Sanctuary & Forest · Lake Victoria, near Entebbe
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
A forested island on Lake Victoria that gives a lifelong home to orphaned and rescued chimpanzees.
How to get there
By boat from Entebbe, about 23 km across Lake Victoria (roughly 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on the boat).
What to find
Chimp feeding times from a viewing platform, caregiver experiences, and island overnight stays.
Overview
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary was set up in 1998 by the Chimpanzee Trust on a forested island in Lake Victoria. It cares for orphaned chimpanzees rescued from the illegal wildlife trade, which can't return to the wild.
The chimps live in the island's forest, which is separated from visitors by an electric fence. You watch them from a raised platform during feeding times, while caregivers explain each chimp's story and the sanctuary's conservation and education work.
Highlights
- Watching the chimps at feeding time from the viewing platform
- Learning the story of each rescued chimp
- A scenic boat trip across Lake Victoria
- Overnight stays and caregiver experiences
Things to do
Half-day visit
Includes the boat trip and a feeding session.
Caregiver for a day
Work alongside the keepers (booked in advance).
Overnight stay
Tented accommodation on the island.
Best time to visit
All year. The lake is usually calmer in the morning.
Getting there
By boat from Entebbe. We arrange boat transfers.
Where to stay
Tented cabins on the island, or return to Entebbe the same day.
Ngamba Island
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Good to know
- A great first or last day activity near Entebbe airport.
- Visitors must be in good health, because chimps catch human illnesses.
Permit prices, park rules and access can change. We always confirm the latest details when we plan your trip.