A Night at The Entebbe Zoo
For plenty of children, a day trip to the Uganda Wildlife Education Center (otherwise known as the Entebbe zoo) is a fun day trip. They are rounded up with their classmates and led through the zoo en masse. But what if you could have the zoo completely to yourself? What if you could do so at night? Well, for those willing to spend few shillings, this can become a reality.
Past Chimp Island, on a road that very few tend to wander down (on account of it being long and bereft of animals) there is the backside of the Entebbe Zoo. Here there are six bandas where guests of the zoo are allowed to stay the night. They are named after different areas in Uganda (Ruwenzori’s and Queen Elizabeth) for example. For about 35USD or about 95,000UGX you can rent the banda for the evening.
The rooms re furnished nicely with a small kitchenette, mosquito nets and comfortable beds. Some bandas are one story with one large bed and one smaller bed, which is perfect for new families. Other bandas are furnished more for a group of friends, with two stories and 4 single beds. The cost is the same regardless of which banda you choose.
If you are looking to save a few shillings, but would still like to spend time inside the zoo you can choose to camp. Camping along the beach line or at the picnic site will cost 15USD () and enjoy a crackling fire and quite possibly, a lions roar in the middle of the night. You must bring all of your own equipment and arrange for your own utensils as well.
Once you are settled then feel free to explore the zoo at your leisure. There are a whole host of things to do that suit every need. If you’d prefer to sit and have a drink or have a bite to eat while looking over Lake Victoria, you can visit the zoo café, which sits on the hill over the lake. You could also wander down to the lake if you prefer and check out the fisherman just off shore. There are also toys and jungle gyms for children, a wandering camel to pet, and, of course, then there are the animals.
The zoo is comprised of three different areas: The Savannah, The Wetlands, and the Forrest. These are representative of the ecosystems that exist inside of Uganda’s many different national parks. There is a wide variety of animals inside these sections, including Lions, Leopard, Hyena, Waterbuck, Cob, Zebra, Rhino, assorted Primates, Chimps, Crocodiles and a number of different Birds. Many of these animals were rescued from poachers and smugglers and live in the zoo while they are rehabilitated. If it is feasible, they are later released back into the wild.
Part of the fun of staying at the Uganda Wildlife Center is that after darkness falls, some of its more interesting animals become active. The Lions, Serval, Leopard and Hyenas can be found wandering their cages, their eyes reflecting in the light of headlamps. Growls, roars, and giggles abound as the night wears on, and it’s easy to feel a little bit vulnerable, despite being perfectly safe.
The Hyenas can be a particular delight as they are both inquisitive and mischievous creatures by nature. It is not uncommon to find them playing games with people as they pass by. Dart behind a tree, and the hyena will hide itself. Peek out and it does the same. However, make no mistake, these are still extremely wild animals. Hyenas in particular are some of the strongest and most ferocious predators out there, so please, remember that no matter how cute they look, or silly they seem, putting anything into the cage is a terrible idea.
If, you find you just can’t get enough of the zoo, it’s also worth noting that the zoo has a variety of internship programs that students and members of the public can take part in. After passing health requirements, you can work close up with chimpanzees and try being a keeper for a day. These volunteer programs can range from just a few hours to a few months. For more information on them you can email the UWEC and volunteer@uwec.ug.
So, if you’re looking for a fun and educational get away with the kids, or a great time with friends or a significant other, you’ll find the zoo has something in store for everyone. Not to mention, proceeds do go to benefit conservation and rehabilitation efforts for the animals. Not to mention education for the public on the remarkable biodiversity of Uganda. It’s never been so easy to do a little good, and have a little fun at the same time.
To reach the UWEC take the Kampala-Entebbe Road. About 5klm from the airport and 40klm from Kampala is Johnstone Road. This is where the UWEC is located. For those travelling on matatus (3,000UGX from the old taxi park) tell the driver to stop at the Botanical Beach Hotel Stage. From there it is an easy boda ride to the center. You can always call ahead for reservations at: +256 414 320 520 or +256 414 332 169/171/172
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