Ngamba Island Sanctuary /Chimpanzee Viewing
Ngamba Island Sanctuary /Chimpanzee Viewing : Ngamba Island Chimpanzee sanctuary is an impressive Island sanctuary that was dedicated to protect the orphaned chimpanzees that have been rescued by the ‘UWA’ Uganda Wildlife Authority a government body to all the National parks and reserves. Half the number of the chimpanzees were rescued from poachers which were unlikely to survive re-introduction to the wild. Making it a home to over 50 individuals living in a sanctuary.
Generally, Ngamba Island has become animal conversation, which covers over 100 acres of rainforest situated on Lake Victoria estimating 27 kilometers by boat south-east of the city of Entebbe, few meters’ way from the Equator in Lake Victoria Uganda. The thing is that, it supports various natural wildlife and provides a variety of natural foods for the chimpanzees. Around the island, there are proper set up an eco-friendly project with compost toilets, rainwater collection, hot water, proper waste management practices and solar energy electricity.
This Sanctuary is under protection of a non-profit organization that is, the Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wild Conservation Trust ‘’CSWCT’’, under a partnership of six organizations committed to the welfare and conservation of wildlife few to be mentioned; Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, Born Free Foundation, Environmental conservation Trust of Uganda ‘’ECOTRUST’’, International Fund for Animal Welfare, Uganda Wildlife Society and more.
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is all year open for the visitors who pay a normal entrance fee to watch one or both of the Chimpanzee feedings which is quite interesting to see our close relatives that share 99% DNA to humans inside their protective fences with rewardable views. However, Ngamba Island was gazette in later 1998 to take care for orphaned chimpanzees that were rescued from different parts of East Africa.
The Ngamba chimpanzee viewing can either be done in a morning or afternoon feeding ,visitors view these chimpanzees on platform area along the edge of the sanctuary fence .Other activities to do around or after Chimpanzee viewing include interact with the sanctuary staff ,enjoy your lunch at the Island ,Swimming on the equator ,bird watching ,viewing a neighboring fishing village , view other wildlife ,sunbathe and relaxation is awesome along here .Chimpanzee morning viewing starts at 9:00am to 1:00pm and Afternoon viewing starts at 12:45pm to 5pm or else you can do full day viewing ,from 08:00am -3:00pm but depends on weather.
Is it possible for one to stay at Ngamba Island?
With no worries at Ngamba Island, you can spend your day and overnight visits while staying in Luxury tents which are available and can be booked directly from the booking agent.
How to get to the Island
Ngamba Island can be reached through different types of boat which can be booked through the Ngamba Island Reservations office.
You can board a speed boat travel from the dock in Entebbe to Ngamba Island that takes 45 to 50 minutes. Life jackets and rain suites are provided to the travelers on boats.
You can opt to travel by traditional motorized canoe that takes 90 minutes and travel by air its approximately 20 minutes from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip.
Travelers can decide to arrange their own transport but make sure that you check availability with Ngamba Island Reservations office in order to avoid disappointment. We slightly recommend our clients to book your lake journey directly with Ngamba Island Reservation Office, with help of reliable tour operator to ensure your safety.
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee sanctuary provides a unique experience with well cared for Chimpanzees and its quite clear that they genuinely care for them and as evidenced by the health of the chimpanzees, welcoming staff that takes in telling you about each of their personalities, be able to view of the beautiful birds and sweet sounds.