About Ngamba:
Perched on Africa’s largest freshwater lake, Lake Victoria, Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is a peaceful home to 49 rescued chimpanzees from across East Africa. Ngamba Island is part of the Koome group of islands along with many other beautiful islands like Kiimi, Nsazi, Koome, Bulago and Damba Islands, views of these islands are breathtaking! Ngamba Island is situated about 23 kilometers south-east of Entebbe. The island sanctuary covers a total area of almost 100 acres, of which 95 acres is forested and separated from the human camp by an electric fence. Ngamba Island offers an excellent secondary forest habitat for the chimpanzees and other wildlife species including fruit bats, spiders, fish eagles, otters, and monitor lizards.
Accessibility:
Speedboat travel from the dock in Entebbe to Ngamba Island is almost 45 to 50 minutes’ cruising; traveling by traditional motorized canoe takes like an hour and a half well as by air it’s about 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 inconveniences. Actually you are highly advised to book your Ngamba lake journey directly through the Ngamba Island Reservations Office or at least travel with a reputable tour operator to ensure your safety. It is also possible to reserve chartered boats for large groups and group events as well as helicopters, only you need to do is contacting NATURE ADVENTURE UGANDA and the rest will be history!
What to do in Ngamba:
Discover first-hand what it takes to care for the sanctuary’s 49 chimpanzees and see how much food they do eat, meet the team who care for them and watch several chimpanzee social behaviors at a very close range from a viewing platform that overlooks the forest. You will also learn about chimpanzee conservation efforts in the wild and the greatest threats facing their extinction such as habitat encroachment, poaching and the illegal pet trade, among others.
At Ngamba Island, not only do you experience what it’s like to see chimpanzees up-close but there are also various amazing activities designed to create a rich and memorable visit. These activities are also essential in helping the sanctuary in the ongoing costs of feeding, housing and caring for the current 49 residents. It is to be noted that chimpanzees eat over 30,000 kilograms of fruits and vegetables every year, so your donation and contribution is really vital.
Among the top amazing activities when you visit this island sanctuary include: memorable sunset cruising; typically the activity is ideal to overnight guests and you will enjoy the special views of fishermen casting their nets, fishing villages 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 on cold drinks in a state of natural bliss. It is really an awesome and definitely unforgettable experience on the world’s second largest lake.
Fishing is one other activity to indulge in on your visit; you will be provided with either half or full day fishing excursions, depending on your wish, on Lake Victoria with certified fishing guides. If you love to fish, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to catch a huge Nile Perch on this iconic lake. There are very many other activities to enjoy, including; visiting the nearby islands and the local natives on those islands and very many others.
There are also Volunteer Programs at Ngamba; offering a one week and four weeks volunteer program. By immersing in this program, you will join a committed squad assigned to the ongoing health and welfare of Ngamba Island’s residents, and in turn, help the sanctuary attain its mission to educate the public about the importance of chimpanzees. A visit to Ngamba is really a perfect add-on to your safari in Uganda – at the beginning or end of your time in Uganda – it certainly would be an amazing experience for you, beside you will get to enjoy one of the country’s beautiful tropical islands on Lake Victoria – so fascinating and memorable!!!