Wildlife Husbandry Programme

Entebbe, Uganda

1 week from USD 1,220 per person

  • Location: Entebbe, Uganda

  • Duration: 1 week with possible extension

  • Impact: Animal husbandry

  • Nearest International airport: Entebbe (EBB) Airport

Quick Facts

Introduction to the Project

As a volunteer you will form a valuable part of the team at the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC). UWEC aims to spread conservation awareness and education for the benefit of conserving Uganda’s biodiversity. Through rescue and rehabilitation of injured and confiscated wildlife, UWEC aims to be a conservation education tool for threatened species. UWEC is located in a beautiful environment which is at the fore front of Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa.

This volunteer program is ideal for gap years, zoology or biology graduates or anyone interested in animal husbandry and wildlife.

COSTS:

1 week starting from USD 1,200.00 per person

1 month from USD 2,500.00 per person

The Destination - UWEC, Entebbe, Uganda

The Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre is a fun and exciting place to see and learn about the animals of Uganda and the ecosystems in which they live.

Originally founded in the 1950s to accommodate confiscated and injured wildlife and to look after orphan animals confiscated from smugglers, the centre has grown considerably in recent years. Many say it is destined to become the most important facility to showcase  wildlife on the African continent.

Created by the government of Uganda with the help of the Wildlife Conservation Society in New York and managed by a Wildlife Trust, it never fails to delight. At UWEC you will come across free ranging Vervet monkeys and a family troop of DeBraza monkeys in the jungle of our hillside forest. Over 120 bird species can be seen around the centre including the famous African Fish Eagle, the Great Blue Turaco, Hammerkops, Giant Kingfishers and many others.

UWEC is not a zoo in a conventional sense and neither is it a Safari Park but it is a center where wildlife education is combined with leisure. Our main aim is to model the main ecosystem of this country in open range exhibits. Not only can you observe many of our most exciting indigenous species here, but comprehensive interactive interpretation and briefings on them are also given.

  • During the programme you will be staying in individual grass thatched cottage (called Banda). The Banda is self-contained cottage which has an ensuite bathroom (hot water shower and western style toilet). With a comfortable bed linen, a TV and a refrigerator.

  • Volunteers are provided with three meals a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) . Volunteers are welcomed to have lunch with the staff each day. Breakfast and dinner can be taken at the restaurant. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food are available to suit the requirements. Any extra food needed can be purchased at the restaurant or from the nearby convenient store.

    Volunteers can also cook their own food if they wish to do so. Cooking gas and utensils will be made available upon request.

  • Upon arrival in Uganda we recommend you purchase the local SIM card for your mobile which would serve for your in and out country calling. Telephone facility from UWEC office may be used, however, only for local calling purposes.

    Wi-Fi can be accessed from the UWEC office. If access needed for longer durations, can be done through the nearby Internet Cafes in the city.

  • Uganda has a tropical climate.

    December to February are the hottest months, with the heat lingering around 29°C (84°F) during the day.

    The wettest month is April and temperatures in the daytime are generally in the 80’s F (28 C), with March-June being slightly less wet.

 

2023 Trip Dates

15th - 21st May 2023

17th - 23rd July 2023

21st - 27th August 2023

16th - 22nd October 2023

6th - 12th November 2023

11th - 17th December 2023

3 or more people - choose your own dates!

  • 6 nights accommodation at UWEC in a Banda

    3 meals a day for 6 nights

    Day trip and guide around Kampala City

    Visit to Ngamba Island to see the chimpanzees

    Water, tea and coffee

    All experiences listed

    Guides and host for the duration of your stay

    Unlimited access to UWEC

    Return Entebbe Airport transfer

  • Flights

    Visa

    Travel Insurance

    COVID-19 related travel requirements

Highlights of the Trip:

Shadow Keeper Role

UWEC was founded to act as a refuge for injured and rescued wildlife, so there really is no better place to learn about animal welfare and husbandry than here! With over 70 rescued animals, you will be kept busy learning and participating on a daily basis with routine health checks, animal enrichment and development.

Animal Husbandry

Be a crucial part of the team at UWEC helping the keepers on their daily activities, including feeding the rhinos, chimps and more! By helping out with the keepers you will soon learn each animal’s characteristics and traits!

UWEC is open for receiving injured and abandoned animals 365 days of the year and they all come with their own unique story and requirements. On this programme you will be able to help nurture and care for rescued animals, and ensure that they are on the right track to recovery.

Surrogate Mother role to injured or sick African Animals

Experience Ugandan Culture

With a day trip to Kampala included in your itinerary, you will be able to see one of Africa’s bustling cities and experience Uganda’s unique culture. We will visit Kasubi Tombs a great World Cultural Heritage site in Uganda for the Buganda Kingdom, followed by Namugongo Martyrs Shrine to learn about the history of Uganda.

Afterwards there will be a chance to visit local gift and food markets.