Private
1 Day Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary – Uganda
Discover Uganda’s Leading Chimpanzee Conservation Sanctuary
Overview
About this journey
- Duration
- 1 days
- Departures
- All year round
- Party size
- Up to 6
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is one of Uganda’s most unique wildlife conservation destinations, located on the peaceful waters of Lake Victoria approximately 23 kilometers southeast of Entebbe. The sanctuary was established in 1998 to provide a protected home for orphaned and rescued chimpanzees that were confiscated from poachers, illegal wildlife traffickers, and the illegal pet trade.
The island covers about 100 acres, with nearly 95 acres consisting of natural tropical forest where the chimpanzees freely roam during the day in a semi-natural environment. Today, Ngamba Island is home to more than 50 rescued chimpanzees under the care of the Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust.
Ngamba Island offers visitors an extraordinary opportunity to observe chimpanzees up close while learning about wildlife conservation, environmental protection, and primate rehabilitation in Uganda.
Highlights
What you'll experience
1 Day Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary Tour
A one-day safari to Ngamba Island offers the perfect escape from the busy city life of Kampala or Entebbe. The tour combines scenic boat cruising, wildlife viewing, conservation education, and relaxation on Lake Victoria.
Itinerary
Your day-by-day journey
Day 1
Day Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary Tour
A one-day safari to Ngamba Island offers the perfect escape from the busy city life of Kampala or Entebbe. The tour combines scenic boat cruising, wildlife viewing, conservation education, and relaxation on Lake Victoria.
Tour Experience
Your tour begins with pickup from your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe followed by a transfer to the boat departure point.
You will then enjoy a relaxing cruise across Lake Victoria as you travel toward Ngamba Island. Along the way, you may spot fishermen, birds, and beautiful lake scenery.
Upon arrival at the sanctuary, visitors are welcomed by the sanctuary staff before joining a guided tour of the facility. You will learn about:
Chimpanzee rescue stories, Conservation efforts, Feeding routines, Sanctuary operations, Wildlife protection programs
The highlight of the visit is watching the chimpanzees during feeding sessions from elevated viewing platforms and tree-top walkways.
After exploring the sanctuary and enjoying lunch, visitors relax before taking the return boat transfer back to Entebbe.
This unforgettable excursion offers a close-up encounter with one of humanity’s closest relatives while supporting important wildlife conservation efforts in Uganda.
Meals · Dinner
Inclusions
What is and isn't included
Included
- Nairobi airport arrival and departure transfers
- 3 nights accommodation at Pejeta Plains Lodge, full board
- 2 nights accommodation at Lewa area lodge, full board
- 4 nights accommodation at Mara Sandbank Camp, full board
- Black rhino monitoring walk with Ol Pejeta ranger
- Northern white rhino visit, Ol Pejeta
- All game drives in private 4WD vehicle on Laikipia
- Lewa community and conservation visit
- Light aircraft Lewa to Mara North (scheduled and charter)
- All game drives in private 4WD vehicle in Mara North Conservancy
- One guided walking safari with licensed armed ranger
- Mara North Conservancy daily conservation levy
- English-speaking guide throughout Kenya
- Park and conservancy entry fees for all listed activities
Not included
- International flights to and from the region
- Entry visas and any transit visas
- Gorilla and chimpanzee permits, unless listed as included
- Travel and medical insurance, which is mandatory
- Alcoholic drinks and premium beverages
- Laundry, telephone and other items of a personal nature
- Tips and gratuities for your guide, drivers and lodge staff
- Optional activities not listed in the day-by-day itinerary
Journey Details
Essential information
Minimum Age
8 years. Children are welcome on all game drives. The rhino monitoring walk requires guests to be able to walk quietly for up to three hours on uneven terrain.
Safari Duffel
Soft bags only — maximum 15 kg per person for light aircraft transfers. Hard luggage can be stored in Nairobi.
First Group Event
Welcome dinner and conservation briefing, Pejeta Plains Lodge, evening of day 1
Last Group Event
Farewell dinner, Mara Sandbank Camp, evening of day 8
Guaranteed Departures
All departures are private and guaranteed from a minimum of 2 guests.
Alternate Sightseeing
Rhino sightings during monitoring walks cannot be guaranteed but success rates at Ol Pejeta are consistently high. An alternative conservancy vehicle drive is scheduled if the walk is disrupted by weather.