Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee sanctuary also known as “Chimp Island” is one of the leading sanctuaries for primates in the world. It is one of the best places to visit in Uganda. The sanctuary began with 19 chimpanzees and they have increased to 52 chimpanzee individuals now. The were orphaned, liberated and confiscated chimpanzees rescued from the illegal pet and bushmeat trade. Ngamba island is found on Lake Victoria which is close to Entebbe town. The Island is covered with about 100 acres of forest which provide a natural environment and food for the chimpanzees. As a member of the Pan African Sanctuary Alliance, the sanctuary attracts famous primate researchers, institutions and staff from similar sanctuaries around the world who come to collaborate and share knowledge. Other interesting sanctuaries include the JACK Chimpanzee sanctuary in DR Congo, Lwiro Chimpanzee Sanctuary in DR Congo, Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Centre in Congo and the Senkwekwe Centre for orphaned mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park.
Ngamba Island was founded in 1998; the island offers 95 acres of natural forest where the chimps roam and forage daily. Their diet is enhanced several times per day much to the delight of visiting tourists who are able to observe the feeding from a viewing platform. The chimps also have the freedom to stay in the forest at night or return to nighttime inclusions where they can build nests and receive an evening meal.
Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust is an NGO responsible for all aspects of the sanctuary. Deeply committed to and involved in both field conservation and community education, it works closely with the Ugandan government and wildlife authorities.
Aims of Ngamba island chimpanzee Sanctuary are to
Provide a safe home for rescued chimpanzees, care for the environment and other wildlife on the island, offer a high-quality educational experience for visitors, and benefit local communities through employment and conservation outreach.
Rescue and rehabilitate orphaned and confiscated chimpanzees primarily from illegal wildlife and bushmeat trades, offering them a secure and supportive environment.
Educate the public about chimpanzees and the importance of conservation through visitor experiences and broader conservation programs, including wild chimpanzee population censuses and snare-removal initiatives.
Benefit local communities through employment opportunities for staff, caregivers, and volunteers, and by fostering community engagement in conservation efforts.
How to get to Ngamba island chimpanzee Sanctuary
Ngamba Island chimpanzee sanctuary is one of the top tourist attractions in Entebbe town. For one to get to Ngamba Island, they need to take a speed boat to the island. Most of the boats dock and depart from waterfront Beach in Entebbe close to the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre commonly known as Entebbe Zoo. The boats are of different sizes, some take up to 25 people depending on one’s budget, one can choose the smaller and faster boats or the larger ferries. The boats are equipped with life jackets and fire extinguishers.
To access the island, you will be required to show an entrance ticket from the Ngamba Island Reservations office regardless of who you choose to travel with.
Visiting the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
One of the objectives of the Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary apart from taking care of the orphaned chimpanzees is to educate the general public about these extraordinary primates and the importance of protecting their homes the forest. By visiting the island and paying a fee, one contributes to a cost of ensuring the welfare of the primates.
Visitors to the sanctuary have a chance to spot the chimps, feed them and take part in other activities within the island including boat cruises, fishing, swimming, relaxing and sunbathing. The chimpanzees in Ngamba island are well taken care of with enough space to avoid overcrowding, the chimps are stopped from reproducing by using modern birth control methods.
Main Activities at Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
The main activities at Ngamba Island focus on chimpanzee encounters and conservation, alongside other nature-based experiences on Lake Victoria.
Visitors can observe and take part in chimpanzee feeding from a higher platform, learn about the chimpanzee’s history and conservation efforts, and even join the feeding team.
Other activities at Ngamba island chimpanzee sanctuary apart from chimpanzees include
- Bird Watching,The island hosts over 120 species of birdlife. Enjoy these colourful varieties along the shore or in the forest along the Ngamba trail.
- Boat Cruises, On Lake Victoria, Following the guided walk, guests enjoy a leisurely boat cruise on Lake Victoria, surrounding Ngamba Island. The cruise offers …
- Sunset viewing, enjoying the sun set as it hits the waters of Lake Victoria is one of the amazing characteristics of the island one shouldn’t miss while visiting or during your stay at Ngamba island chimpanzee sanctuary
- Fishing Excursions, take part in hooking the Nile Perch one of the world’s largest fresh water fish by being part of either the half or fully day fishing excursion
- Caregiver of the day experience, this experience is accessible by visitors who decide to spend the night or more on the island. The experience is intended to give visitors an opportunity to understand what the caregivers go through to make the chimps happy and in good health.
The island also offers opportunities for overnight stays at the Ngamba Ecolodge, volunteer programs focused on chimpanzee care, and cultural experiences like traditional performances
If you are interested in visiting Ngamba island chimpanzee sanctuary, having any questions, making bookings, getting tour guides, and drafting Ngamba island chimpanzee sanctuary itinerary, do not hesitate to inquire from our company we shall be happy to help.
