UWEC Entrance Fees: Current Prices 2026
Find the latest UWEC entrance fees, ticket prices, opening hours, and visitor information for Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre in Entebbe.
Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC), popularly known as Entebbe Zoo, adjusted its entrance fees on 1 July 2024 — the first significant change to local rates in over a decade. Those revised fees remain the current, confirmed rates at UWEC today.
Dr. James Musinguzi, the Executive Director of UWEC, explained that the adjustments were essential to ensure the continued well-being of the centre’s diverse animal species and to enhance the overall visitor experience.
Driven by the changing costs of animal care, food, and operational overheads, the revisions were not made lightly — and they marked the first increase for Ugandan and East African visitors in more than ten years, even though international visitor rates had been adjusted previously, both before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Current UWEC Entrance Fees
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| East African (EAC) Adults | UGX 20,000 |
| East African (EAC) Children (3–14 years) | UGX 10,000 |
| Non-Resident Adults | USD 15 |
| Non-Resident Children (3–14 years) | USD 10 |
| Resident Adults | USD 10 |
| Resident Children (3–14 years) | USD 5 |
| Tertiary/Higher Institutions (all week) | UGX 8,000 |
| Booked School Groups (Mon–Sun) | UGX 8,000 |
| Unbooked School Groups (Mon–Sun) | UGX 10,000 |
| International Schools (Special Activities) | UGX 10,000 |
Free entrance is granted to one accompanying teacher per 20 students. Fees can be paid in cash or by Visa, in Uganda shillings or the USD equivalent. Management reserves the right to revise these rates at any time.
Other UWEC Rates Worth Knowing
Beyond the standard day-visit entrance fee, UWEC offers several add-on experiences and facilities at the following current rates:
| Activity | Category | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Behind the Scenes Experience | Non-Residents | USD 70 |
| Residents | USD 50 | |
| Ugandans | UGX 50,000 | |
| Chimpanzee Close-Up | Non-Residents | USD 290 |
| Foreign Residents | USD 200 | |
| Keeper for a Day (Adult) | Non-Residents | USD 150 |
| Foreign Residents | USD 100 | |
| Keeper for a Day (Junior) | — | USD 50 |
| VIP Exclusive Behind the Scenes (incl. meal & drink) | Non-Residents | USD 100 |
| Foreign Residents | USD 70 | |
| Bandas/Cottages (East African), bed only | Single | UGX 80,000 |
| Double | UGX 100,000 | |
| Family | UGX 230,000 | |
| Resident Family | UGX 300,000 | |
| Bandas/Cottages (Non-East African), bed only | Single | USD 40 |
| Double | USD 50 | |
| Family | USD 120 | |
| Breakfast (per person) | — | UGX 15,000 |
| Parking | Per day | UGX 2,000 |
Rates for filming, long-stay volunteering, and student research are also available directly from UWEC.
Why the Fees Changed
UWEC framed the adjustment as necessary for sustainable operations rather than a departure from its mission. The centre stated the changes would help increase gate collections to improve service delivery, fund continued animal care, and support UWEC’s broader conservation education initiatives — while keeping resident and non-resident adult rates unchanged from what had already been adjusted in prior years.
Reactions at the time were mixed: some visitors voiced concern that higher local fees could reduce accessibility for local communities, while others supported the move as a necessary step toward sustainable, long-term funding for conservation. In the words of Dr. Musinguzi at the time of the announcement: “We thank you for your usual support and cooperation as we carry out Conservation Education in Uganda.”
About UWEC (Entebbe Zoo)
Located on the shores of Lake Victoria in Entebbe — about 10 minutes from Entebbe International Airport and roughly 40 minutes from Kampala — UWEC (formerly Entebbe Zoo) is a sanctuary dedicated to wildlife preservation and conservation education.
Founded in 1950 as a rehabilitation centre for orphaned, injured, and rescued animals, it sits on roughly 72 acres with a network of walkways connecting animal enclosures and a natural forest area.
Visitors can see a wide range of species, including lions, leopards, giraffes, elephants, rhinos, chimpanzees and other primates, antelopes, crocodiles, zebras, and a variety of birds such as the shoebill stork and grey crowned crane. UWEC also runs a breeding programme for endangered species and operates its own animal veterinary hospital.
Beyond wildlife viewing, UWEC offers guided tours, interactive exhibits, and educational programs designed to build awareness and stewardship of the natural world — with options ranging from a self-guided walk to guided vehicle tours and the “Behind the Scenes” experience for closer animal interaction.
Opening hours: Monday–Sunday, 8:30am–6:30pm.
Note: UWEC reserves the right to revise rates at any time — it’s worth confirming current pricing directly with UWEC (uwec.ug or +256 414 320 520) before your visit.
