Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Chimpanzee Tracking in Uganda
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is a non-profit organization that was established in 1998 to provide a safe haven for orphaned and rescued chimpanzees. It is located on Ngamba Island, which is situated in the middle of Lake Victoria in Uganda. The sanctuary is home to approximately 50 chimpanzees and is a popular tourist destination.
The sanctuary provides a natural habitat for the chimpanzees, which allows them to live as close to their natural environment as possible. The chimpanzees are fed a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, and nuts, and are provided with medical care when needed. They are also provided with enrichment activities such as puzzle feeders, swings, and climbing structures to keep them mentally and physically stimulated.
Visitors to Ngamba Island can participate in a variety of activities such as feeding the chimpanzees, watching them during their feeding time, and observing their behaviour from a viewing platform. There are also overnight options available, which allow visitors to spend more time with the chimpanzees and learn more about them from the sanctuary staff.
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary plays an important role in the conservation of chimpanzees in Uganda. The sanctuary raises awareness about the importance of protecting chimpanzees and their habitat and provides a safe place for chimpanzees that cannot be released back into the wild.
When to Visit Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary?
The best time to visit Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is during the dry season, which runs from June to August and December to February. During these months, the weather is generally dry and sunny, which makes for pleasant and comfortable sightseeing and activities.
The rainy season in Uganda runs from March to May and September to November. During this time, the island and the surrounding areas can become quite muddy and difficult to navigate, and the chimpanzees may also spend more time indoors.
That being said, Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is open year-round and visitors are welcome at any time. It is important to note that weather conditions can be unpredictable in Uganda, so it’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast before planning your visit.
It’s also worth noting that the sanctuary can get quite busy during peak tourist season (June to August and December to January), so it’s a good idea to book your visit in advance to ensure availability.
Uganda Safaris to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Uganda safaris to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary are a popular way to experience the sanctuary and its resident chimpanzees. Many safari operators in Uganda offer Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary as part of their tour packages, either as a standalone attraction or as part of a larger itinerary that includes other wildlife sightings and cultural experiences.
The sanctuary can be accessed by boat from Entebbe, which is located on the shores of Lake Victoria. The boat ride to the sanctuary takes about 45 minutes and offers scenic views of the lake and its surrounding islands.
Once at the sanctuary, visitors can participate in a variety of activities such as feeding the chimpanzees, observing their behaviour, and learning about their care and conservation. Overnight stays on the island are also available, which allow visitors to spend more time with the chimpanzees and experience the sanctuary after hours.
When planning a Uganda safari that includes Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, it’s important to consider the time of year and weather conditions, as well as the length of the tour and the specific activities included. A reputable safari operator can help to tailor a tour package that meets your interests and preferences.
How to Get to Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary?
To get to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, visitors must first travel to Entebbe, which is located on the shores of Lake Victoria in Uganda. Entebbe is home to the nearest airport, Entebbe International Airport, which serves domestic and international flights.
From Entebbe, visitors can reach Ngamba Island by boat. The sanctuary offers a daily boat service that departs from Entebbe at 9 am and returns at 1 pm. The boat ride takes approximately 45 minutes and offers scenic views of Lake Victoria and its surrounding islands.
Visitors can also arrange for private boat transfers to Ngamba Island through tour operators or local providers. Private boat transfers offer more flexibility in terms of departure times and can be tailored to meet specific needs and preferences.
It’s important to note that Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is located on a remote island and can only be accessed by boat. Visitors should plan to bring appropriate gear for the boat ride, such as sunscreen, hats, and waterproof bags for cameras and other valuables.
Overall, getting to Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary requires some planning and preparation, but the experience of seeing the sanctuary’s resident chimpanzees up close is well worth the effort.
