Ngamba Island sanctuary is a chimpanzee-rescue and breeding sanctuary in Uganda, and a home of orphaned chimpanzees from various parts of East Africa. These chimpanzees are being rescued by Uganda Wildlife authority popularly known as (UWA) over safety and conservation efforts. The sanctuary was established as a non-profit organization in the year 1998 and is the leading primate conservation initiative in the pearl of Africa.

Situated in the middle of Lake Victoria, Ngamba chimpanzee sanctuary is surrounded by warm fresh water bodies of Lake Victoria and covers a total area of 100 acres. Its proximity to Entebbe town makes a must visit spot especially for primate conservation enthusiasts. Entebbe town is also famously known as the home of the country's leading airport. Ngamba takes pride as one of the leading primate sanctuaries in the world and one of the vibrant spots to sight chimps.

Originally, chimpanzees were mostly threatened by deforestation, wildlife trafficking, and poaching in most of the East African parts. Ngamba therefore serves a great opportunity to these orphaned chimps and the sanctuary shelters about 50 chimpanzee individuals today. Initially at its opening, the sanctuary sheltered only 19 of the chimpanzees and now it has seen progress.

Apart from harboring orphaned and injured chimpanzees, the island sanctuary is also member of Pan African Sanctuary Alliance and it attracts a wide range of famous researchers from all the world.

Chimpanzee tracking sessions commence at 8:00am and are carried out twice a day. The following shift starts in the afternoon up to 5:00pm in the evening. The tour guides share the islands history, pros and cons, and how the spot came to be a chimpanzee sanctuary. The breath taking sights and sounds of comely birds, beautiful scenery and fresh waters of Lake Victoria are some of the most remarkable moments while at the island.

Chimpanzees can be sighted better on a raised platform especially after hearing sirens from their care givers. Watching the chimps obey to their care givers is also such a humbling experience. Given of the large brain of chimpanzees, their feeding habits, interactions, traits and behaviors are exceptionally interesting. The dramatic scene of the chimps seen using sticks to fetch the nearby fruits while others stand to beg food from their care givers as they interestingly clap hands to seek attention, is such a breathtaking and remarkable moment.

Other activities that can be done at Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary. 

While guests cruise on the freshest waters of the mighty Victoria, visitors can dive into other exciting and remarkable tourism activities to have the best unforgettable Chimpanzee experience.

Nature walks on the island.

Guided nature walks in the wilderness of the Isolated island are such remarkable moments to carry on. It's here that travelers get to bump into other wildlife animals, several birds, flora and butterfly species.

Given the Island's proximity to the water, there are a number of aquatic species, butterflies and bird species trapped in the sanctuary that will make the whole chimpanzee experience a remarkable one. Visitors can also have a rare opportunity of moving with the chimpanzees on these guided walks while they get to learn if their traits and behavior.   

How to get to Ngamba Island?

Getting to Ngamba island is relatively easier and convenient using a speed boat, once travelers get to Entebbe, from there they can get to a dock at the front water beach and take a speed boat where the short water journey takes about 45 to 50 minutes to Ngamba sanctuary island.

Given the location of the sanctuary in the middle of Lake Victoria, water and air transport means are the only types of transportation possible to make it to the sanctuary.

Water boats are also available with different sizes depending on the number of guests, well equipped with fire extinguishers and life jackets to ensure travelers' safety. Guests are advised to move in groups rather than individually to ensure affordable transport costs.