Located within the scenic Lake Victoria is a beautiful Ngamba Island, one of the magical tropical islands in Africa. The scenic Ngamba Island forms part of the stunning Koome Archipelago and it is surrounded by the peaceful Lake Victoria water. Entirely, the tropical island is set for the orphaned chimpanzees making it an outstanding spot worth visiting on safari in Uganda.
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary shelters up to 52 chimpanzees in its vast 404.605sq.m tropical forest. Chimpanzees at Ngamba Island can be spotted roaming in the 95-acre forest area and in addition to the rescued chimps, the tropical island also protects over 120 species of birds, otters and monitor lizards.
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary derives its name from Ngamba Island and the sanctuary was founded in 1997. Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and Wildlife Conservation Trust among other organizations rescued the chimpanzees which were poached or smuggled. Today, the sanctuary acts as an important platform for locals and foreign tourists to have in-depth learning about chimpanzees. While Ngamba Island is more of a forest, the Northern part (3800m elevation) features some patches of grassland.
Getting to Ngamba Island
Ngamba Island is located South-east of Entebbe on Lake Victoria about 23kms away and accessible by speed boat for about 45 minutes. Using a traditional motorized canoe, Ngamba Island is reachable about one and half hours’ drive.
Chimpanzees in Uganda
Over 5050 chimpanzees survive within Uganda alone, the highest chimpanzee population though for the previous 30 years, their numbers have kept on reducing. Chimpanzees are among the most threatened species especially due to habitat loss, poaching etc. Ngamba Island plays an important part in protecting the many rescued chimps from poachers or smugglers with currently sheltering up to 52 orphaned chimpanzees.
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is run by Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust and it works together with other organizations such as Uganda Wildlife Education Center, Uganda Wildlife Society, International Fund for Animal Welfare and Born Free Foundation, Environmental Conservation Trust of Uganda, Jane Goodall Institute.
Other than Ngamba Island, chimpanzees in Uganda also thrive in Budongo Forest, Kalinzu Forest, Kibale National Park, Toro-Semuliki Wildlife Reserve, Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, Maramagambo Forest, Kyambura Gorge etc.
Visiting Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary’s main objective is to educate the public on the value of conserving/protecting chimpanzees and their habitats. Your visit to the Sanctuary plays an important part since it is one main source in which the management generates finances for facilitating the daily activities of taking care of these endangered species.
Visiting Ngamba costs USD 115 per person for half day tour on a speed boat, USD 80 for a motor boat and USD 200 is for “caregiver for a day” experience. There are different shifts with the first starting at 9:00am up to 12:45pm while the second one ends at 5:00pm. Feeding is often conducted starting at 11:00am and 2:30pm.
Caregiver for day experience is available for visitors in need to spend a night or more at the Ngamba Island. The experience involves having a deep understanding about chimpanzees, keep them happy and in their good health, feeding, cleaning their chambers etc. Participants shall be required to conduct a thorough medical test.
Long stay visitor program
Long stay visitor programme is ideal for holidaymakers who desire spending more days at Ngamba Island. This includes assisting the team at Ngamba Island in building projects, cleaning chimp cages, treating chimps, preparing food, collect data, analyze date etc.
Other exciting activities not to miss at Ngamba Island include forest walks, birding, sunset cruises, fishing and volunteer programs etc.
When to visit?
Ngamba Island is a year-round destination. But most primate lovers prefer visiting during the dry season which occurs from June to August or December to February. The chimpanzee sanctuary is perfectly reached on boat.
Accommodation in Ngamba Island
The best places for overnight stay at Ngamba Island include Ngamba Eco-Lodge which offers standard camping and luxury accommodation, Ngamba Island Tented Camp which is ideal to undertake forest walk, sunset cruises and so much more.
