Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is a home to the orphaned Chimpanzees situated along Lake Victoria where tourists mostly primate lovers spend time with Chimpanzees watching them, playing with them and feeding them in their sanctuary. Only 1 day is enough for this adventure though one can choose an overnight.
Ngamba Island Sanctuary is 100 acres of land out of which 98 acres are a forested part of the sanctuary set aside for the Chimpanzees to roam throughout the day. This Sanctuary sits in the extreme corner of Lake Victoria within Ssese islands and was gazette in 1998 to keep safe the Chimpanzee that had lost their parents due to poaching. Ngamba Island Chimpanzee sanctuary is a Non-Government Organization project under the management of Chimpanzees Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust (CSWCT) protecting about 50 orphaned Chimpanzees gathered across East African region away from poachers.
The major activity done at Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is Chimpanzee trekking where tourists get a chance to get closer to these primates and interact with them.
Chimpanzee trekking at Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary starts with a briefing before embarking on a real adventure of meeting the Chimpanzees. After briefing, tourists are led by the caretakers of the Chimpanzees to start this breath taking adventure of watching the Chimpanzees. The most fascinating experience to watch these cuties feeding. You may as well join the caretakers in the feeding process where you will be entitled to throw in fruits and other foods depending on the meal plan and watch excitedly as the Chimpanzees tackle their food.
Depending on the duration of your safari at Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, you may choose to have your lunch at the Island and for those who wish to spend a night, then Ngamba Eco Lodge is the best option for the night as you keep an eye on the Chimpanzees going on with their daily activities till late in the evening as they retire to their tree branches to make their nests for night stay.
If those spending a night at the Island, I would as well recommend a sunset boat ride on the fresh waters of Lake Victoria as a way to close your day after watching the Chimpanzees in a sanctuary.
There are both half day and full day speed boat Chimpanzee viewing. For the half day morning viewing on a speed boat starts from 9:00am to 1:00pm for those who wish to have a morning view. While an afternoon speed boat viewing starts from 1:00pm to 5:00pm. Those who wish to have a full day canoe trip to view the Chimpanzees also have 2 shifts, one starting from 8:00am to 3:00pm and another shift from 10:30am to 5:00pm.
Where to Stay
While on your Uganda safari to Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary, the most recommended lodge is Ngamba Eco Lodge which is strategically located at the extreme edge of Lake Victoria with stunning views of the Lake providing a cool ambiance to relax and chill after a day’s activity with the Chimpanzees at the Sanctuary. Ngamba Eco lodge has 4 beautiful luxurious cottages, 5 single tents and 10 double tents all well suited with best amenities including electricity and clean bathrooms with warm and cold water. At the Ngamba Eco lodge, a 3 course dinner is always served at the dinning.
When is the best time to visit Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary?
Ngamba Island can be visited at any given period of time though dry months are always the best between the months of June, July, August and October.
Getting there
Since Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is situated along Lake Victoria, the only way to get there is by boat ride depending on the starting point.
Getting from Entebbe to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary takes about 45 minutes on a speed boat or 1 hour and 30 minutes for a motorized canoe. This ride sets off at Nakiwogo.
Optionally, one could as well choose to use a ferry to cross from Entebbe side to Buggala within Ssese Island and then take a Lake taxi to Ngamba Island.
Conclusion,
A visit to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary can be combined with Ssese Island excursion, boat cruise on Lake Victoria, Swimming, fishing, visiting Entebbe Botanical gardens and many more.
