. Long stay Volunteer Program: As a Long Stay Volunteer, you and your friends, family enjoy being part of the dedicated team, in a shadow keeper role. You undertake a series of activities that range from food preparation, animal observation, cleaning of holding facilities, enclosure, being surrogate mother to the sick, injured animals or in distress or undertake interpretation talks etc. But most importantly, help out at least five days a week and make a difference to the life of animals under the Center care!

The program is open to all members of the public with interest in;

• Community / adult education,
• Caring for animals in distress and need,
• Animal medicine or veterinary health etc.

Health/ Vaccinations/ boosters Requirements include;

• Hepatitis A (20 years)
• Hepatitis B (5 years)
• Measles (MMR) (10 – 15 years)
• Meningococcal meningitis (ACWY strains) ( 3 years)
• Polio (10 years)
• Tetanus (10 years) vaccine
• Rabies (2 years after completion of initial dose)
• A negative TB test/ chest X ray or other test are required.

The minimum period for one to participate is one week to months / year.

Fees: $93.00 / Per Day

The Centre is a great place for children and families for weekly and weekend visits for a great Entebbe day tour to get close encounters with the animals have children enjoy the play facilities at the kids play center and recreation as they participate in fun and healthy recreational activities ranging from bouncing castles, swings, bikes. Get a Discovery as you get up close and personal in style with the Noah’s ark (Customized boat / vehicle facility) or the center’s bikes. Enjoy walks by the Lake Victoria beach line facility or its beautiful views from the center’s Restaurant for a wide selection of food and snacks or take an exclusive donkey and Camel ride through the Centre and forest walks make the Visit to the Centre worthwhile as you meet with Friendly and Knowledgeable staff regarding animal life. The Experience to the Centre gives you a memorable Wild Experience throughout the year!

Accommodation: You can simply relax and spend a night at the Centre’s Comfortable Accommodation facilities with a wide range of accommodation types ranging from; hostels, Campsite to luxurious stay in Cottages as you listen to the occasional roar of the lions, the owl’s hoot, or gentle winds through the trees as you await your flight or meeting. The facility is ideal for both short and long stay visits, whilst in Uganda. With Secure day and night parking available or quick access to public transport or taxi that are just a call away.