In Uganda, Ngamba Island is a 100-acre rainforest island located near the equator and on Lake Victoria. It has one of the purest and most magical environments you’ll ever visit. From Entebbe, which is approximately 27 kilometers away, you must take a boat to reach the island.
Located near the equator on Lake Victoria in Uganda, Ngamba Island is a 100-acre rainforest island and has an inviting atmosphere. It is one of the purest and most magical places you will ever visit in Uganda. You must use a boat from Entebbe to reach the island, approximately 27 kilometers away.
The Island is dedicated to caring for orphaned chimpanzees that were rescued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Many of the chimpanzees found on the island were saved from poachers.
Poachers would either sell them for meat or in the pet market and make considerable money. They are kept usually kept in terrible conditions and forced to undergo immense suffering while being transported or waiting to be sold. This often leaves the majority traumatized.
Uganda’s chimpanzee population has declined significantly during the past 30 years due to poaching. There’s also a serious problem of deforestation. It has led to the Chimpanzees conflicting with humans because their homes are no more.
And, from the look of things, if taken back, these primates would not survive a week living in the wild again.
The island sustains a wide range of natural species and offers the chimpanzees a variety of natural meals. Composting toilets, rainwater collecting, effective waste management techniques, and solar energy for electricity and hot water are all part of the project’s eco-friendly design.
The Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust, are in charge of running the Chimpanzee Sanctuary. This they do in collaboration with six organizations devoted to wildlife protection and welfare.
They include the Born Free Foundation, International Fund for Animal Welfare, Jane Goodall Institute, Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, Environmental Conservation Trust of Uganda (ECOTRUST), and Uganda Wildlife Society.
Visitors can access the sanctuary any time of year and see one or both of the chimpanzee feedings for a small entrance fee. Bookings can be made through the booking agent, Wild Frontiers Uganda, for day trips and overnight stays (in luxurious tents).
How to get to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
One of the most popular destinations in Entebbe town is Ngamba Island. One needs to use a speed boat to reach to get there.
Near the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Center, Entebbe’s waterfront beach is where the majority of the boats park and depart from the Entebbe zoo). The boats come in various sizes. Some have a 25-person capacity.
The larger ferries or the smaller, speedier boats might be selected based on price. Life vests and fire extinguishers are provided on the boats.
The first step is to visit the Ngamba Island Reservations Office. Some private individuals and boats arrange boat rides to and from the Island. However, using the official Reservation office is much safer.
If you experience any problems making reservations through the Ngamba Reservations office, ask your tour operator to make the reservations on your behalf.
The charge is determined by the number of passengers and the boat. While single travelers pay more, groups pay less. The trip to the island in a speed boat takes around 50 minutes. Local motorized canoes could take about 90 minutes if that is what you prefer.
One can also arrange for a helicopter flight to the island or take a chartered flight from Entebbe Airport’s Kajjansi Airstrip.
Regardless of who you choose to travel with, you must provide an entrance ticket obtained from the Ngamba Island Reservations office to enter the island.
Activities in Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Become a caregiver for the day
Visitors who want to stay on the island for a night or more can partake in this experience. The purpose of the event is to give guests a chance to appreciate what the keepers go through to keep the chimpanzees content and healthy.
One must be willing to go through comprehensive medical testing and clearance to be qualified. All parts of chimpanzee care, including food preparation and feeding, involve volunteers.
While participating in the caregiver for a day experience, you are also involved in research, general chimp monitoring, doing medical tests, cleaning the chimp sleeping chambers, and cleaning.
The activity not only gives visitors a taste of what it’s like to care for chimpanzees, but also raises money for the sanctuary.
Fishing
It’s quite enjoyable to fish when on the island of Ngamba. Tilapia and Nile Perch are the top species caught. You can schedule a full day of fishing or just a few hours.
The experience will be spectacular as you explore the beautiful Lake Victoria, whether you choose a half-day or a full-day trip for fishing.
The Skippers are approved by the UK and are aware of the best locations to catch the biggest fish. You are free to bring your fishing gear or inquire about where you may get one inside the sanctuary.
Forest Walks
On the island of Ngamba, there is a forest walk that is intended to teach tourists about the local flora and fauna. Additionally, it provides a chance for close encounters with some of the young chimpanzees who are permitted to accompany forest visitors on walks.
Young chimpanzees behave exactly like human infants. You can play hide and seek or carry a jovial little chimpanzee on your back.
Chimpanzee juveniles like making fun of others and getting attention, just like humans do. In addition to the chimpanzees, the islands are also home to fruit bats, fish eagles, spiders, and monitor lizards.
Sunset Cruises
In the late afternoon, right before the sun sets is when sunset cruises happen. As a bonus, you may see the fishing villages and watch the fishermen set their nets while having a drink on a wonderfully beautiful evening.
Accommodation for guests at Ngamba Island
There are bungalows and tents situated near the breathtaking lake shores. Luxury tents with showers and plush beds are equally available to guests staying one night or longer.
It’s lovely to spend the night on the island outside of the tent. The noises of the surf and chimpanzees can be heard at night.
Ngamba Eco-Lodge also offers both luxury cottages and standard camping tents. All of which are close to the waters of Lake Victoria.
Images for Ngamba Island
Conclusion
Ngamba Island exists mainly to provide sanctuary and look after the orphaned chimpanzees. Tourists may visit to educate themselves about these extraordinary monkeys and the value of preserving their forest habitats.
Disclaimer: ngambaisland.org is credited for all the photos.
