Reptile Village is understandably Uganda’s proven safe haven of different reptiles situated in Entebbe just 3 km off the main road located in Bunono village. In the early 2000s, the Ugandan reptile enthusiast Kazibwe Yassin decided to start a Reptile project under government community-based poverty eradication project so as to create a safe home for reptiles. Between 2005- 2008, he rescued over 38 snakes and relocated them to this place and currently this place hosts over 50 species of reptiles with 20 species in the direct display at this site. Since the village has both poisonous and non-poisonous reptiles, all reptiles in this place are caged for safety reasons. In this place, are two basins whereby 1 basin hosts the climbing reptiles and the second acting as a home to the tortoises.  Besides snakes, this place also harbors other reptiles such as tortoises, the colour changing chameleons, Nile crocodiles, Monitor lizards and skinks. Being a private property, reptiles are always rescued from different places before releasing them into the protected conserved areas like National parks and many more.

 A visit to Reptile village will kill your fear of reptiles by giving you a golden opportunity to enjoy seeing these slow but fun animals. Under the guidance of experienced knowledgeable guides, you have a chance to tour this place getting up close to the reptiles. Snake here include; the African Rock Python which is Africa’s largest snake, Gabon Viper one of the highly dangerous snake, forest cobra not to mention but a few. The care taker of the day will also take you to the ponds where the Nile crocodiles are kept therefore don’t forget to carry cameras for photography. All reptile addicts also have a chance to see the colour changing chameleons and the tortoises which is fun especially to children who visit Reptile Village. Under the guidance of the care takers, only the brave ones dare to carry some reptiles while at this place.

 Other Activities Done at Reptile Village

Canoeing

During this interesting activity, you set off from the swamp to the open lake where you enjoy different wildlife such as birds, water plants, etc. You can as well sail for the for the sunrise cruise and if you are lucky enough, you will get a chance to see fisherman casting their nets as they prepare to catch different types of fish.

Sport fishing

This is one the most interesting activity in this place that will leave you with great memories as you witness fish hooked onto your angler. You can hire some fishing equipment as a small fee or you can as well come along with your equipment. This activity gives you an opportunity to catch fish like the tilapia, Nile perch, etc. You are free to take it back into the water or cook it and enjoy it as a delicious meal. You can as well interact with the fishermen around as you get to know other fishing methods used.

Wetland walks

Visitors take a stroll with one of the community guides in the wetlands near this place whereby you have a chance to come across different biodiversity e.g birds, papyrus, reptiles and many more.

Photography

Since the village has two basins show casing different collection of reptiles, visitors who usually stroll through Reptile village are free to take photos. This is because the village offers lush green vegetation that gives a perfect background for nice photos. You can as well take photos as you are holding one of the non-venoms snakes to take back home for remembrance.

Bird Watching

The place is a home to countless number of bird species like papyrus canary, grey headed heron, papyrus gonolek, and woodland king fishes, scarlet chested sun birds and many more. Therefore, don’t forget to carry your birding gargets like binoculars, cameras, photos birding books so that they help you out in identifying these birds.

Opening hours

The gates of this comfortable place for reptiles are always open from Monday- Sunday from 8:00am-6:00pm. It even opens during public holidays.

How to get there

It is located in Entebbe situated in Bunono village approximately 3 kilo meters off the main road. At the entry point, visitors pay an affordable fee to access the village. This money is collected to assist the conservation of these reptiles and also improve the livelihood of care takers of these reptiles.

In conclusion, Reptile Village welcomes and attracts different people who have interest in reptiles to come and know more about these misunderstood creatures.