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Uganda Wildlife Education Center (UWEC), Entebbe, Uganda

Location:

The accommodations are located inside the Uganda Wildlife Education Center (UWEC) in Entebbe, which is approximately 1km from the a main road. The UWEC is located on a quiet street, so getting there at night can be a bit scary as the street isn't lit. Moreover, the bandas are located at the end of the zoo, which is approximately a 10-15 minute walk from the zoo entrance. Walking through the zoo at night is also a scary but unique experience.

Room Comfort:

The bandas are spacious but basic. We stayed in a banda that had 2 twin beds, although bandas with double beds are also available. Mosquito nets were provided above each bed. There is a small kitchen in each banda. The bandas are self-contained and have constant hot water which is rare in Uganda. The beds were comfortable. The bathroom was spacious but basic. We had the ability to walk through the zoo at any time of the day or night. We kept a flash light with us at all times as the pathways were not very well lit at night. In the evenings and mornings we heard the noises of some of the animals, but not lions as the lonely planet book states. In the mornings, we exited our banda to find two donkeys feeding on our front lawn.

Cleanliness:

The bedding and towels were clean and a daily cleaning service was provided. There were some bugs in the banda which we expected due to the location of the accommodations.

Service:

The service here is really non-existent. You can speak to the staff at the front office should you need anything, but only during working ours. After the zoo closes, there is only one security guard on site. Consider this a self service place for all intensive purposes.

Food:

Chapattis are available from the vendors at the zoo during the zoos' hours of operation. The chapattis were good but no different than anywhere else in Uganda.

Overall Value:

It was a unique experience to stay here and it made us feel good knowing that the money for our accommodation was going to a good cause. If you are traveling on a budget then this is a decent option as it is very affordable and the money goes to a good cause. Despite its isolated location, you can still walk to most areas of Entebbe within 30 minutes or so.