Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary sits on Ngamba Island, one of nine islands in the Koome group found in Lake Victoria. It lies about 23 kilometers southeast of Entebbe and is managed by the Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust, known as CSWCT. More than six organizations work alongside CSWCT to run the sanctuary, including the Jane Goodall Institute, the Born Free Foundation, and the Uganda Wildlife Society, among others.
An electric fence divides the island into two areas, keeping chimpanzees separate from visitors. The northern part of the island is fairly flat, while the southern half rises to about 3,800 feet above sea level at its highest point.
Founded in 1998, CSWCT is a non-profit organization dedicated to giving orphaned chimpanzees a safe and natural place to live. Today, 49 chimpanzees call the island home. All of them were rescued from illegal pet and bushmeat traders. The sanctuary gives each one a semi-natural environment to recover, grow, and thrive. For this reason, many people also know it simply as Chimp Island.
Things to do on Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Chimpanzee experience
A chimpanzee trekking experience is the most popular activity on Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary. This takes place in the Ngamba Island chimpanzee sanctuary, where there are over 49 chimpanzees residing on the island. As a result, tourists and travelers are able to enjoy chimpanzee day-care activities as well as chimpanzee activities on the island.
Birding at Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Ngamba Island is one of the best birding spots around Entebbe. The island inhabits over 140 bird species including Green Cuckoo, Grey Heron, Grey-crowned Crane, Gull-billed Tern, Hadada Ibis, Harmerkop, Little Egret, Little Stilt, White-faced Whistling Ducks, White-throated Bee Eaters, White-winged Terns, Winding Cistocolas, Wood Sandpipers, Woodland Kingfishers, Yellow-billed Kites, Black-headed Weavers, Yellow-billed Ducks, African Fish Eagles, Purple Swamphes, African Green Pigeons, African Jacanas, African Marsh Harriers, African Pigmy Goose, Black Crake, Black Herons, Black Crake, Black Heron. Long-tailed Cormorant, Long-toed Lapwing, Pied Wagtail, Pink-backed Pelican, Pin-tailed Whydah.
Fishing in Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Ngamba Island is located on the shores of Lake Victoria, the largest freshwater lake in Africa, and it is an ideal place for fishing, with the most popular catches being the giant Nile perch, silverfish, and tilapia. It is a rewarding experience to fish in Lake Victoria, and you will be accompanied by a knowledgeable guide and skilled fishermen who will provide you with all the relevant information about Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Lake Victoria as you fish. Additionally, you will get several rewarding experiences through your interaction with nature.
Volunteer Program at Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
The volunteer program at Ngamba Island can be either a one-week volunteer program or a four-week volunteer program, where tourists directly contribute to the conservation of Chimpanzees.
One-week Volunteer Program at Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary: During the one-week volunteer program, you will have a chance to gain experience with chimpanzee behaviour, whereby you will learn in-depth about the threats to chimpanzees.
During the one week of volunteer activities at Ngamba Island, you will take part in the following activities: collecting behavioral data, entering the data, maintaining the island facilities, watching island wildlife, assisting with medical procedures, feeding chimpanzees, and preparing food for the chimpanzees.
Four-week Volunteer Program at Ngamba: This is a more comprehensive program than the one-week volunteer program at Ngamba, where you will engage in many activities as part of your participation in this program.
Nature walks with a chimpanzee.s
As part of the Forest Walk experience, you will have the opportunity to join a group of infant chimpanzees in their forest habitat during their one-hour walk, either late in the afternoon or very early in the morning.
You will have direct contact with several chimpanzees ranging in age from 1 year to 8 years of age while in the company of several chimpanzees ranging in age from 1 year to 8 years of age. The instructions regarding clothing, cameras, glasses, and behaviour are very specific when signing up for this unique opportunity.
To participate in the forest, walk, and caregiver activities on Ngamba Island, one must stay over on the island overnight as a supplement to the Ngamba Island overnight experience described above. Age restrictions and special medical requirements will apply, so those who participate must meet these requirements.
Sunset cruise on Ngamba Island Chimpanzee sanctuary
To take advantage of this unique experience, you can enjoy the unique sight of fishermen casting their nets, fishing villages winding down their day, and, of course, the golden circular sight of nature’s eye. It is thrilling to know that you are crossing the globe from the southern hemisphere to the northern hemisphere on the equator while you sip on cold drinks with your loved one in romantic bliss.
Infant Integration Program
The infant integration program at Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is an exciting program that offers visitors the chance to take part in the integration of infant chimpanzees into the bigger individuals and groupe. The Ngamba Island chimpanzees have been integrated into one community, and it is a continuous process, so every time they receive a new chimpanzee, they undergo a process of integrating them into the group and integrating them into the community.
Boat Cruise on Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
After spending a long day at the Ngamba chimpanzee sanctuary, you can take a boat cruise on Lake Victoria and see how chimpanzees interact with each other and the environment, then take a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Victoria where you will get to see several breath-taking views, such as the different bird species, mainly the water birds as they try to catch fish from the lake, as well as the different species of birds.
Chimpanzee Caregiving in Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
As a chimp caregiver, you will be able to get the exciting experience of not only watching the chimps feeding but also helping to prepare their food and feed them yourself. During your time at the sanctuary, you are welcome to assist the staff with any activities going on that day, such as medical checks, research and monitoring, preparing the holding areas for the chimps, etc.
Getting to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
By Speed Boat: One can take a speed boat or a motorized canoe ride. It is a 45-minute speed boat ride from Entebbe to Ngamba Island, or a 90-minute motorized canoe ride from Nakiwogo Dock, and the chimpanzee sanctuary arranges the transfers for guests.
By Ferry: One can choose to board a ferry from Entebbe to Bugala, and after reaching Bugala, which is the main island. Then take a taxi to Ngamba Island.
By Air: Getting to Ngamba Island by Air, one can book a charter flight by either Aerolink or Bar Aviation from Kajansi airstrip, direct to Ngamba Island.
You must have a ticket to get into Ngamba chimpanzee sanctuary, whichever method you use to enter, depending on which method you choose to take. You can either purchase the tickets at the Ngamba Island reservation office in Entebbe, or you can purchase them on-site at the island, or you can find a local tour operator who will assist you with the purchase.
Best Time to Visit Ngamba Island
The best time to visit Ngamba Chimpanzee Island is during the dry months of June to late October. In these months, there is much less chance of rain interrupting planned activities, and there are more opportunities to observe wildlife around the island than during other months
Where to stay on Ngamba Island
Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary has one of the most recommended lodges in the area, the Ngamba Eco Lodge. This lodge is strategically located at the extreme edge of Lake Victoria, with stunning views of the lake, providing the ideal setting to relax after a day spent with the Chimpanzees at the Sanctuary. There are 4 beautiful and luxurious cottages at Ngamba Eco lodge, 5 single tents, and 10 double tents, all of them well equipped with the top amenities, including electricity and clean bathrooms with hot water and cold water.
As far as the tents and cottages are concerned, they are very comfortable and safe. They come with everything one would need at night. There is a fully-stocked bar and restaurant which serves local and continental dishes.
Tour Prices & Entrance Fees
Chimpanzee Feeding Tour (Half-day visit)
Foreign Visitors: ~$95 per adult, ~$65 per child
East African Citizens: ~$45 per adult
Boat Transport (speedboat): ~$300 per group (shared options available)
Full-Day Tour (Includes extra activities like kayaking, fishing, or nature walks)
Foreign Visitors: ~$120 per adult
East African Citizens: ~$60 per adult
(Prices may vary depending on operator and group size. Private tours available.)
