2 Days Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary Tour Itinerary

Discover Ngamba island in Lake Victoria, home to endagered and fascinating chimpanzees. Our 2 Days Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary Tour takes you to interact with these genius primates and engange in different activities that the island has to offer.

Uganda, known for its rich biodiversity and captivating wildlife, is home to some of the most unique and life-changing conservation projects in the world.

One such project is the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, located on the shores of Lake Victoria. The 2 Days Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary Tour offers an unforgettable chance to get up close and personal with chimpanzees, one of humanity’s closest relatives, while supporting conservation efforts. Here’s everything you need to know about this incredible wildlife experience.

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Highlights of the 2 Days Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary Tour

1. Chimpanzee Feeding Time: Watch the sanctuary’s rescued chimpanzees as they enjoy their meal of fresh fruits and vegetables during the daily feeding session. Witness their playful interactions and social behavior up close.
2. Guided Sanctuary Tour: Explore Ngamba Island with a knowledgeable guide who will provide insight into the chimpanzees’ rehabilitation process, conservation efforts, and the history of the sanctuary.
3. Boat Ride to Ngamba Island: Enjoy a scenic boat ride across Lake Victoria to reach the island, offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding landscapes.
4. Cultural Experience: Engage with local community members to learn about their lives and how the sanctuary has benefited the surrounding villages through education and employment.
5. Nature Walks: Take a guided walk through the sanctuary’s lush grounds, designed to mimic the chimpanzees’ natural habitat, providing a chance to observe local wildlife and immerse in the environment.
6. Comfortable Accommodation: Stay in eco-friendly bandas on Ngamba Island, offering a peaceful retreat amidst nature.
7. Delicious Meals: Enjoy freshly prepared local Ugandan dishes, including chicken stew, rice, plantains, and fresh fruits, for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
8. Conservation Impact: Contribute directly to the sanctuary’s efforts in protecting orphaned chimpanzees, supporting their long-term care and rehabilitation.

This tour is a unique opportunity to experience Uganda’s wildlife and conservation efforts while enjoying an immersive and relaxing environment.

Detailed Itineray of the 2 Days Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary Tour 

Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Ngamba Island

Distance and Travel Time:

The journey to Ngamba Island begins with a scenic drive from Kampala (Uganda’s capital) to the Entebbe region, where you’ll board a boat to Ngamba Island. The distance from Kampala to Entebbe is approximately 37 kilometers (23 miles), and it takes around 45 minutes by car, depending on traffic.

From Entebbe, a boat ride to Ngamba Island takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on water conditions and the type of boat used. The boat ride is a delightful experience, offering a beautiful view of Lake Victoria, Uganda’s largest lake, and the surrounding nature.

Accommodation and Meals:

Upon arrival at Ngamba Island, you’ll be greeted by the sanctuary’s staff and shown to your accommodation. The Ngamba Island Sanctuary offers eco-friendly and comfortable bandas (wooden cabins), which are basic but well-maintained, offering a tranquil environment for guests. These accommodations are perfect for those looking to experience nature without sacrificing comfort.

• Meals:
  • Lunch: A freshly prepared lunch will be served upon arrival at the sanctuary. Expect a mix of local Ugandan dishes such as matoke (steamed green bananas), ugali (cornmeal porridge), rice, and stews featuring chicken or beef. Vegetarian options are also available.
  • Afternoon Tea and Snacks: After lunch, you can enjoy a relaxing afternoon with tea, coffee, or fruit snacks. This is a great time to relax and take in the peaceful atmosphere of the island.
  • Dinner: In the evening, you’ll be served a hearty dinner, often including a protein like chicken or fish, vegetables, and rice or potatoes. The food is simple, but tasty and prepared with fresh ingredients.

After dinner, you can enjoy an evening around a campfire (weather permitting) or simply relax under the stars, with the sounds of nature around you. The island offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, making it the perfect place to unwind after your journey.

