Ngamba Island
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, established in October 1998 to care for rescued chimpanzees, is on Lake Victoria just 23kms from Entebbe. The island is reached by speedboat and consists of 100 acres of rainforest (approximately 40 hectares). It’s a unique spot and a great place to visit for anyone interested in understanding more about these fascinating animals.
Accommodation & Facilities
Accommodation at the small eco-friendly camp comprises four simple A-frame tents each with great views of the lake and associated birdlife. Solar energy provides electricity and hot water, and showers are in the form of traditional bucket showers. There is a shared compost loo a short distance from the tents, although there is a commode in each tent for use at night. There is a thatched lounge and dining area which serves delicious home cooked meals.
Wildlife & Activities
The main focus for guests staying at Ngamba is the chance to view the chimpanzees close-up and to learn about the sanctuary’s continued work to care for them. Approximately 5,000 chimpanzees are killed by poachers for the bushmeat trade every year in Africa. As a by-product of this illegal practice, dozens of infant chimpanzees are taken alive from forests, bound for the pet trade. As well as providing a safe home and ensuring the welfare of the rescued chimpanzees, the sanctuary provides a high quality educational experience for visitors and benefits the local island communities. For an additional cost, guests may undertake the task of being a caregiver for the day which involves feeding the chimps, cleaning the enclosures and assisting with all the tasks done by their carers. Another activity is to do a forest walk which involves assisting the young chimps to the forest each morning. Please note that guests wishing to do either of these activities will need to adhere to strict vaccination requirements. Other activities on offer at Ngamba include kayaking and hiring a boat (at an additional charge) to explore the island from the lake.
