Overview
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary sits on Lake Victoria, roughly 63 km — a scenic boat ride — from Kampala. This 100-hectare forested island is a safe haven for rescued orphaned chimpanzees, many of them saved from poachers, and it makes one of the most rewarding half- or full-day add-ons to any Uganda safari.
Your day begins with a briefing from your guide before you board a boat at Entebbe. As you cross the lake you'll take in sweeping water views and abundant birdlife, from cormorants and cattle egrets to majestic fish eagles. On the island you'll watch the chimpanzees during their supervised feeding sessions and, with a little luck, get remarkably close to these intelligent primates as they roam their forest home.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Up-close chimpanzee viewing at supervised feeding times
• A beautiful boat cruise across Lake Victoria
• Superb birding — weavers, lapwings, storks, ibises, kingfishers and fish eagles
• Monitor lizards, hammocks, volleyball and shaded lakeside relaxation
CHIMP FEEDING & SESSIONS
• Feeding times: 11:00 AM and 2:30 PM
• Full day: depart 8:00 AM, return around 6:00 PM (see both feedings)
• Half day (morning): depart 8:00 AM, return around 1:30 PM
• Half day (afternoon): depart 11:00 AM, return around 6:00 PM
GOOD TO KNOW
• Departure / return: Kampala or Entebbe
• What to wear: a warm or rain jacket (it gets cool and windy on the boat), a cap with a neck string, comfortable open shoes, and a well-charged camera
• Included: English-speaking driver-guide, lunch with a drink, one chimpanzee permit per person, and hotel pick-up and drop-off in Kampala/Entebbe
• Not included: tips, extra and alcoholic drinks, and items of a personal nature
A close encounter with rescued chimpanzees on a lush Lake Victoria island.