Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary is situated in the 100-acre Ngamba Island, surrounded by the serene waters of Lake Victoria. This Sanctuary was set up in 1998 and is a project of the Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust and haven to over 50 orphaned Chimpanzees which live normal lives. The chimpanzees here are majorly orphans and rescued from across East Africa and since returning them to the wild was not possible, they found home in Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary.
The Sanctuary is managed by Chimpanzee Trust, a Ugandan-based non-profit Organization founded in the late 1990’s to care and improve the welfare of Ngamba Islands Chimpanzee Sanctuary. The goals of this Organization include promotion of Chimpanzee Conservation as well as wildlife Management for sustainable Development. This Sanctuary is largely rainforest (98 acres) and this is separated by electric fence from the area where chimps freely roam throughout the day. This is the area where visitors can see the chimpanzees and in the evening return to the forest to build nests like other chimpanzees in the wild.
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary also shelters a number of wildlife species that include fruit bats, Otters, Mongoose, Monitor Lizards and other primates such as olive baboons, vervet monkeys and olive baboons. There are also over 150 species of birds in this sanctuary and some of them are African fish eagles, spotted neck Kingfishers, weaverbirds and pelicans among others.
TOURIST ACTIVITIES IN NGAMBA ISLAND SANCTUARY.
Chimpanzee feeding and viewing.
Chimpanzee feeding and viewing is the most popular tourist activity at Ngamba Island Sanctuary, conducted in two sessions-morning session from 9:00am to 12:45pm as well as the afternoon session from 12:45 to 5:00pm. While on this experience, visitors have the chance to view great apes on a raised platform along the boundary of the Sanctuary fence or water edge.
Chimpanzee volunteering.
Be one of the few visitors to change the lives of the 50 orphaned chimpanzees by volunteering in taking care of their welfare, clean their enclosures, prepare their food, practice record keeping, and observe their unique behavior, environmental enrichment and community work.
The excitement of knowing that your great contribution is in line with supporting the general conservation of the orphaned chimpanzees as well as the surrounding local communities.
Cultural Performances.
Visitors to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary can enjoy cultural tours including invigorating performances by the Campfires and also involve listening to tales of the past, drumming lessons and even interesting with some of the locals.
Fishing cruises.
You can be one of the few visitors to hook the Nile Perch, one of the biggest and heaviest fish species during the half or full day fishing trips. Whether novices or experienced fishers can take part in this amazing experience and is conducted in the presence of qualified personnel.
Sunset Cruises.
Relish the views of local fishermen casting their nests for good catch, visit the nearby fishing villages in addition to ending the day with the golden circular site of nature’s eye before returning to your place of stay for overnight. The greatest excitement comes from learning that you are crossing between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres along the Uganda Equator with a glass of champagne, wine or any other cold drink.
Other breathtaking tourist activities for visitors to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary include swimming along the Equator, relaxation and sunbathing as well as day tours of fishing villages among others.
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary Accommodation Facilities.
Ngamba Island Tented Camp is the main accommodation facility within this Sanctuary and the fact that it overlooks Lake Victoria makes it a perfect place to relax.
How to reach Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary?
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary can be reached by air and water transport. Speedboats lasting 45-50 minutes as well as traditional motorized canoe rides taking one and a half hours can usher you to this sanctuary. Helicopter flights can be arranged from Kajjansi Airstrip or Entebbe International Airport to this Sanctuary.
