1-Day Boat trip to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is managed by the Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust. It is located 23 km offshore from Entebbe, in Lake Victoria Uganda. The Island is nearly 100 acres in size and hosts over 50 different types of vegetation that Chimps eat in addition to the supplementary feeding provided by the sanctuary. Ngamba Island provides a safe haven for rescued or orphaned chimpanzees. Chimpanzees are our closest relatives sharing about 97% of man’s DNA. While on the Island the chimpanzees are released every morning from the holding facility to explore their environment foraging for food in the forest. Their feeding is supplemented daily with fruits and vegetables. This is the time the visitors are invited to get involved in the feeding and photographic moments. The visitors and staff will stand at the viewing platforms and give food to the Chimpanzees.

For a full day or half day Ngamba Island Chimpanzee tour, we  will transfer you to Entebbe Pier where you will take either a speed boat or a traditional boat depending on the weather and your preference. The speed boat takes about 45 minutes whereas the traditional boat fixed with an engine takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

On arrival at Ngamba Island, visitors are given an orientation talk at the Interpretation Center. Thereafter visitors move to the viewing platform to observe the Chimps during their supplementary feeding times facilitated by the animal keepers. The chimps come out from the forest at the designated feeding times. They are accustomed to the feeding times and will come close to the fence for supplementary feeding. Should the care givers delay bringing the fruits and vegetable, you will hear noises from the chimps as though to remind the care givers of feeding time. After the feeding times, you are free to explore the island’s visitor’s area and enjoy the facilities or immediately travel back to Entebbe.

On this short trip, remember to carry your camera and pack it in a waterproof polythene bag because there is a high chance of water contact while on this trip. If you are keen on bird life, you can consider carrying your binoculars just in case you sight interesting bird species while on this trip. Enjoy close-up shots of chimps as they feed.