Chimpanzee Viewing Safaris in Uganda – Guaranteed Chimpanzee sighting experiences in Ngamba Island Sanctuary 

Chimpanzee Viewing Safaris in Uganda – Indulged in the waters of the second largest freshwater lake in the world, Lake Victoria – Ngamba Island chimpanzee Sanctuary is a perfect spot for Chimpanzee viewing safaris. Chimpanzee viewing in Ngamba Island sanctuary is the primary draw of tourists to this enchanting island and a shouldn’t miss for primate lovers who cannot make it to the other far chimpanzee trekking destinations like Kibale Forest National Park, Budongo Forest Reserve in Murchison Falls National Park and the Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is home to orphaned chimpanzees rescued from across East Africa, and one of the nearest chimpanzee viewing areas to Entebbe International Airport. Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust (Chimpanzee Trust), a non-profit organization is responsible for managing the operations of the sanctuary. Deeply committed to and involved in both field conservation and community education, the trust works closely with the Ugandan government and wildlife authorities.

All you need to know about Ngamba Island Sanctuary – Chimpanzee Viewing Safaris in Uganda

Ngamba Island is a member of the Lake Victoria-based Koome group of islands (which also includes Kiimi, Nsazi, Koome, Bulago, and Damba Islands). Located on the mainland at 0.06’S, 32.39’E, Entebbe is about 23 kilometers southeast of Ngamba Island. There are about 100 acres total, of which 95 acres are forested and divided from the human camp by an electric fence. Generally flat in the north, the island’s southern portion rises gradually to an elevation of around 3800 feet above sea level. About 10% of the island is covered in gaps of grassland, although most of it is forested.

Chimpanzees at Ngamba Island are majorly those rescued from different areas of East Africa and around 52 individuals are found on the Island. Chimpanzee viewing in Ngamba Island Sanctuary is a great opportunity for young travelers below the minimum chimp trekking age in other Chimpanzee trekking destinations in the country and here even youngsters can enjoy watching these primates.

While on your chimp viewing experience to Ngamba Island, you will also be treated to sights of monitor lizards, birds, and photographic opportunities. You will enjoy watching the primates as they feed and also groom their young ones. You will also enjoy the surrounding beauty of the Island with the enchanting beauty of vegetation, bird species, and sea breath.

While on safaris to Ngamba Island – Upon your arrival, you will be directed to our visitor’s center where you will be introduced to the project, its history, our residents, and their plight. There are two types of day visits (half day and full day), you will receive a personal orientation by a chimpanzee caregiver and view chimpanzees feeding, from the visitors’ raised platform area along the edge of the sanctuary fence.

How to get to Ngamba Island Sanctuary

The Island Can be accessed by boat or by air. From Entebbe to Ngamba Island is approximately 45-50 minutes; travel by traditional motorized canoe takes approximately 90 minutes and by air, it’s approximately 20 minutes from Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip