Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is also known as the “primate paradise or chimp island” Ngamba is home to over 52 orphaned and rescued chimpanzees from across East Africa. Located approximately 23km southeast of Entebbe on Lake Victoria, Uganda. The 100arces naturally regenerated forest provides chimps living at Ngamba a safe and semi-natural environment in which to recover and eventually thrive over their long lives of up to 60 years.

The Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary was founded in 1998 and it is part of the Koome group of islands located on Lake Victoria and these include koome, Nsazi, kiimi, Bulago and Damba islands. The chimpanzee sanctuary and wildlife conservation trust (CSWCT) manages the sanctuary and works in hand with more 6 organizations which include the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, New South Wales Zoological Park, Uganda wildlife Society, International fund of Animal welfare, Jane Goodall Institute, born free foundation, and Environmental Conservation Trust of Uganda and these are committed to the welfare and conservation of wildlife.

The island is also divided into two main areas by an electric fence that keeps chimpanzees from humans, and the northern part of the island is generally flat, while the southern half of the island reaches an altitude of about 3800 feet above sea level, which is the highest point of the island.

Things to do on Ngamba island chimpanzee sanctuary

Chimpanzee Experience at Ngamba Island

This is the main activity on Ngamba Island chimpanzee sanctuary with over 52 chimpanzees residing on the island. It acts as a research Centre for chimps life and offers memorable chimpanzee experiences through different programs which include;

• Day trips

During these full day or half day trips, you will have the chance to view chimps feeding and be treated to sights of monitor lizards, birds and photographic opportunities. Personal orientation will be given to you by a chimpanzee caregiver and you will be able to view a feeding of chimpanzees from the visitors raised platform area along the edge of the sanctuary fence. You can also take part in feeding, shopping at the island gift shop, bird watching, swimming on the equator and visiting the neighbourhood fishing village or simply sunbathing and relaxing.

• Caregiving programs

This program is intended for visitors staying on the island for 1 or more nights. Participants in this unique program will be given the opportunity to experience a day in the life of a chimpanzee caregiver by being the caregivers themselves. During your time at the sanctuary, you are involved in all the aspects of chimpanzee caregiving such as helping to prepare their food and feeding them, during medical checks, overall research and monitoring and cleaning their sleeping areas etc. This experience not only allows visitors to experience what it’s like to take care of the chimps but also helps to raise funds for the sanctuary.

• Volunteer programs

The volunteer programs range from one to four weeks therefore expect to join highly trained and experienced chimpanzee care givers at Ngamba Island, you will take part in the following activities which include collecting behavioral data, entering the data, maintaining the island facilities, watching island wildlife, assisting with medical procedures, feeding  and preparing food for the chimpanzees.

Fishing at Ngamba Island

If you love to fish, you wouldn’t want to miss out on this opportunity to caught fish species like the Nile perch and tilapia on Lake Victoria. Full day or half day fishing excursions can be arranged with the UK certified fishing guide therefore be sure to ask for this activity if your booking you Ngamba island experience.

Sunset Cruise at Ngamba Island

Take advantage of this exclusive sunset cruise experience offered to overnight guests and enjoy a unique sight of fishing villages and fishermen casting their nets, while winding down their day and of course the golden circular sight of nature’s eye going to sleep.it is heartwarming to have a romantic sip as your crossing the glob from the southern to the northern hemisphere on the equator.

Forest/Nature Walk at Ngamba Island

This forest walk offers an opportunity for direct contact with the neonate chimpanzees who are allowed to walk with visitors to the forest for 1 hour and each forest walk is limited to a maximum of 4 guests, each accompanied by a trained staff in order to ensure safety. Apart from the chimps, the island is also home to the monitor lizards, fish eagles, spiders and bats. A forest trail at Ngamba island is also designed to help visitors learn about the animals and plants found on the island.

Getting to Ngamba Island chimpanzee sanctuary

Ngamba can either be accessed on a speed boat, ferry or charter flight from kajjansi airstrip. You must have a ticket to get into Ngamba chimpanzee sanctuary, you can either purchase the tickets at the Ngamba Island reservation office in Entebbe, or you can purchase them on-site at the island.

By Speed Boat: One can take a 45-minutes speed boat ride from Entebbe to Ngamba Island, or a 90-minutes motorized canoe ride from Nakiwogo Dock, the chimpanzee sanctuary also arranges the transfers for guests.

By Ferry: On can choose to board a ferry from Entebbe to Bugala and after reaching Bugala which is the main island and then take a taxi to Ngamba Island.

By Air: Getting to Ngamba Island by Air, one can book a charter flight by either aero link or Bar Aviation from Kajjansi airstrip direct to Ngamba Island.

Best time to visit Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary

The best time to visit Ngamba Chimpanzee Island is during the dry months of June to late October. In these months, there is much less chance of rain interrupting planned activities and there are more opportunities to observe wildlife around the island than during other months

Where to stay on Ngamba Island

Ngamba Eco lodge is the most recommended in the area with both luxury cottages and standard camping tents, located at the extreme of Lake Victoria with stunning views of the lake, providing the ideal setting to relax after a day spent with the Chimpanzees at the Sanctuary.  All facilities are well equipped with the top amenities, including electricity and clean bathrooms with hot water and cold water.