Ngamba Island – The Chimpanzee Island on Lake Victoria
Ngamba Island also known as the chimpanzee Sanctuary is home to about 49 rescued chimpanzees (rescued from poachers) in and around Uganda but stretching up-to DR.Congo. The chimp sanctuary is about 100 acres in size with most of it dedicated to chimpanzee rehabilitation. Unfortunately for various reasons, efforts to reintroduced the Ngamba Island chimpanzees back to the wild have not been possible as of date.
The chimps on the chimpanzee Sanctuary are somewhat habituated (used to humans but still remain wild) and have a routine lifestyle of being feed in the mornings and afternoons and have steel cages that they return to by nightfall to sleep. This routine allows for researchers to monitor these chimps during both feeding times and also keep track of their welfare when they Return to the cages to sleep.
Best time to visit Ngamba Island
Although Ngamba Island can be visited all-year-round, the best time to go Is in the dry season months of June to August and December to February. Travelling on the lake Victoria water is a lot better in the dry season as rains do affect the smoothness of the boat trip on the lake and could also affect activities On the Island.
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Things to see & Do on Ngamba Island
- Chimpanzee feeding (Morning or Afternoon).
- Overnight Stay at the Eco-friendly Ngamba Tented Safari Lodge.
- Keeper of the Day experience.
- Volunteer Placements ( Requires specific Inoculations).
Read More about Things to see & do on the Chimp Island
Getting to Ngamba Island
Ngamba Island is located approximately 23km by boat from Entebbe. While the speed boat takes approximately 45 minutes to get from the Waterfront beach to Ngamba Island, the traditional motorised canoe will take about 1.5hour.
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Where to Stay On Ngamba Island
There is only one place to stay on the Island. The eco-friendly Ngamba Lodge is a perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the busy and occasionally noisy city.
Alternatively, travellers with a limited budget could consider camping on the island or looking through the variety of Lodging options on Entebbe mainland.
Read more about Places to stay in Entebbe
Trip Ideas to inspire you
Best time to visit Ngamba Island
Although Ngamba Island can be visited all-year-round, the best time to go Is in the dry season months of June to August and December to February. Travelling on the lake Victoria water is a lot better in the dry season as rains do affect the smoothness of the boat trip on the lake and could also affect activities On the Island.
When is the best time to go – Morning or Afternoon?
For Day visitors, there two (02) sessions; Morning or Afternoon. In our opinion, both sessions are worthwhile and entirely depend on your days’ schedule. However, our favourite is the morning session which allows you to experience a lot more animal behaviour during the morning hours as compared to the afternoon when they tend to be less active.
Things to see & Do on Ngamba Island
- Chimpanzee feeding (Morning or Afternoon).
- Overnight Stay at the Eco-friendly Ngamba Tented Safari Lodge.
- Keeper of the Day experience.
- Volunteer Placements ( Requires specific Inoculations).
Getting to Ngamba Island
Ngamba Island is located approximately 23km by boat from Entebbe. While the speed boat takes approximately 45 minutes to get from the Water front beach to Ngamba Island, the traditional motorised canoe will take about 1.5hour.
Travellers with a flexible budget might consider flying in a helicopter from Entebbe to the island. The helicopter carries a maximum of four (04) passengers.
Where to Stay On Ngamba Island
There is only one place to stay on the Island. The eco-friendly Ngamba Lodge is a perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the busy and occasionally noisy city.
Alternatively, travellers with a limited budget could consider camping on the island or looking through the variety of Lodging options on Entebbe mainland.
Recommend places to stay in Entebbe inlcude; the boutique styled and reasonably priced Karibu guesthouse, the boma Guesthouse, and the very budget-friendly Airport link guesthouse.
Trip Ideas to inspire you
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