Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary: Your 2025 Ultimate Guide

Nestled in the tranquil waters of Lake Victoria, Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary—often called “Chimp Island”—is a 100-acre rainforest haven dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned chimpanzees in Uganda.

Established in 1998, this sanctuary provides a semi-wild home for over 50 chimpanzees, offering visitors a unique chance to witness their playful behaviors, learn about primate conservation, and contribute to endangered species protection. W

hether you’re an eco-tourist, wildlife enthusiast, or seeking a meaningful travel experience, this guide covers everything you need to know about Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, from its mission and activities to volunteering, accommodations, and practical tips.

The History and Mission of Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary

The Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary was born in 1998 to address the plight of eastern chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii), threatened by poaching, habitat loss, and the illegal pet trade.

Founded by the Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust (CSWCT), a non-profit backed by global partners like the Born Free Foundation, Jane Goodall Institute, and International Fund for Animal Welfare, the sanctuary began with 19 rescued chimps from Uganda, Congo, Burundi, Tanzania, and even Russian circuses.

Today, it houses 52 chimpanzees in a 98-acre forested habitat, separated by an electric fence from a 2-acre visitor zone.

The sanctuary’s mission is twofold: provide ethical, lifelong care for chimps unable to return to the wild and promote conservation through education and community outreach.

As a Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) accredited site and Pan African Sanctuary Alliance (PASA) member, Ngamba upholds top welfare standards, including nutrition, veterinary care, and responsible tourism.

Its efforts have helped stabilize Uganda’s chimpanzee population, which dropped over 50% in three decades due to human-wildlife conflict.

Location and How to Reach Ngamba Island

Located 23 kilometers southeast of Entebbe, Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is a 45-minute speedboat or 90-minute motorized canoe ride from Nakiwogo or Kasenyi Landing Sites on Lake Victoria.

Crossing the equator en route, visitors may spot hippos, Nile perch, or over 120 bird species, like fish eagles. Boats depart from Pelican Marina near Entebbe International Airport, organized by Wild Frontiers Uganda or direct bookings.

Dry seasons (June–September, December–February) offer smoother rides; rainy seasons (March–May, October–November) bring lush scenery but choppier waters. Boat transfers cost $73 per person (groups of 8+) to $336 solo, including park fees.

The Chimpanzees: Daily Life and Rehabilitation at Ngamba

At the heart of Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary are its 52 residents—orphaned infants, poaching survivors, and ex-pets—each with a poignant backstory.

Caregivers, numbering over 22 including vets, monitor health and behavior 24/7, providing a cage-free environment since recent upgrades.

Chimps forage naturally on figs, insects, and leaves in the rainforest, supplemented by 30,000+ kg of fruits and veggies annually—bananas, pineapples, and veggies tossed during twice-daily feedings.

Daily routine: Released into the forest at dawn, they build nests, play, groom, and socialize in troops, mimicking wild hierarchies. New arrivals undergo gentle habituation in large enclosures, introduced gradually to avoid rejection.

Enrichment activities like puzzle feeders and swings keep their intelligent minds sharp, while veterinary care addresses traumas from capture. Lifespans reach 60 years, so Ngamba commits to lifelong support, fostering social bonds that heal psychological scars.

Visitors often spot stars like alpha male Kipanzi or playful juveniles, learning names and quirks from guides who share heartwarming tales.

Main Activities at Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Visitors to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary enjoy a range of immersive, educational, and eco-friendly activities:

Chimpanzee Feeding Observation: Watch 50+ chimps during twice-daily feedings (11 a.m. and 3 p.m.) from a viewing platform, witnessing their energetic hooting, climbing, and social dynamics.
Guided Educational Tours: Learn about each chimp’s story, conservation challenges, and sanctuary operations during orientations at the visitor center.
Boat Rides and Equator Crossing: Enjoy scenic Lake Victoria cruises, often crossing the equator, with chances to spot wildlife like otters or kingfishers.
Birdwatching and Nature Walks: Explore the island’s 120+ bird species or spot butterflies and monitor lizards on guided trails.
Swimming at the Equator: Cool off in Lake Victoria’s clear waters, a unique experience during full-day visits.
Fishing Village Visits: Engage with nearby Ssese Island communities to learn about local culture and fishing traditions.
Caregiver for a Day: Participate in hands-on tasks like preparing food, monitoring chimps, or cleaning enclosures ($500).
Sunset Cruises and Bonfires: Overnight guests enjoy evening boat trips or relaxing by the campfire.

Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary Tour Costs;

Activity	Duration	Price (USD, per person)	Highlights
Half-Day Trip	4–5 hours	$250–$300	Boat ride, one feeding, orientation
Full-Day Trip	7–8 hours	$350–$400	Two feedings, lunch, swimming
Overnight Stay	1–3 nights	$200+/night	Lodge, walks, caregiver experience
Volunteer Program	1–4 weeks	$500–$1,000/week	Hands-on care, dorm/lodge options

Volunteering at Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Volunteering at Ngamba Island is a transformative way to support chimpanzee conservation. Programs, lasting 1–4 weeks, cost $500–$1,000 per week, including accommodation and meals. Volunteers, ideal for students, researchers, or wildlife enthusiasts, engage in:

Preparing and distributing food during feedings.
Monitoring chimp behavior and health for research data.
Maintaining enclosures and creating enrichment tools like puzzle feeders.
Supporting community outreach or educational programs.

No prior experience is required, but a passion for conservation and physical fitness help. Volunteers stay in dorms or eco-lodge tents, with Wi-Fi and shared facilities.

Accommodations and Rates at Ngamba Island

Ngamba Island Ecolodge offers eco-friendly stays for immersive experiences, with rates varying by season and group size:

Standard Tents: $200–$250/night (single/double occupancy). Canvas tents with beds, solar-powered lights, and shared bathrooms, ideal for budget travelers.
Luxury Tents: $300–$350/night. Larger tents with private bathrooms, verandas, and lake views for couples or families.
Volunteer Dorms: $50–$100/night (included in volunteer programs). Basic shared rooms with bunk beds, suitable for long-term stays.
Honeymoon Package: $500/night for two, including private dinners, sunset cruises, and luxury tent.

Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) are included, featuring local dishes like matoke and fish. Book early, especially for peak seasons. Contact us today to secure your visit to this stunning destination. Click to View Iitineray of our 1 Day Ngamba Chimpanzee Sactuary.

Accommodation	Rate (USD/Night)	Features
Standard Tent	$200–$250	Solar lights, shared bathroom
Luxury Tent	$300–$350	Private bathroom, lake view
Volunteer Dorm	$50–$100	Shared bunk beds, basic amenities
Honeymoon Package	$500 (for two)	Private dining, cruise

Conservation Impact and How to Contribute

Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary combats poaching and habitat loss through visitor fees (100% fund chimp care), community education, and research partnerships.

Adopt a chimp ($50–$500/year) to cover food or medical costs, or donate via CSWCT to support cage-free upgrades. A single day trip can feed a chimp for weeks.

Practical Tips for Visiting Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Best time: Dry seasons for reliable weather; avoid peak rains to prevent boat delays. Pack sunscreen, insect repellent, hat, binoculars, and camera—light clothing suits the tropical climate (75–85°F).

No drones or plastics; follow COVID protocols if applicable. Book via ngambaisland.org or Wild Frontiers; groups save on transfers.

Accessibility: Stairs to platforms may challenge mobility; inquire for adaptations. Combine with Entebbe’s UWEC or Mabamba Swamp for a primate-packed itinerary. Ethical note: Support only accredited sites like Ngamba to ensure funds reach animals.

Why Visit Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary?

In Uganda’s “Pearl of Africa,” Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary offers profound connection—gazing into a chimp’s eyes, you see shared humanity and urgent peril. It’s transformed 52 lives, inspired thousands, and fortified conservation.

Whether a half-day glimpse or week-long volunteer stint, your journey supports a future where chimpanzees thrive. Plan now: Contact Us.