Ngamba Island at Lake Victoria

Ngamba Island is a candid verdant Island located in Lake Victoria approximately 23 kilometers South East of Entebbe in Uganda. The Island is prominently known to offer remarkable Chimpanzee viewing and feeding adventures hence a safe haven for all orphaned chimpanzees that are rescued from poachers and illegal pet trade. The Island offers remarkable safari adventures covering an area of about 100 acres, of which 95% is covered in tropical forest which inhabits the rare species of chimpanzees. The Island includes diverse flora and fauna species and part of the Koome Group of Islands in Lake Victoria.

The Island includes; Indigenous trees and forest cover, Monitor lizards, bird species i.e more than 120 recorded, Fruit bats, Aquatic species in the surrounding lake.

Chimpanzees of Ngamba Island

There are more than 50 chimpanzees that can be seen in the forest vegetation. These are rescued from situations like abuse, trafficking, habitat loss. These chimpanzees cannot be returned to the wild due to the risk of disease transmission, lack of survival skills, absence of safe natural habitats.

Essential facts about the chimpanzees of Ngamba Island

  • Each Chimpanzee has a unique name and background.
  • The chimpanzees are free to roam in the forest during the day and return to a night enclosure for safety.
  • Feeding times are open to visitors and offer an up-close view of chimpanzee behavior.

Chimpanzee Tour Options at Ngamba Island

Chimpanzee Tour Options at Ngamba Island vary according to the tastes and preferences of the travelers on safari to Ngamba Island. The Tour Options include;

  • Half-day and full-day trips from Entebbe (by speedboat or traditional boat)
  • Overnight stays in eco-lodges or tents
  • Volunteer programs for longer-term engagement
  • Caregiver for a Day: Hands-on experience for visitors who want to help care for the chimps

Things to do at Ngamba Island

Chimpanzee Viewing & Feeding Sessions

Chimpanzee viewing and feeding is the most famous safari adventure done at Ngamba Island and this gives you a chance to view and feed the chimpanzees. There are differing feeding times of the chimpanzees as you view them up close while at the platform at a distance. while viewing them, you shall observe their behavior, social interactions and personalities as you learn about their rescue stories from the knowledgeable guides.

Feeding times of the chimpanzees take place twice a day i.e Morning and Afternoon.

Forest Walks with Juvenile Chimps (Special Program)

For selected visitors under strict supervision, the sanctuary offers forest walks with younger chimpanzees. Along the walks, you transfer alongside juvenile chimps in the forest watching them as they gently play, communicate,  jump and observe you out of curiosity. On the walks, learn about their unique behaviors as they portray them to you.

“Caregiver for a Day” Experience

The Care Giver for a Day experience gives you a chance to be part or of the sanctuary team for a day. This experience includes preparing food for the chimpanzees, helping with cleaning and enrichment activities, observing medical checks or behavioral assessments as well as learning what it takes to care for rescued chimpanzees. The adventure is worthwhile and exceptional for all travelers on holiday vacation in Uganda.

You are required to book this adventure in advance.

Boat Ride on Lake Victoria

Getting to Ngamba Island is an exceptional adventure itself as you traverse the vast Lake Victoria the largest Lake in Africa. On your ride, you shall view Islands at distance, bird species and fishermen at work. Enjoy the stunning views of the fresh lake as well as green terrain vegetation.

Bird Watching

Ngamba Island is exceptional for all bird watching travelers as they get to watch various species of birds flying around their natural forest habitat. The Island comprises of more than 120 bird species which include; African fish eagles, Hammerkops, Pied kingfishers, Weavers and sunbirds, etc.

How to Get to Ngamba Island

Ngamba Island in Lake Victoria can be accessed by use of speedboat which takes a period of about 45 minutes from Entebbe pier. You can also use a motorized canoe which takes a period of 90 minutes.