A day at Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary.
Ngamba Island Sanctuary is home to rescued chimpanzees and it is located South East of Entebbe with a largely forested area of about 95 acres giving the chimpanzees enough room to roam around. The forested area is separated from the human camp by an electric fence. The sanctuary provides well-maintained facilities and cares to the captive chimpanzees.
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary offers both half-day and full-day trips which departure times of 9:00 are and 12:45 pm respectively. The island can be accessed on a speed boat that takes approximately 45 minutes or on a motorized canoe that takes about 90 minutes. There are about 52 chimpanzees all with different names including; Minni, Nakku, Namukisa, Medina, Kidogo, Megan, Natasha, Oketch, Rutoto, Tumbo, Sophie, Sally, Bahati, and many more. Ensure to look out for any one of these chimpanzees while on your visit at Ngamba Island Sanctuary.
A trip to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary starts with a briefing where you are given an introduction and history about the sanctuary, not forgetting an orientation on the day’s activities. On a half-day visit, you are able to view 1 feeding session of the chimpanzees while on a full day, you are able to view 2 feeding sessions. The feeding sessions and viewing of the chimpanzees are done on a raised platform which is along the sanctuary electric fence and here, you get an up-close view of the chimpanzees, watch and learn about their social behavior. You may also be part of the feeding team and watch the chimpanzees jump to get the food and capture photographs of every moment spent here.
To supplement their diet, the chimpanzees are fed twice during the day. A porridge mixture for breakfast then fruits like (watermelons, pineapples, pawpaw) and vegetables. At the end of the day, the chimpanzees have a choice to stay in the forest overnight or return to the holding facility that is built to enhance social integration and where they are also able to build their nests.
Besides watching the chimpanzees, you will also be able to appreciate different bird species and any other wildlife species that may be encountered. You may also purchase souvenirs. Book your trip in advance so as not to miss the exciting adventurous activities.
