Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is a must-visit destination, it is located on Lake Victoria 23km southeast of Entebbe. What is so special about this island is that it has a chimpanzee sanctuary home for more than 52 orphaned chimpanzees with 100 acres that are disconnected from guests by an electrical enclosure.
Ngamba island chimpanzee sanctuary was created since 1997 and it is managed by the chimpanzee sanctuary wildlife and conservation trust (CSWCT)
Why Visit Ngamba Island?
Ngamba Island is more than just a tourist spot, it’s a haven for chimpanzees rescued from poaching, illegal pet trade, and habitat loss. The sanctuary provides these chimps a safe and enriching environment, giving visitors a unique opportunity to engage with wildlife conservation efforts. Visiting Ngamba is not only about encountering chimpanzees; it’s also a way to contribute to their welfare and to be part of Uganda’s commitment to conserving wildlife.
How to visit Ngamba Island?
Visits are allowed by the chimpanzee trust; since one of their objectives is to instruct peoples about the importance of protecting chimpanzee and the forest where they live. Visiting this place is a way of contributing to the maintaining and supporting the livelihood of these primates. Visits can be done either for a half day or a full day excursion.
Half day excursion: with a speed boat as transportation that picks visitors from Entebbe to Ngamba Island in 50 to 60 minutes. It is done in two shifts; one in the morning from 9:00am to 1:00pm and; the afternoon one: from 12:45pm to 5:00pm.
Full day excursion: Using traditional motorized canoe from Entebbe to the island. The journey will take 90 to 120min depending on the weather. A full day excursion has two shifts also; the first one in the morning from 08:00am to 3:00pm and the afternoon one from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
An early excursion in Ngamba island chimpanzee sanctuary is more recommended because you get to find the chimpanzee in their feeding area eating and playing with one another. Visitors are able to analyze their behavior; their interactions with their siblings and many other things.
Chimpanzees are at ease and feel at home with a huge feeding area located in grassland and behind a forest where this primate spends most of their time. Caregiver learnt how to interact with them as brothers and sisters while giving them food. Most of the time chimpanzee eat fruits that are served by the caregiver in bucket; once they are not satisfied they can lift up their hands as a sign of asking more food. Chimps are clever; they use sticks to pull food that is far from them.
The Chimpanzee sleep in their nest fence where they have the privilege to enjoy a bowl of porridge. Some of them may sleep in the forest but it is rare since they cannot miss the delicious porridge served in the evening.
For their good wealth they have a resident veterinary doctor with sophisticated equipment and also caregivers that take good care of them.
Tourist’s activities done in Ngamba Island
Caregiver for day experience: it is available for only guests that will spend a night or more than that in the island. They will have the privilege to interact in everything that caregivers go through; from preparing chimpanzees food to serving them they will also be involved in cleaning the room where chimps sleep. Reason why they are asked for medical check up to ensure that they do not have any germ that could harm chimpanzee’s health.
Fishing: as announced in the introduction; Ngamba island is located in Lake Victoria and in this lake they are some types of fish such as tilapia and Nile perch. Some guest interested in fishing do it when they go for a trip in Ngamba island. It arranged for a half day or full day fishing depending on your preferences. This will allow you to explore the great Lake Victoria.
Forest Walk with Chimps: One of Ngamba’s most exclusive experiences, the forest walk involves accompanying young chimpanzees as they explore a section of the island’s forested area. As you walk alongside the chimps, you may see them climbing trees, playing in the foliage, or simply sitting by your side. This close interaction provides an unparalleled opportunity to connect with these primates. Note: This activity is limited to a small number of guests and is often available only during specific seasons or to those with special permissions.
Overnight Experience: Spending the night on Ngamba Island is a remarkable way to immerse yourself in the sanctuary’s peaceful surroundings. Accommodations on the island include eco-friendly tents with comfortable bedding and stunning views of Lake Victoria. The overnight stay includes sunset cruises, storytelling sessions, and night walks to observe nocturnal wildlife around the island, allowing you to fully appreciate the tranquility and beauty of Ngamba after the day’s visitors have left.
Educational Programs and Presentations: Throughout the day, visitors can participate in educational sessions led by sanctuary staff, covering topics such as chimpanzee behavior, threats to primate survival, and the importance of habitat conservation. Interactive presentations help visitors understand the conservation challenges and successes in Uganda and beyond.
Where to stay in Ngamba island during a trip
In case guests are willing to stay for one or more nights in the Ngamba island; they are luxury self-contain tents that offers a beautiful view on Lake Victoria.
