Situated within the beautiful 100 acres Ngamba islands 23km south of Entebbe–Uganda, Ngamba Islands Chimpanzee Sanctuary is home to about 40 orphaned chimpanzees almost half of which have been confiscated and brought to the islands since its opening. Chimpanzees are separated from the visitors’ area by an electric fence. Ngamba chimpanzee sanctuary was established in 1999 and is the first and only chimpanzee sanctuary in Uganda. This Ngamba chimpanzee sanctuary brings the world of chimpanzees closer to humanity through education end eco-tourism in Uganda. The chimpanzee is considered to be the closest relative to humans and is “endangered’ under a strict application of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List Criteria.
Chimpanzees at Ngamba sanctuary spend their days in semi-wild enclosures and show normal social interaction and behavioral patterns as group members. Enjoy splendid views of day time chimpanzee feedings from the visitor’s platform, and take pleasure in unlimited use of the other island facilities. Have a special opportunity to watch the islands 154 recorded birds, travel around the local fishing village, organize a sunset cruise in advance or simply relax at your tents private deck and feel the unforgettable African sunset as thousands of bats make their flight around the Island. Join a group of infant chimpanzees in their forest habitat on a one-hour forest walk for an awe-inspiring experience late in the afternoon or early morning.
Try out one of its kind Caregiver program where visitors acquire the unique opportunity to experience a day in the life of a chimpanzee by being caregivers! Have a once in a lifetime chance to take part in preparing chimpanzee food and feeding them as a chimp caregiver. You can go ahead to help out the staff with any activities happening at the sanctuary including research and monitoring, day medical checkups, preparing the holding areas for the chimps, and other activities. The staff will work with you to show you what is involved in taking care of chimps and what makes them so special.
There is the accommodation on the island for those who wish to have an overnight experience comprised of just 4 tents, all en suite, on wooden platforms with private tents decks overlooking the world’s second-largest freshwater Lake- Victoria. The forest walk and caregiver activities may only be done as an addition to the Ngamba Island overnight experience and have age restrictions and a special medical requirement that need to be adhered to.
The camp has been built with strict ecological guidelines of Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust (CSWCT) with due care to the fragile nature of the environment. Each tent has an impressive view of the lake and is well-appointed, featuring a bush shower and eco-toilet. Meals are substantial with several tasty courses for dinner and local specialties such as fresh fish from the lake when possible, beverages and cold drinks are available at all times. Ngamba Islands is open all year round and is ideal to tag along on to the end of any Uganda safari.
Come and take pleasure in Guided tours at Ngamba that take place two times a day, every day of the year (weather permitting), when the chimp tour guide talks about chimpanzees, the sanctuary, and introduces the individual chimps and their stories – from the safety of the viewing points. The tour takes approximately one hour. Light meals and refreshment are available from tour restaurant before or after the tour
