About

Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary

$ 40

Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Uganda

Ngamba Island is a sanctuary on Lake Victoria, Uganda, dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned chimpanzees. The island provides a safe environment for chimpanzees rescued from poaching, the illegal pet trade, and human-wildlife conflicts. Visitors can learn about chimpanzee care and conservation while observing these animals in a natural setting.

Meet the Chimpanzees

Ngamba Island is home to over 56 rescued chimpanzees. Guided tours allow visitors to watch chimpanzees during feeding sessions and observe their social interactions. Sanctuary staff provide information about each chimpanzee’s history, behavior, and rehabilitation process.

The island enjoys a warm and pleasant climate year-round, perfect for all your adventures. During the day, temperatures usually range from 22–28 °C (72–82 °F)  ideal for walking through the beautifull forests, spotting the playful chimpanzees, or taking a boat around the island. In the evenings, it cools down to a mild 17–20 °C (63–68 °F), giving you the perfect setting for a relaxing sunset or a peaceful night under the stars.

  • Location: Ngamba Island is located on Lake Victoria, 23 km from Entebbe.

  • Main Access Point: Entebbe Waterfront or Entebbe Pier.

Activities on Ngamba Island

Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities on the island:

  • Chimpanzee Viewing & Feeding:

          Watch chimpanzees in a controlled environment and learn about their daily routines.

  • Guided Nature Walks:

          Explore the island’s forests and observe local birds, butterflies, and other wildlife.

  • Environmental & Conservation Education:

            Learn about chimpanzee rehabilitation, wildlife protection, and Uganda’s biodiversity.

  • Boat Ride on Lake Victoria:

          Travel from Entebbe to the island by boat and enjoy views of the lake.

  • Bird watching

  • Sunset boat cruise

  • Kayaking (seasonal)

  • Photography experiences

  • Community cultural visits (mainland)

Best time to visit

  • Best Time to Visit:  Dry seasons, from June to September and December to February, are ideal for boat trips and wildlife viewing.

  • Age Limit:

         Children under 5 are not allowed; all younger visitors must be accompanied by adults.

  • Transport Options:

    • Scheduled boat transfers

    • Speedboat transfers

    • Motorised canoe (weather permitting)

    • Private boat hire

  • Travel Time:

  • From 11:00am -1:00pm(Monday-Sunday)

    • Speedboat: 45–50 minutes

    • Traditional boat: 1–1.5 hours

  • Departure Times:

  •  Morning and afternoon departures (depending on sanctuary schedule).

  • Weather Considerations:

  • Boat transfers depend on lake conditions; trips may be delayed during rough weather.

  • Advance Booking: Required for all boat transfers and sanctuary visits.

  • Accessibility Needs: Limited wheel-chair access due to boat entry and natural terrain on the island.

Guidelines:

  • Maintain a safe distance from chimpanzees

  • No flash photography

  • Follow staff instructions

  • Secure all personal items

  • No eating near chimpanzee areas

  • Do not litter or disturb wildlife

  • Supervise children at all times

  • Avoid visiting if unwell

  • Wear appropriate and comfortable clothing

Accomodataion 

  • Ngamba Island Tented Camp

    Limited on-island accommodation for visitors andOffers basic tented rooms for overnight stays
  • Eguru safari lodge
  • Tumbo safari lodge

  • Entebbe Hotels & Lodges 

    Protea Hotel by MarriottLake Victoria Serena Golf Resort

    • Papyrus Guesthouse

    • Karibu Guesthouse

    • 2 Friends Beach Hotel

    • ViaVia Entebbe

    • Victoria Forest Resort

  • Budget & Mid-range Options

    Sunset Entebbe

    • Admas Grand Hotel

    • Airport View Hotel

  • Eco-lodges & Nature Stays

    • Ngamba Eco-Lodge 

    • Local eco-friendly guesthouses around Entebbe

Tips for a Visit

  • Arrive early to attend feeding sessions.

  • Wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for walking.

  • Bring a camera (without flash) and binoculars for wildlife observation.

  • Consider combining the visit with Entebbe’s botanical gardens or wildlife centers.