Behind the scenes experience – The Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (Entebbe Zoo) behind the scenes program gives you a real time experience and close up contact with wildlife in terms how a visitor and the animal keepers interact. This close up interaction is in terms of how the keepers prepare food for the animals and how a visitor participates in the above activities. As a visitor you will have a personal petting interaction with the rhinos, the famous shoebill stork (Shoe ship) and giraffes. Each one of these interactions is unique for instance getting to feel the rough skin of the southern white rhinoceros and being able to feed them, but also seeing them scramble for your attention is simply awesome. Getting the giraffes feed off your hand and being sandwiched in between for a “selfie” is simply unforgettable. Then comes the interaction with the friendliest shoebill stork in its semi-natural environment is amazing.
In an effort to save the African Rock python, the Entebbe Zoo has designed a special snake conservation education talk as one of the activities of the behind the scenes programs. Here the visitor gets to personally pet the already tame pythons at the Centre if they do not have a phobia for the biggest snake on the African continent. This gets even more interesting when a visitor is asked to figure words out of the natural patterns on the snake.
In addition, the visitor is allowed to take beautiful photos with the giant reptile after being educated about how it was rescued, its habitat, threats and conservation status. It is therefore, thrilling to be able to participate. This program runs between one and a half to two hours Monday to Sunday from 9am to 6pm.
Best things to do in Entebbe Uganda. Entebbe town is Uganda’s gate away town being the home to the only international airport. Anyone flying to Uganda will obviously go through Entebbe town before they head to the capital or any other wildlife or safari site in Uganda. Entebbe is nestled gracefully at the shores of the largest fresh water body in Africa- Lake Victoria. Entebbe is one of the place Ugandans think of when it comes to beach holidays. Apart from beaches and excruciating views, there are a number of activities that you can participate in whilst Entebbe. Below we have listed some of the places you can visit or activities you can participate in
Day shoebill trips For any birders list of must see birds the iconic shoebill stork is highly rated, being critically endangered species of birds due to loss of habitat mamba swamp which is 45 minutes by boat from Entebbe and 1:30 minutes’ drive from Entebbe is considered the best spot, day trips can be arranged to the swamp in the morning or in the afternoon.
Visit Ngamba island chimpanzee sanctuary
This island is part of Jane Good all institute research Centre, its 23 KMs south of Entebbe, this can be accessible by boat.
The island has more than 45 chimpanzees roaming freely in the 100 hectares forested island.
Visit Uganda wildlife education Centre
This was first set in colonial times to provide custody for rescued wildlife and was called the UWEC zoo, later it was transformed as an educational site many Ugandan wildlife species can be seen including the chimpanzees.
Tour the botanical gardens
The 40 hectors of the heaven of Entebbe, here you advised to hire a local site guide who are always available every day
Here you can see tree species which are 100 years old, monkeys, beautiful birds and nice views of Lake Victoria.
Boat cruises on Lake Victoria
Boat excursion like normal bird watching cruise, sunset, sunrise, can be arranged with both speed boat and traditional motorized canoe. However this activities must be pre-booked as boats are not available all the time
Fishing trips on Lake Victoria
Lake Victoria is where Nile perch was first introduced by the British colonial master over years the breeding become successful making it one of the best places to catch the Nile perch the fish also spread to the Nile river now breeding below the Murchison falls.
Uganda reptile’s village
This is a nonprofit organization set up by Mr. kazibwe yasin to help rescue reptiles from people’s homes and properties Entebbe being a bit forested sometimes snakes, pythons and other reptiles still encroach homes and which the locals are afraid so he will come catch them and keep them at the reptiles village before realizing them in the wild
Craft & souvenir shopping
Entebbe being an entry and exit for many travelers and an idle town for foreign experts a lot of craft markets have been set up, here you can go and buy beautiful carvings, African fabric ,authentic cow products, incident pigmy art and craft, beautiful traditional drums and extremely un believable ceramic products.
Tour fishing villages
Entebbe has about 3 fishing villages this can be visited by tourists as you try to learn the life of people living in the fishing villages, this areas are usually over populated with temporary buildings
Boda Boda tours
This is one of Uganda’s top activities and fun as one will ride behind a motorcycle with the rider, this is the most common type of transport in Uganda‘s main cities.
The rider will take you to beautiful places, shopping centers.
Cycling tours
You can rent a bicycle and ride around Entebbe with a guide who will take you to different places of interest around Entebbe town .Entebbe is considered safe so it’s easy to move any time of the day or late evening
The best things to do in Entebbe Uganda and activities can be arranged anytime of your convenience except late evening and at night time.
Local taxi can be hired or this tour operator can arrange you transfers and arrange book the activities for you.
Cash is much preferred as many of activities are cheaper and use of credit card can in cure sure charges of up to 4.5%, Great Adventure Safaris organize the best things to do in Entebbe Uganda. Great Adventure Safaris arranges behind the scenes experience at UWEC in Entebbe town.