Ngamba Island Day Tour, 1 Day Ngamba Island Chimps Tour
A Ngamba Island Day Tour usually starts from Kampala or Entebbe in the morning. It involves driving to the boat pier to start a cruise to Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Lake Victoria. Ngampa Island is one the several chimpanzee spots in Uganda. Other places where you can do chimpanzee tours in Uganda include Kibale, Budongo, Kyambura Gorge, Kalinzu forest and Semuliki among others.
Starting a Ngamba Island Day Trip, a Chimpanze Island in Lake Victoria.
After a short briefing by the guide, depart from Entebbe Pier on the shores of Lake Victoria and sail by a speed boat to the island. The voyage lasts 45 minutes to reach Ngamba. On arrival at the chimp island, get a small briefing and then view the morning feeding of the primates from the visitors’ platform along the end of the fence. Biologically, chimps are believed to be 98% similar to humans beings. That why they are considered to be the closest relatives of man among the primates. Other primate species in Uganda include mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, baboons and various monkey types among others.
Visitors Watching chimpanzees from the Visitors’ Platform at Ngamba Island in Lake Victoria.
The climax of the tour to the Chimpanzee Island is seeing the primates feed and play with each other. You are free to swim and visit the neighboring fishing village, ddo bird watching or take a rest. In a short amount of time you are there you will see such different personalities among the group, with some whistling for food and others clapping.
Having enjoyed your stay to the sanctuary, return to Entebbe town in the afternoon and have lunch at Windsor Lake Victoria Hotel, Botanical Beach Hotel or Lake View Hotel among others. Following lunch is a visit to the Uganda Wild Life Education Centre to see a variety of wild animals in their protected sections. This tour takes about an hour or slightly more. From here, go to Botanical Gardens where you will see a variety of butterflies & a variety of birds and also enjoy the spectacular of Lake Victoria. Drive back to Kampala marking the end of your one-day chimpanzee safari adventure experience.
Ngamba Island Day Tour to see the Chimpanzee Feeding – Activities on Ngamba Island.
While on a one day to Ngamba Island, the following activities are on your safari programme:-
1. Chimpanzee Feeding
2. Watch and interact with the Chimps
3. Leisure and entertainment
4. Birding
5. Botanical gardens
6. Spot butterflies and Lake Victoria
7. Visit to Uganda Wildlife Education Centre visit.
How to Get to Ngamba Island in Lake Victoria
Ngamba Island, Uganda’s premier chimpanzee sanctuary, is located on Lake Victoria near Entebbe. Visiting this island is an incredible wildlife experience, offering visitors a chance to observe and learn about rescued chimpanzees in a semi-natural habitat. Getting to the island involves a combination of road travel and a scenic boat ride across Lake Victoria. Here is a detailed guide on how to reach Ngamba Island safely and efficiently.
Step 1: Drive from Kampala to Entebbe
- Start your journey from Kampala, Uganda’s capital city.
- Travel south along the Kampala–Entebbe Road, which is approximately 40–45 kilometers and takes around 1–1.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
- As you approach Entebbe, look out for the Victoria Mall or Imperial Mall as reference points for turning off toward the waterfront.
Step 2: Reach the Boat Pier
- Continue down to the boat pier located opposite the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC).
- This pier is the main departure point for Ngamba Island tours, where you will board the boat to cross Lake Victoria.
Step 3: Boat Transfer to Ngamba Island
Visitors can choose between different boat options depending on preference and budget:
- Standard Tour Boats
- These are often speedboats or motorized launches.
- The ride typically takes 45 minutes to 1 hour across the lake.
- Offers a smooth, safe, and comfortable journey with scenic views of Lake Victoria.
- Private Boat Options
- You can hire a private boat from landing sites in Luzira, Ggaba, or Munyonyo in Kampala or Entebbe.
- Private boats provide a direct route to Ngamba Island, ideal for groups or visitors seeking more flexibility in timing.
Additional Travel Tips
- Weather Considerations: Check lake conditions before your trip; calm weather makes the crossing safer and more enjoyable.
- Travel Time: Plan for extra time to account for boat boarding, safety briefings, and potential traffic between Kampala and Entebbe.
- Boat Safety: Life jackets are provided for all passengers, ensure they are worn throughout the journey.
- Photography: The boat ride offers excellent opportunities for Lake Victoria landscape photography, so bring a camera or smartphone.
Getting to Ngamba Island combines the ease of a short road trip from Kampala with the adventure of a boat cruise across Africa’s largest lake. Whether you choose a standard speedboat or a private vessel, the journey provides a scenic introduction to the island and builds anticipation for an unforgettable encounter with Uganda’s rescued chimpanzees.
Rules and Regulations to follow at Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is a sanctuary dedicated to the care and conservation of orphaned and rescued chimpanzees. Visiting the sanctuary offers a rare opportunity to observe chimpanzees in a semi-natural environment while supporting their rehabilitation. To ensure the safety of both visitors and chimpanzees, as well as to protect the sanctuary’s delicate ecosystem, the following rules and regulations must be observed:
Visitor Rules and Guidelines
- Follow Staff Instructions
- All visitors must listen to and follow the instructions of sanctuary guides and staff at all times.
- Guides will brief you on safety protocols and chimpanzee behavior before the visit.
- Maintain a Safe Distance
- Visitors must stay at a safe viewing distance from the chimpanzees.
- Do not attempt to touch, feed, or interact physically with the chimpanzees.
- Photography Etiquette
- Photography is allowed, but flash photography is prohibited as it can distress the animals.
- Cameras and mobile devices should be used responsibly without causing distraction.
- Group Size and Supervision
- Visits are usually conducted in small groups to minimize stress on the chimpanzees.
- Children must be supervised at all times and remain with their guardians.
- Health and Hygiene
- Do not visit if you are sick, especially with contagious diseases such as coughs, colds, or flu.
- Handwashing or sanitizing may be required before entering areas near chimpanzees to prevent disease transmission.
- Noise Control
- Speak softly and avoid shouting.
- Sudden movements or loud noises can alarm the chimpanzees and disrupt feeding or other natural behaviors.
- Do Not Litter
- Keep the sanctuary clean by disposing of all waste in designated bins.
- Avoid leaving food, plastic, or other litter in viewing areas.
- Respect Sanctuary Property
- Do not climb fences, barriers, or trees in restricted areas.
- Avoid touching or disturbing plants, equipment, and sanctuary structures.
- Feeding Restrictions
- Do not bring or feed any food to the chimpanzees.
- All feeding is managed by sanctuary staff following proper dietary protocols.
- Permits and Entry
- Ensure that entry permits or tickets are obtained and carried as required.
- Group bookings should be confirmed in advance to manage visitor flow effectively.
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary provides a safe and ethical environment to observe and learn about rescued chimpanzees. Adhering to these rules ensures that visitors have a safe, respectful, and enriching experience while supporting the sanctuary’s conservation efforts and the wellbeing of the chimpanzees.
Related Chimpanzee Tours in Uganda
Ngamba Island is one of the many chimpanzee safari destinations in Uganda where to see chimpanzees. These include Kibale forest, Budongo Forest, Kyambura Gorge and Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve among other tourist attractions for chimpanzee safaris in Uganda. To visit these chimps, one should book a chimpanzee trekking permit sold by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA)
Other 1 Day Tours in Uganda
1 Day Gorilla Trekking in Uganda from Rwanda
1 Day Kagulu rock climbing adventure
1 Day Tour to Lake Mburo National Park
1 Day Excursion to CTC Conservation Centre
1 Day Bird Watching Safari to Mabamba Swamp
1 Day Rhino Tracking at Ziwa Rhino Ranch