A HAVEN FOR DOZENS OF ORPHANED CHIMPS
Imagine walking hand-in-hand through the forest with a lively chimpanzee at your side. This is but one experience visitors can enjoy with these wonderful primates at the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, a 100-acre refuge for over 50 orphaned and rescued chimps. On this rainforest island situated on Lake Victoria, you’ll learn about our primate cousins and help support their care in this natural habitat.
All the chimps here have been rescued, some from poachers, others were ill or mistreated -none of them can ever go back to the wilds. However, here at Ngamba Island, they are cared for, allowed to roam freely, fed twice daily, and provided with medical care and love.
Upon arriving at the island by speedboat or canoe, you’ll be introduced to the chimps with a personal presentation by one of the sanctuary’s caregivers. The folks here know each of the chimps by name and their personal history as well.
You will also get to watch as the chimps are fed, with opportunities to join the feeding team and get up close as the lively apes vie for your attention!
The island sanctuary is a project of the Chimpanzee Sanctuary & Wildlife Conservation Trust, through which you can book a half-day, full-day, or even a 3-day chimpanzee safari. Take a speedboat to the island for a quick 50-minute trip each way. Or, enjoy a more leisurely 90-minute motorized canoe trip to this island straddling the equator.
Primarily composed of tropical forest, the island also supports swaths of grassland. In addition to this world of playful rescued chimps, other wildlife you may come upon includes large monitor lizards, over 120 bird species, crocodiles, and hippos.
The half-day trips to the island leave at 9:00 am and 12:45 pm from the dock at Entebbe. Return trips arrive back at 12:45 pm and 4:45 pm.
About Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
The 100-acre island is located on Lake Victoria.
Climate:
Near the equator, expect warmish temperatures and lots of rain from March through May.
Location:
Ngamba Island is 27 km (17 mi) by boat, southeast of Entebbe.
When to go:
The island is open year-round but the best time to go is during the dry season months of June to August and December through February. The rains of March-May could affect your over-lake journey as well as some visibility and activities on the island.
Getting there:
By road – you can book a tour with Pride Drive Tours from Entebbe.
Things to do and see
Feeding the Chimps
There are two feedings a day – morning and afternoon. Visitors walk onto a raised platform, to easily see the chimps. You can also volunteer to be part of a team that personally feeds the chimpanzees.
Caregiver for a Day
In this special program, you’ll get up close to the chimps, helping to prepare their food and feeding them. You may also assist the staff with medical checkups, research, recording the chimps’ activities, and generally learn how to take care of these animals.
3-Day Chimpanzee Safari
Experience numerous small group guided tours and interactions with the chimpanzees. You’ll stay in self-contained tents on wooden platforms with stunning views of Lake Victoria.
Sunset Cruise
Enjoy the final golden rays of the day over famous Lake Victoria. A wonderful way to wrap up your island experience.
Bird Watching
The island hosts over 120 species of birdlife. Enjoy these colorful varieties along the shore or in the forest along the Ngamba trail.
Fishing
Enjoy local fishing from the island or your boat as you sail Lake Victoria.
Discover Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
An easy and enjoyable half-day, full-day or overnight excursion, Ngamba Island is a special place to appreciate and help protect these extraordinary primates. Learn their names, their stories, and bring back special memories of your African safari experience.
Experience Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary with Pride Drive Tours
Sail with us to this unique wildlife haven for a memorable day getting to know the chimps. We will set up a personalized wildlife safari just for you. Tours leave daily from Entebbe to Ngamba Island and many other exciting parks in Uganda.