Entebbe with Kids: Zoo, Gardens, Aircraft

October 31, 2026

Travel advisory, October 2026: The US State Department rates Uganda Level 4, Do Not Travel. It raised the rating from Level 3 in May 2026 because of an Ebola outbreak in the region, and it also cites crime, terrorism, unrest and Uganda’s anti-LGBTQI+ law. The UK FCDO does not advise against travel to Uganda as a whole, but it warns that terrorists are very likely to try to attack and that same-sex activity is illegal under the 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act. Check travel.state.gov for the current US level, read both governments’ advice before you book, and buy insurance that covers your whole itinerary.

Entebbe is an easy place to spend a few days with children. Distances are short, the pace is slow, and the main draws are animals, green lawns and a beach with old aircraft to look at. Prices are in Uganda shillings (UGX) and US dollars.

Water safety comes first

Children must stay out of Lake Victoria at Entebbe. Do not let anyone swim, wade or paddle at Lido, Spenah or Aero beach or anywhere else on the shore. The lake carries bilharzia (schistosomiasis), hippos and crocodiles, and about 13 people drowned in the Entebbe area over Christmas 2015. Treat every beach as a place for a meal and a view. If the family wants to swim, use a hotel pool.

Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre

UWEC is the obvious first stop. It is at Plot 56/57 Lugard Avenue on the lake shore and is open every day from 08:30 to 18:30. Exhibits cover primates, carnivores, hoof stock, reptiles and birds, and you can expect to see chimpanzees, lions and giraffes. A child’s ticket (ages 3 to 14) costs UGX 10,000 for East Africans and USD 10 for non-residents. An adult ticket costs UGX 20,000 for East Africans and USD 15 for non-residents. Parking is UGX 2,000 a day, and you can pay in cash or by Visa. For older children, the Junior Keeper for a Day (ages 6 to 16) costs USD 50 and should be booked ahead. See the UWEC website for details.

Entebbe Botanical Gardens

The lawns and trees of the botanical gardens are good for a picnic-style afternoon and a walk. Black-and-white colobus monkeys and hornbills are the highlights. The monkeys are wild, so tell children not to feed or touch them. Paths get muddy after rain, so bring shoes that can cope. Opening hours and fees differ between sources, so check before you go.

Aero Beach

Aero Beach is a beach resort near the old airport with retired aircraft and statues of well-known figures. Visitors can climb on the planes, and there is an entry fee. The climb is risky for small children, so stay beside them. The aircraft include a Boeing 707 and Soviet jets such as the MiG-19. Keep everyone on dry land and out of the water.

Uganda Reptile Village

Uganda Reptile Village at Bunono was founded around 2002 to 2003 and suits children who like reptiles. Opening hours and fees vary, so ask before you set out.

Ngamba Island

Ngamba Island’s chimpanzee sanctuary is reached by speedboat from Entebbe (about 45 minutes) and needs advance booking with the Chimpanzee Trust. No child rules are published, so ask about age limits and health requirements when you book. Plan on a half day at least.

To compare listed outings for families, search GetYourGuide for Entebbe family activities .