Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is home to 49 orphaned chimpanzees located on Africa’s largest lake known as Victoria and gazetted in October 1998. Many of the chimpanzees found in the Sanctuary were rescued from poachers. It is managed by an NGO Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust (Chimpanzee Trust) in partnership with six trustees namely: Born Free Foundation, International Fund for Animal Welfare, Jane Good all Institute, Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, Environmental Conservation Trust of Uganda (ECOTRUST) Uganda Wildlife Society.
The above are deeply committed to and involved in both field conservation and community education. The sanctuary gives an exceptional opportunity to closely observe these fascinating great apes in their unique setting.
The island is endowed with vast natural wildlife and provides a variety of natural foods for the chimpanzees, monkeys, birds, and reptiles.
The sanctuary is open all year round to visitors charged $50 entrance fee to view the chimpanzees.
It is accessed by water using Speedboat travel from the dock in Entebbe to Ngamba Island this will take you approximately 45-50 minutes while traditional motorized canoe takes approximately 1hour and 30 minutes.
By air, it’s approximately 20 minutes from Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip.
ACTIVITIES DONE AT NGAMBA ISLAND
Caregiver
This is a unique exciting program where you get the opportunity to experience a day in the life of a Chimpanzee Caregiver rewarding you with an opportunity to participate in preparing chimps food and feeding them, doing medical checkups, research and monitoring, preparing the holding areas for the chimps and other activities. The Sanctuary staff will work with you during this activity to show you how things are done.
Viewing the chimpanzees.
During this activity, you will be able to see these charming primates from a raised platform. You will be able to take photos at a close range as you observe their ways of life. This is one of those regular activities done and the sanctuary during the day.
Infant chimpanzees Integration Program
This program is aimed at initiating the Infant Chips to the bigger individual groups. The sanctuary giving you an opportunity to participate in this rousing program A maximum of two visitors will be allowed per session of the integration program that would last up to one hour, with two sessions a day, morning and evening. Being part of the team going out in the enclosure with the infants, you will have the opportunity to give support to them by holding them, as there may be a need, as they are introduced to the juvenile individuals. After this stage of the integration, they are taken to the walk in the main forest. However, this program is a short visit as soon as you can. Price per person USD400
Forest walks.
This activity can be carried out in the morning, afternoon or evening. Explore the Island as you join a group of chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Strictly 4 visitors are allowed to participate in this fun adventurous activity in the company of a trained CSWT guide for safety and clear explanations about the Island. You will have direct contact with these unique creatures as they will play-bite, climb on you, grab your glasses, and pull your hair or even just walk along holding your hand. Chimpanzee Caregiving for a day experience:
Fishing cruises
The Sanctuary has the UK Certified trained skippers who are well versed with Lake Victoria’s rich fishing grounds and will give you an unforgettable experience. Our fishing adventures are either half, full-day or one week guided fishing activity. You will take part in hooking the Nile Perch.
Wildlife Hide
This Nature Haven experience allows you to view the spotted necked Otters, Mongoose, Nile Monitor lizard and birds as they interact with the environment. This will enable you to connect with wildlife, sit and observe anything that comes around using a telescope.
Student summer camp/ Study trips
This study adventure is for children aged 10 – 17 and takes place during school holidays. There are 3 days designed different themes and topics to stimulate understanding, appreciation and practical skills in chimpanzee behavior and conservation as well as other global environmental issues. Campers get to learn from experienced staff including the caregivers, educators, and veterinarians all in simple but fun experiences. Each child will go away as an environmental steward and ready to make a difference in the world around him/her.
CULTURAL PERFORMANCES
The sanctuary organizes cultural performances by the bonfire in the night, this will reward you with vast cultures and traditions through performing, drumming, and storytelling.
Other activities include Boat cruise, camping, team building activities.
Ngamba Island Sanctuary has one structured accommodation facility and camping ground, Ngamba Island tented camp. Few visitors are allowed to spend a night at the Island most of them rarely stay for a night.
Engagi Safaris is a reliable tour operator, with professional staff. Our tour consultants are well trained with a passion, to help you understand all the details about the safaris you wish to inquire about.We have the best drivers and guides who are very highly skilled and knowledgeable about all aspects of tourism, and you can be rest assured that you will have a wonderful experience.
