Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary

About The Island

Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Ngamba Island is part of the Koome group of islands located in Lake Victoria (which also includes Kiimi, Nsazi, Koome, Bulago and Damba Islands). Ngamba Island is approximately 23 km south-east of Entebbe, which lies on the mainland at 0.06’S, 32.39’E. It consists of approximately 100 acres, of which 95 acres is forested and separated from the human camp by an electric fence. The northern part of the island is generally flat, rising gently to an altitude of approximately 3800 feet above sea level to the south. The island is largely forested with gaps of grassland covering approximately 10% of the island.

A trail system was cut just prior to the chimpanzees’ arrival in October 1998. Trails span from east to west and north to south creating 50 x 50m blocks. Ngamba Island provides an excellent secondary forest habitat for the chimpanzees and other wildlife species including fruit bats, spiders, fish eagles, otters, and monitor lizards.

About The Sanctuary

Ngamba Island is currently home to 52 orphaned and confiscated chimps, rescued from the illegal pet and bushmeat trade. Despite their initial trauma, chimps living at Ngamba have a safe and semi-natural environment in which to recover and eventually thrive over their long lives of up to 60 years.

Founded in 1998, the island offers 95 acres of natural forest where the chimps roam and forage daily. Their diet is supplemented multiple times per day much to the delight of visiting tourists who are able to observe the feeding from a viewing platform. The chimps also have the freedom to stay in the forest at night or return to nighttime enclosures where they can build nests and receive an evening meal.

Goals Of The Sanctuary

• Provide a safe home for rescued chimpanzees while also caring for the environment & other wildlife on the island;
• Provide a high-quality educational experience for visitors
• Benefit local communities.

Mission Of The Sanctuary

To sustainably conserve Chimpanzees in their habitats and provide captive care to those who cannot survive in the wild.

Vision Of The Sanctuary

Founded in 1998, The Chimpanzee Trust has become a leading organization in the areas of 1) chimpanzee-focused environmental conservation, 2) excellence in the care & welfare of rescued chimpanzees, 3) increased public awareness of broader conservation issues with the chimpanzee as a key flagship species, and 4) engagement with communities living alongside chimpanzee populations.

Our areas of focus include:

• The daily care and lifetime welfare of the 49 rescued chimpanzees living at the Ngamba Island Sanctuary who cannot be returned to the wild;
• The long-term management and viability of the sanctuary;
• The intervention and assistance of individuals in the wild when deemed necessary;
• The conservation education of the Ugandan public with particular emphasis on chimpanzees;
• Ecotourism, community participation, capacity building through training, and building viable regional, national and international partnerships on chimpanzee conservation.

Activities At Ngamba Island

Sunset Cruises

Famous for our awe-inspiring sunsets, we offer exclusive sunset cruises for our overnight guests. Enjoy the unique view of fishermen casting their nets, fishing villagers as they wind down the day and of course the golden circular site of nature’s eye going to sleep. The thrill comes from knowing that you are crossing the globe from the southern to the northern hemisphere on the equator as you sip away on cold drinks in a state of natural bliss. Be sure and ask us about this activity when booking your Ngamba Island experience.

Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Fishing

Love to be out on the water? We offer either half or full day fishing excursions on Lake Victoria with our UK certified fishing guides. If you love to fish, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to catch a Nile Perch on this iconic lake, one of the largest in the world. Be sure and ask us about this activity when booking your Ngamba Island experience.

Volunteer Programs

We currently offer one week and four weeks volunteer program. By participating in this program, you will join a dedicated team devoted to the ongoing health and welfare of Ngamba Island’s residents, and in turn, help us achieve our mission to educate the public about the importance of chimpanzees…our closest living relatives.

How To Get To The Island

Speedboat travel from the dock in Entebbe to Ngamba Island is approximately 45-50 minutes; travel by traditional motorized canoe takes approximately 90 minutes and by air it’s approximately 20 minutes from Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi Air strip.

Independent operations also offer visits to the island. You can arrange your own transport, but make sure that you check availability with Ngamba Island Reservations Office to avoid disappointment. We strongly recommend that you book your lake journey directly with Ngamba Island Reservations Office or travel with a reputable company to ensure your safety.

It is also possible to reserve chartered boats for large groups and group events as well as helicopters. Please contact our Vibrant Holiday Safaris reservations team and we will gladly assist you in reserving your transportation to the island.

Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary