Ngamba Island Excursions
Ngamba Island Excursions : Situated on Lake Victoria in Uganda 23km off shore from Entebbe is Ngamba island chimpanzee sanctuary managed by the Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Trust (CSWCT). It has been set up by a group of concerned organisations including Uganda Wildlife Education Centre in order to offer a facility for orphaned chimpanzees where they can co-habitat in a near natural environment. These 42 lucky chimpanzees were saved from being destined for life as a pet or in a lab in the west. They were all confiscated by authorities and brought to the sanctuary for care and rehabilitation. The beautifully forested tropical island is almost 100 acres in size and boasts over 50 different types of vegetation that the chimps utilize. The chimpanzees are free to roam this forest, exploring their environment and foraging for food at their leisure.
Unfortunately, chimps are still being illegally taken out of the wild and sanctuaries like this one are needed throughout Africa as in most cases the animals cannot be returned to their original habitat. Several international wildlife organisations such as Born Free, IFAW, Jane Goodall Institute are determined to stop this exploitation, and to help these animals. Ngamba is one of the projects supported by them.
VISITS TO THE ISLAND
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary offers you a unique opportunity to contribute to the process of assisting these chimpanzees – by visiting them. Entrance and activity fees paid go directly towards helping the chimpanzees. Half day, full day and overnight trips for viewing the chimpanzees on Ngamba can be arranged.
Day trips include:
Boat transportation from Entebbe
Sanctuary & UWEC (Wildlife Centre in Entebbe) entrance fees
Viewing of the chimpanzees being fed from the raised observation walk way along the edge of the sanctuary fence
Viewing of a traditional fishing village and an optional equator swim on the homeward boat journey
Upon arrival at Ngamba Island you will be greeted by the duty caregivers who look after the chimpanzees. You are shown to the visitors area which includes use of a swimming beach, kayaks, beach volley ball, an information centre, large thatched area for relaxing and eating meals and a kiosk selling drinks, curios and a few snacks.
Being a sanctuary, local birdlife and wildlife is drawn to its quiet surroundings and many of the 154 bird species recorded on the island, as well as hippos, otters and water monitors are often seen around the shores.
