Location:
47.34 km south of Kampala.
28.45 km (17.68 mi) South East of Entebbe.
Coordinates: -0.103511, 32.650890
Also known as the “Chimp Island” Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary is a nonprofit entity opened in 1998 to cater for orphaned chimps rescued from poachers, wildlife traffickers, zoos, and circuses. The sanctuary is a member of the Pan African Sanctuary Alliance and attracts famous primate researchers, institutions and staff from similar sanctuaries around the world.
Ngamba hosts over 50 chimpanzees as of 2023.
Found in Lake Victoria close to Entebbe, Ngamba Island measures about 100 acres of forest which provide a natural environment and food for the chimpanzees.
Visitors to the sanctuary have an opportunity to feed chimps and take part in other activities like boat cruises, fishing, swimming and relaxation/sunbathing.
The sanctuary is under the management of the Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust (CSWCT).
Ngamba Island is about 50 minutes by speed boat from Entebbe. Local motorized canoes take about 90 minutes. The Ngamba Island Reservations Office in Entebbe is the main place to go to for any boat bookings.
Birding
Ngamba Island is a prime location for birdwatching, offering diverse birdlife. Tourists enjoy birdwatching during boat cruises and nature walks, spotting both water and forest birds.
Common sightings include:
- Spur-winged Lapwing (Vanellus spinosus)
- African Openbill (Anastomus lamelligerus)
- Reed Cormorant (Microcarbo africanus)
- African Sacred Ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus)
- Cattle-Egret (Ardea ibis)
- Black Kite (Milvus migrans)
- Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis)
- Pied Crow (Corvus albus)
- Slender-billed Weaver (Ploceus pelzelni)
- Village Weaver (Ploceus cucullatus)