Reptile Village is located 3 km off the Kampala-Entebbe highway in Entebbe and was founded by Yasin Kazibwe in 2002. It was started so as to sensitize and educate people about protecting and conserving natural resources including forests, water bodies and among others. Yasin, a dedicated reptile expert, has rescued over 40 snake species and stands as a habitat for reptiles where one can visit on Uganda safari tours.The Reptile Village serves as an educational center for reptile conservation and research and aims to be a habitat for diverse reptile species and a place for learning.
Upon entering the village, there are purpose-built dens that offer an advantage for observing the daily lives of reptiles. Visitors can safely observe various reptiles, including snakes, chameleons, tortoises, crocodiles,cobras, Gaboon vipers, Nile monitor lizards, boomslangs, chameleons, leopard tortoises and monitor lizards, which are all securely housed in cages and large ponds. One of the highlights is the African rock python that is under the guidance of knowledgeable guides who share facts about reptiles, making the experience both educational and memorable. The caretakers interact with snakes freely with snakes showcasing a bond that defies the inherent dangers these creatures pose.
Strolling through the village, visitors encounter two basins, each showcasing a unique collection. One basin is home to various tortoise species, while the other hosts non-climbing reptiles. The experience extends to a point where camouflaging chameleons demonstrate their incredible ability to blend seamlessly with their surroundings.
For more adventure, the nearby swamp unfolds additional reptiles, primates, birds, and fish. Sport fishing becomes an option for those seeking a different kind of thrill. These wetland walks offer a direct exploration of the reptile village, unveiling its hidden beauty with every step.
Canoeing is also one of other activities that can be done by visitors in a 3-kilometer manmade river stream within the reptile village. There is also a kids playground making it a suitable place for both adults and kids.
How to get to Uganda Reptile village
Located 3 kilometers off the Kampala-Entebbe highway in Bunono village, the site opens its gates throughout the week from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. The entrance fee is $8 dollars for adults and $5 dollars for kids. This money is collected so as to assist in the conservation of these species and also to improve the livelihoods of the caretakers.
Tourist attractions near the Reptile village
There are various tourist places one can go to after visiting a reptile village. For instance; Ngamba Island chimpanzee sanctuary, Entebbe botanical gardens, Uganda Wildlife Education Center and Mabamba swamp
Entebbe botanical gardens
The Entebbe Botanical Gardens was established in 1898, located on the northern shores of Lake Victoria 40 minutes from Kampala. These gardens showcase a collection of tropical, subtropical, and temperate plants.
It is home to 309 plant species, including 199 indigenous to Uganda and 110 exotic varieties, with medicinal gardens, stands of bamboo, thick underbrush, and towering trees and flowers. These gardens are habitat to primates like colobus, vervet monkeys and birds like Palm Nut Vultures, African Grey Parrots, and Bat Hawk. Botanical gardens offer other amenities like swimming pools, leisure walks and parties. The best time to visit the gardens is during weekdays from Monday to Friday when they are not congested.
Mabamba Swamp
The swamp is located 51 km away from Kampala and 3km from Entebbe in Kasanje village, Wakiso district harboring over 260 bird species.. Mabamba is recognized as a Ramsar Site and became an Important Bird Area (IBA)which has made it a starting point for birding safaris in Uganda, easily accessible from Entebbe International Airport.
The key attraction in the swamp is the Shoebill Stork which is best spotted here along with other rare species like Papyrus Yellow Warbler, Blue Swallow, and Sitatunga. The swamp also hosts a range of birdlife, including Yellow-throated Greenbul, Yellow-backed Weaver, Grey Crowned Crane, Violet-backed Starling, Great Blue Turaco, and the colorful Orange Weaver.
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
The sanctuary is located on lake Victoria 23 kilometers southeast of Entebbe city. It was established in October 1998 to serve as a habitat for orphaned eastern chimpanzees that were rescued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, even those from various regions in East Africa. It is also an eco-friendly project, embracing sustainable practices like compost toilets, rainwater collection, proper waste management, and reliance on solar energy for electricity and hot water.
Visitors are welcomed throughout the year, with a nominal entrance fee granting access to witness chimpanzee feedings and are offered both day and overnight experiences. Half-day tours start at 9am and end at 1pm, the second shift ends at 5pm. These day trips are offered with either speed boat where an individual pays $115 or slow motorized boat that cost $80. Children below 5 years dont pay and teenagers pay half the cost, those interested in caregiving experience pay $200 to engage in the activity. The overnight experiences are also offered and visitors pay $600.
Under the management of the Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust (CSWCT), a non-profit organization, Ngamba Island is a collaborative effort involving six dedicated organizations. These include the Born Free Foundation, International Fund for Animal Welfare, Jane Goodall Institute, Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC), Environmental Conservation Trust of Uganda (ECOTRUST), and Uganda Wildlife Society.
Uganda Wildlife Education Center
The center also known as zoo is located 4km from Entebbe and 36 km away from Kampala city in Entebbe Town council. Uganda wildlife education center is a home to a number of wildlife including; rhinos, zebras, lions, cheetahs, giraffes, leopards among others. This is supported by different vegetation like savannah, wetlands and forest. The zoo is open from 8 am to 6pm and for best animal experience the recommended time is 4pm. The entrance fee is $15 and $10 for adults and children respectively who are non-residents. Ugandans pay 10000 and 5000 UGX for adults and children respectively. There are separate charges visitors pay in case they want to shoot videos, want guided walks and also parking fee.
