Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is one of Uganda’s most unique and meaningful wildlife experiences, located just 45 minutes by boat from Entebbe on the tranquil waters of Lake Victoria. The sanctuary is home to 52 orphaned and rescued chimpanzees, most of whom were saved from illegal wildlife trafficking. Established in 1998 with the vision and support of renowned primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall, Ngamba Island was developed as a safe haven where chimpanzees could live in a semi-wild environment with full-time care and protection. Over the past two decades, a devoted team of caregivers—some of whom have been with the sanctuary since its founding—have dedicated their lives to meeting the physical, emotional, and medical needs of these intelligent animals.
The experience begins with a scenic boat ride across Lake Victoria, where guests enjoy stunning views and make a memorable stop at a point where they cross the equator on water—a special moment often marked with a photo opportunity and guide explanation. Upon arriving at the island, visitors can participate in half-day or full-day tours, where the highlight is observing and feeding the chimpanzees from a raised platform during their scheduled mealtimes. You’ll get to toss fruits and vegetables directly to the chimps and watch them exhibit playful, social, and complex behaviors up close.
In addition to the chimpanzee encounters, visitors can enjoy a freshly prepared lunch at the island, surrounded by lush forest and views of the lake. For those seeking deeper involvement, the sanctuary offers volunteer programs where guests assist in food preparation, health checks, enrichment activities, and habitat maintenance.
To support the sanctuary’s long-term sustainability, guests are encouraged to join initiatives such as “Adopt a Chimp” or “Feed the Chimps,”which provide vital resources like medical care and 30,000+ kg of fruits and vegetables annually. A visit to Ngamba is not just an activity—it’s a chance to contribute meaningfully to conservation, connect with one of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom, and witness a model of ethical wildlife care in action.
For more info please visit: https://ngambaisland.org
