Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary

August 29, 2023 | Bujo Safaris

Ngamba Island chimpanzee sanctuary

Ngamba chimpanzee sanctuary is the top primate conservation center in Uganda. When the chimpanzees were under threat of extinction by poachers. Conservationists decided to create a conservation center that would protect them from the poachers. The sanctuary was opened in the year 1998 to protect the orphaned chimpanzees who were rescued from poachers, wild traffickers, zoos, and other countries like Congo, and Tanzania among others. This makes the major attraction of Ngamba island to be orphaned chimpanzees rescued from different places. 

Where is the Ngamba Island chimpanzee sanctuary located?

Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is located on Lake Victoria, part of the Koome island group. It is about 27 km southeast of Entebbe town lying on the mainland. This island is dominated by grasslands that cover almost 10% of the island. Ngamba Island provides shelter to other animals like spiders, fish, eagles, otters, and lizards among others. 

How many chimpanzees are found in the Ngamba Island chimpanzee sanctuary?

Ngamba island started with about 19 rescued primates but as we speak now the total goes up to approximately 52 chimpanzees. Some of the other sanctuaries that one can see are the Lwiro Chimpanzee Sanctuary, and Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center among others. The Ngamba island works hand in hand with the neighboring schools and other communities to ensure the safety of the primates and wildlife conservation at large. It also works with other wildlife conservation organizations like the Uganda Wildlife Society, and Jane Goodall Institute. Also, the Uganda Wildlife Education Center, Wales Zoological Park, and International Fund for Animal Welfare among others all of whose mission is to conserve and protect wildlife at all costs.

Among the reasons why one should visit this chimpanzee sanctuary is not only to take care of these orphaned chimpanzees but also to get some knowledge and facts about these primates and the benefits of conserving them. When you visit this sanctuary, you have greatly contributed to the well-being of the primates at this place. You get a chance to see chimpanzees, feed them, look at them as they do their day-to-day activities as well and take photos of the memorable moments. You can also get to do the boat cruise, fishing, swimming, and other activities that act as a relaxer to the body and mind. 

Visits to the island are divided into two sessions, the morning and the afternoon session. However, overnight sessions are also arranged at one’s request and they are a little bit costly. 

When you get to this place, you will be amazed by the excellent scenery, and hearing the sounds and songs of the birds will make you happy. These chimps are protected in one area and if you happen to come early, you are likely not to find them at their feeding area. But once they are through with everything, you will be able to hear the sounds of the vocal cries and screams get to see them at a close range, and feel a close relationship with them. This activity is not as rewarding as chimpanzee trekking but you will experience rare moments which you might not get in the wild. A behind the scenes is also done at Ngamba Island where tourists are taken to the food banks of the chimpanzees and participate in preparing food or fruits for the chimpanzees under supervision. 

What other activities are done on Ngamba Island chimpanzee sanctuary?

Apart from chimpanzees, Ngamba Island happens to have other attractions and different activities apart from chimpanzee trekking there are other activities done there some of which are, 

Fishing on Ngamba Island: Fishing is an interesting and rewarding activity. The major species are Nile perch and Tilapia. You can choose to go fishing either full or half day and this will reward you with great experiences. 

Forest treks /nature walks on Ngamba Island:  These treks are to help individuals get to learn about different plants and animals. It is also a chance to get to encounter the chimpanzees that are allowed to walk along with the visitors.

Volunteering on Ngamba Island: Getting a chance to carry a chimp on your back and play with it makes you feel comfortable. This is done after staying on the island for some time and getting training from the guides or caretakers. This is done as a voluntary act by tourists who learn chimpanzee behaviors and how to treat them. 

Birding on Ngamba Island: Ngamba Island is not only home to chimpanzees but also harbors several different bird species hence making it one of the birding destinations in Uganda.

Feeding chimpanzees/chimpanzee interactions on Ngamba Island: This is done as an afternoon activity where tourists under supervision from caretakers or guides prepare food or fruits for these chimpanzees and feed them.

Cultural performances: Cultural performances are also one of the activities that are one of the activities that are done on Ngamba Island, on these performances you will also be told stories, and plays performed on a bonfire. Other activities done on Ngamba Island include sunset cruises, and tours around the sanctuary, to mention a few. 

What do chimpanzees on Ngamba island feed on?

Chimpanzees on Ngamba Island sanctuary feed on different things such as fruit like watermelon, mangoes, bananas, apples, tomatoes, avocadoes, carrots, oranges, to mention a few.

How to get to Ngamba Island chimpanzee sanctuary?

To reach Ngamba island, one is required to take a speed boat that is from water from the beach in Entebbe. The boats differ in size and each speed boat can take up to a total of 25 people per route. You can either choose a big or small ferry depending on your budget. You can get the boats at the Ngamba Island reservation office in Entebbe or you can consult with your tour company on how to book a boat easily and they can also book on your behalf. Choose to travel as a group because once you travel solo you are charged highly compared to when you travel in a group. One can also choose to use a domestic flight from Kajjansi airstrip or Entebbe airport directly to the island. 

Visiting Ngamba Island chimpanzee sanctuary should be put into consideration because the money from the visitor's payment for visiting is the one used to take care of these chimpanzees. This means that without tourists visiting Ngamba Island the chimpanzees will starve. Do not forget that our company-experienced consultants are just an inquiry away and will be glad to help out with bookings or planning a trip to Ngamba Island chimpanzee sanctuary.