1 DAY NGAMBA ISLAND CHIMPANZEE SANCTUARY
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is a project of the Chimpanzee Sanctuary and wildlife conservation Trust that was started in 1998 by Dr. Jane Goodall and a small group of pioneering leaders who rescued about 13 chimpanzees and hence the establishment of Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Over the years, Ngamba has grown to support the existence of over 49 orphaned or rescued chimpanzees from the illegal wildlife trade hence making it one of the best and leading primate sanctuaries in Africa providing a home to orphaned or rescued chimpanzees who cannot return to the wild. Since their return to the wild is not possible, Ngamba Island is both a tourist and study center where visitors and the local communities are educated about the remarkable species and the importance of conserving their fragile forest habitat.
Ngamba Island is located 23km southeast of Entebbe district in Lake Victoria, covering approximately 100 acres, 98 of which are forested and separated from the visitors’ area by an electric fence where the chimpanzees roam through the day. Ngamba Island provides an excellent secondary forest habitat for the chimpanzees and other wildlife species including fruit bats, spiders, fish eagles, otters and monitor lizards.
Visiting Ngamba Island starts from a meeting point in Entebbe Lugard Avenue. Departure is from the pier a short walk and accessing the Island is only done by a speedboat which takes approximately 50 minutes or by a traditional motorized boat which takes about 90 minutes. Crossing to Ngamba Island is done in 2 shifts; Half day trip and full day trip; the half day trip starts from 9 am while the full day trip runs up to 5 pm. You are provided with life jackets and rain suites while on board on the boats. The morning viewing hours are between 9 am to 1 pm while the afternoon viewing hours are from 12 pm to 5 pm depending on the weather conditions. During the full day excursion of Ngamba Island, spending time with the chimpanzees is between 8 am to 3 pm. Visitors visiting the sanctuary either for half day or full day observe the chimpanzees from the visitor platform, hearing an informative talk about the chimpanzees by the sanctuary staff. Other activities that take place at Ngamba Island include swimming at the equator, visiting fishing villages, birding activities, other wildlife encounter or barely sunbathing and relaxing at the Island.
While visiting the Island, prices for visiting the island range depending on the number of people visiting. The more the visitor group, the less the price, children under 5 years of age go for free, children between 5-15 years pay half the price. These prices are inclusive a return boat trip and Ngamba Island entry fees, also basing on residence category.
ACTIVITIES
During your visit you will experience: chimpanzee viewing & feeding, shopping at the island gift shop, bird watching, experiencing other wildlife encounters, swimming on the equator, visiting a neighboring fishing village or simply sunbathing and relaxing.
Our day visitors can also ‘get their hands dirty’ by being part of the feeding team. This is an opportunity for you to feed the chimpanzees from the platform. On top of being able to feed your favorite chimp, you will also watch as the chimps excitedly try and gain your attention to receive food (this activity is subject to management exclusion and policies).
Additionally, you can enjoy our fresh lunches prepared on-site, ranging between $10- $15. Please note, packed lunches and drinks to the island are prohibited, prompted by the difficulty of controlling litter associated with the personal items. The ban seeks to enforce Chimpanzee Trust’s Environmental Management Policy and System, in place since the founding of Ngamba Island Sanctuary in 1998.
TRIP TIMINGS
- Morning viewing between 9.00am – 1.00pm
- Afternoon viewing 12.45pm – 5.00pm
FEES/PRICE (LISTED IN USD)
SPEEDBOAT
The speedboat takes approximately 45 minutes from Entebbe to the island. Rides are weather dependent and at the sole discretion of Chimpanzee Trust management.
All rates include round trip boat ride, entrance and viewing fees.
Chimpanzee viewing times are:
- 1 Person $700
- 2 Persons $400 each
- 3 Persons $300 each
- 4 people/more $200 each
NOTE: Always contact us to find out the days bookings.
MOTORIZED CANOE
The boat ride takes approximately 90 minutes from Entebbe to the island. Rides are weather dependent and at the sole discretion of Chimpanzee Trust management. All rates include round trip boat ride, entrance and viewing fees.
- 6 People $200 per person
- 7 People $180 per person
- 8/more People $150 per person
Note: The above rates are a guideline and subject to change at any time.
price includes, all transfers from your hotel and back , lunch, drink water .