Entebbe Zoo – Behind The Scenes Tour and Entrance Fee
Entebbe Zoo, officially known as the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC), is one of Uganda’s most exciting wildlife attractions located on the shores of Lake Victoria. Established in 1952, the zoo was originally created to shelter rescued and orphaned wild animals but has since evolved into a conservation, research, and education center. Today, it offers visitors the chance to see Uganda’s wildlife up close and learn about conservation in a fun and interactive way.
Behind the Scenes Tour at Entebbe Zoo
The Behind the Scenes Tour is the highlight for many visitors to Entebbe Zoo. This unique experience allows guests to go beyond the normal viewing trails and get closer to the animals under the guidance of professional animal caretakers.
During the tour, visitors can help prepare animal meals, feed giraffes, interact with baby elephants, and even take part in health checks for some animals under supervision. The experience is designed to be both educational and memorable, giving participants a real feel of what it takes to care for Uganda’s wildlife.
Another exciting part of the behind-the-scenes tour is the opportunity to meet chimpanzees, lions, and other rescued animals in a controlled environment. It is not just about observing but also about understanding their stories, conservation challenges, and how UWEC works to protect them. This makes the tour especially appealing to families, school groups, researchers, and wildlife enthusiasts.
General Activities at Entebbe Zoo
Apart from the behind-the-scenes tour, visitors can enjoy several other activities such as the day keeper program, chimpanzee close-up experiences, and forest walks within the zoo compound. The center also hosts conservation education programs, making it a learning hub for both locals and international tourists.
The zoo is home to a wide variety of animals including elephants, giraffes, rhinos, lions, leopards, chimpanzees, crocodiles, and numerous bird species, offering a mini-representation of Uganda’s national parks.
Entrance Fees for Entebbe Zoo
The entrance fees to Entebbe Zoo (UWEC) are affordable, and they vary depending on the visitor category:
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Ugandan Citizens: Approximately UGX 10,000 – 20,000 per adult and about UGX 5,000 – 10,000 for children.
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Foreign Residents: Around UGX 30,000 – 40,000 per adult.
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Foreign Non-Residents (Tourists): About USD 15 – 20 per adult and USD 10 per child.
The Behind the Scenes Tour has an extra cost, usually ranging between USD 70 – 100 per person, depending on the activities chosen. Specialized programs such as the Keeper for a Day and Chimpanzee Close-Up also come at an additional fee.
Best Time to Visit Entebbe Zoo
Entebbe Zoo is open all year round, but mornings and late afternoons are the best times to visit. During these hours, animals are more active, and guided tours offer the best experiences. The zoo is open daily from around 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.