The Uganda Reptile Village, Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Entebbe beaches, and Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Center (UWCEC) are some of the tourist attractions in Entebbe.
Entebbe is home to several tourist attractions such as the Uganda Reptile Village, Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Entebbe beaches, and, the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Center (UWCEC).
This particular animal conservation centre is among the most preferred tourist destinations for tourists that have just arrived in Uganda. The location has weekend activities for both local and international tourists.
If you’re planning to visit Uganda for the first time, you must plan a trip to the Uganda Wildlife Education Center in Entebbe. It’s a short distance from Entebbe international airport, including the official state residence, and several other important government buildings. All of them are located in Entebbe.
Had it not been for the stretch of land that connects Kampala to Entebbe, it would have been an island on its own. A larger percentage of it is surrounded by Lake Victoria.
Interesting facts about The Uganda Wildlife Education Centre
It is one of Uganda’s most popular and often visited tourist destinations. The locals in Uganda prefer to call it the Entebbe Zoo, though it’s more than that.
Most of the animals reside in spacious cages that closely resemble their natural environments. It’s a combination of both a zoo and a safari park.
UWCEC has several walkways leading to different animal enclosures. There is also a natural forest that is home to several species of plants.
The Entebbe Zoo is situated on a property that is around 72 acres in size. It stands out from all the other tourist attractions in the area. It’s the perfect location to observe animals and relax along the shores of Lake Victoria.
Because of its perfect position along the shores of Lake Victoria, the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Center distinguishes itself apart from similar places in other countries.
In addition, the center runs a veterinary clinic and a program for raising animals for endangered species. UWEC aids in the study of wildlife and the public’s understanding of the value of wildlife conservation.
The Center has expanded and is regarded as one of the best locations for showing Africa’s animals due to its ideal location and growing size.
This is one location you must visit while waiting for your flight. As a visitor, you could spare some free time after your safari in the different parts of Uganda.
Ugandans have been fortunate to have a single location where they can view and learn about a variety of the continent’s famous wildlife. They don’t have to pay for pricey safaris in distant national parks.
Many people could find visiting UWEC more satisfying than going to one of Uganda’s national parks.
Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Center History
The Entebbe Zoo first opened its doors in 1950. It opened as a center for the rehabilitation of rescued, injured, or orphaned animals.
The colonial administration established the Entebbe Zoo with assistance from the Wildlife Conservation Society.
Ten years later, in 1960, the Center continued to function as a conventional zoo where visitors could only witness some of Africa’s well-known fauna as well as a few imported species like tigers and bears.
However, due to infrastructural failure, negligence, and bad management, several animals perished during the political unrest of the 1970s and 1980s. Had the government not taken an increased interest in remodelling it, the zoo would not be around.
The government understood that the zoo might serve as the ideal venue for educating Ugandans and tourists from other countries about protecting our wildlife.
The New York Zoological Society conducted a study and produced a report with recommendations, including turning the zoo into a Center for Education alongside Tourism.
The Uganda Wildlife Education Centre under the Ministry of Tourism was the name given to the establishment in May 1994. The Center has grown and received more land, and it now reaches Lake Victoria’s edge.
The Animal Center has developed into one of the most renowned wildlife conservation and educational facilities in Africa. All this was a result of increased funding from the government, foreign organizations/donors, and gate collections.
Some of the animals tourists can find at the zoo
The Zoo isn’t far from Uganda’s largest cities. For these reasons among many others, the Entebbe Zoo is particularly well-liked.
A variety of animals like baboons, hyenas, zebras, lions, donkeys, the Uganda Kob, camels, waterbucks, egrets, the famous Shoebill Stork, snakes, pythons, and tortoises all reside at the zoo.
The tall giraffes, rhinos, cheetahs, leopards, chimpanzees, and ostriches, can as well be found there.
The facility is home to 23 primates and around 120 bird species. Aside from these animals and many others, the Center also houses red-tailed monkeys, cattle, crocodiles, peacocks, crested cranes, parrots, goats, elephants, poultry, warthogs, cobras, impala, topis, forest hogs, and eland.
In addition to animals, there are amazing plant species (flowers, shrubs, trees, and herbs) and butterfly varieties. The zoo, sadly, doesn’t have any mountain gorillas. For those unfamiliar with this type of environment, some animals and birds move around freely.
Student visits from primary, secondary, and tertiary universities make up the majority of the Center’s visitors. Every day, at least ten student groups visit the center. The volume might be overpowering on weekends.
In addition to ice cream and other delicious treats, there is a playground for kids. Another option to support the preservation of wildlife is to go visit the Entebbe Zoo or Uganda Wildlife Education Center.
The funds raised are put to use for rescuing animals from isolated areas of Uganda, feeding the animals, paying the keepers, and breeding wildlife.
Adult non-residents must pay $15 to enter the Entebbe Zoo; children under 18 must pay $10. Children in Uganda pay 5,000 shillings, while adults pay 10,000. Schools and tertiary institutions that visit the Center for educational purposes pay a different rate.
A fee of 10,000 Ugandan Shillings will be applied if you want to record a video while visiting the zoo. A 2,000 shilling parking fee is charged on all vehicles.
Conclusion
The Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Center is open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm every day. If you arrive later than 6:00 pm, you won’t be received. We advise arriving before 4:00 pm for the best encounter and time with the animals.
Visitors will have a unique opportunity to engage intimately with many of the animals at the Center. During the tour, they will as well learn about the life histories of each animal.
