Ngamba Island

 

Ngamba Island comprises an area of around 100 acres of rainforest on Lake Victoria, and The Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary was set up in 1998 to look after chimpanzees rescued from other areas in Uganda.  The lush island vegetation supports a good population of natural wildlife including hippos, crocodile, and monitor lizards and provides a good variety of food for the chimps.

Guest accommodations on Ngamba Island consist of four East African-style tents, each of which overlook the lake and can comfortably accommodate two people.   The tents have adjoining bathrooms and solar-powered lighting.   The island has been developed very much as an eco-friendly project with rainwater collection, solar energy used for electricity and hot water, and compost toilets.   

Anyone staying here will experience a unique insight into the care of the rescued chimps, and guests can choose to take a forest walk or become a caregiver for day.  On the walk guests are able to accompany a group of young chimps during one of their daily strolls through the forest.  The chimps are accustomed to human contact and can at times walk holding hands with their human visitors, play-bite, or use their guests as climbing frames.  A day spent as a caregiver would allow you to experience the daily routine of looking after these animals.   This can be anything from preparing food to assisting with medical check-ups and preparing the holding areas.  It is a wonderful way to find out exactly what is involved in taking care of these animals.