Visiting Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
A Haven for Rescued Chimpanzees
Ngamba Island lies on the waters of Lake Victoria, about 23 kilometers south of Entebbe, and is home to one of Uganda’s most moving conservation success stories. Established in 1998, the sanctuary was created to provide refuge for chimpanzees that had been orphaned, injured, or rescued from illegal pet and bushmeat trades. Today, it is managed by the Chimpanzee Sanctuary & Wildlife Conservation Trust and offers a permanent home to more than 50 chimps who cannot be returned to the wild. Unlike a zoo, Ngamba Island provides a natural forest environment, allowing the chimpanzees to live freely in groups and display the complex social behaviors that make them so similar to humans.
The Journey to the Island
A visit begins with a boat ride across Lake Victoria, the largest freshwater lake in Africa. The journey takes about 45 minutes to an hour depending on the boat and weather, but it is often a highlight in itself. The expanse of water stretches endlessly into the horizon, with fishermen’s canoes dotting the surface and islands appearing like green jewels in the distance. Birdlife is abundant, with sightings of kingfishers, fish eagles, and cormorants common along the way. For many travelers, this crossing sets the tone for the day — a sense of calm, anticipation, and connection to nature.
Life at the Sanctuary
The sanctuary occupies about 100 acres of tropical rainforest, with the majority of the island left undisturbed so the chimps can roam freely. Visitors spend their time at designated viewing platforms that overlook feeding areas. Twice a day, at scheduled feeding times, the chimps emerge from the forest and gather near the fences, providing extraordinary opportunities to observe them up close. Their expressions, gestures, and interactions are strikingly humanlike — young chimps playing, older ones asserting dominance, and mothers carefully tending to their infants. Watching them reminds visitors of the thin line that separates humans from our closest relatives in the animal kingdom.
The guides on Ngamba Island enrich this experience by sharing individual stories of the chimps, many of whom were rescued in tragic circumstances but now thrive in safety. You may hear about a chimp that was found chained as a pet, or one that survived poaching attempts, and then see that same chimp interacting joyfully within its community. These personal histories transform the visit into something more than wildlife viewing; it becomes a journey into compassion and resilience.
Conservation and Education at Work
Ngamba Island is not only a sanctuary but also a center for research and education. Conservationists here monitor the health and behavior of the chimpanzees, while programs are designed to raise awareness in schools and communities about the importance of protecting chimpanzees in the wild. The sanctuary works closely with law enforcement to combat illegal wildlife trade, while also teaching local communities peaceful ways of coexisting with wildlife. Every visitor contributes to this mission, since a portion of the fees goes directly toward feeding the chimps, maintaining their forest habitat, and running outreach programs across Uganda.
Tours and Activities
Visitors can choose from half-day, full-day, or overnight tours. A half-day trip focuses on the essentials: the boat transfer, a guided introduction, and at least one chimpanzee feeding session. A full-day tour adds more depth, allowing time to observe both morning and afternoon feedings, learn about the sanctuary’s veterinary programs, and enjoy the quiet beauty of the island. Packed lunches or lakeside meals can be arranged, making it a leisurely day out.
For travelers seeking something truly special, overnight stays offer an intimate experience. Guests sleep in eco-friendly cottages overlooking Lake Victoria, and evenings are often filled with the sounds of chimps calling in the distance, mixed with the lapping of waves on the shore. Waking up at dawn to the chorus of birds and the chatter of primates is an unforgettable experience, one that lingers long after you leave the island.
Why Ngamba Island Matters
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is far more than a tourist destination — it is a living example of conservation in action. It shows how Uganda has taken a strong stand against wildlife trafficking and how tourism can be used as a force for good. For visitors, the sanctuary provides a chance to encounter chimpanzees in a natural environment while directly supporting their survival. It also adds balance to a Uganda journey, complementing gorilla trekking, savannah safaris, and cultural tours with an experience rooted in empathy and awareness.
A visit to Ngamba Island is both humbling and inspiring. It reminds us of the fragility of wildlife in today’s world, but also of the possibilities that exist when people come together to protect it. The sight of a once-traumatized chimpanzee now thriving in the forest is one of the most powerful images a traveler can take away from Uganda.