Day 2: Chimpanzee Sanctuary Tour and Departure

Chimpanzee Viewing and Sanctuary Tour:

The second day of your tour is all about connecting with the chimpanzees and learning about their conservation efforts. The day begins with a guided tour of the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, where you’ll get a chance to observe the chimpanzees up close and personal.

Ngamba Island is home to over 40 orphaned chimpanzees, many of which have been rescued from the illegal pet trade, poaching, or orphaned due to human-wildlife conflict. The sanctuary provides a safe haven where the chimpanzees can live in a semi-wild environment, with plenty of space to roam and socialize.

• Feeding Time: One of the highlights of the sanctuary visit is the chimpanzee feeding time, which typically happens around 11:00 AM. The chimpanzees are fed fruits and vegetables, and you’ll have the opportunity to watch them interact, play, and feed from a viewing platform located along the sanctuary. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience where you can witness the chimpanzees’ behavior, intelligence, and social interactions, which are strikingly similar to those of humans.

 

• Chimpanzee Habitat: After the feeding session, a guided nature walk through the sanctuary’s grounds offers insight into the sanctuary’s conservation efforts, the importance of protecting chimpanzees, and the challenges they face in the wild. The sanctuary is designed to mimic the chimpanzees’ natural habitat, with lush forests and grassy fields, making it an ideal space for their rehabilitation and survival.

You’ll learn about the sanctuary’s history, the work done to rescue and rehabilitate chimpanzees, and the conservation programs in place to support chimpanzee populations. A knowledgeable guide will answer any questions you may have, offering further insights into the lives of these incredible primates.

• Cultural Experience: In addition to the chimpanzee-focused activities, your tour will also include a cultural experience. You’ll have the opportunity to meet local community members who work with the sanctuary and learn about their lives and how they’ve benefited from the sanctuary’s presence. The sanctuary places a strong emphasis on community outreach, including education and employment opportunities for nearby villages.

Meals:

• Breakfast: Start your day with a continental breakfast, including bread, butter, jam, fruits, coffee, and tea. This light meal will prepare you for the morning’s activities.
• Lunch: You’ll have lunch before departing from the island. Depending on the timing of your departure, you may have the chance to enjoy another filling meal, including a variety of freshly prepared dishes such as rice, beans, chicken stew, and fried plantains.

Departure and Transfer Back to Entebbe:

After a final afternoon activity, you’ll return to the boat dock for your boat ride back to the mainland. The boat ride to Entebbe takes another 45 minutes to 1 hour. Upon arrival in Entebbe, you’ll be transferred back to your accommodation, airport, or any other location within the city, completing your two-day Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary tour.

Things to Know Before Your Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary Tour

1. Booking and Permits:
   • It’s important to book your tour in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons (June to September and December to February). This will ensure you secure a spot and help the sanctuary plan for your visit.
   • Entry permits for the sanctuary are included in the cost of the tour, and they contribute to the ongoing conservation efforts of the sanctuary.
2. Packing Tips:
   • Dress comfortably for walking and the tropical climate. Lightweight clothes, a hat, and sunscreen are highly recommended.
   • Pack a camera to capture the stunning scenery and the incredible moments with the chimpanzees, but remember not to disturb the animals.
   • Don’t forget insect repellent, especially for the boat ride and time spent in the forests around the sanctuary.
3. Conservation Impact:
   • Your visit directly contributes to the sanctuary’s conservation efforts. Entrance fees, accommodation, and meals all support the care of the chimpanzees and the sanctuary’s ongoing work in animal rescue and rehabilitation.
   • Visitors can also choose to make donations or adopt a chimpanzee, which helps with long-term care and research.
4. Health and Safety:
   • Since Ngamba Island is located on Lake Victoria, the boat ride might feel bumpy depending on the weather, so be prepared for some motion sickness if you’re prone to it.
   • Ensure you have travel insurance in case of any unforeseen incidents during your visit.

Conclusion

A 2 Days Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary Tour offers an enriching experience where travelers can witness the beauty of Rwanda’s wildlife conservation efforts and engage with one of the most intelligent species on Earth—the chimpanzee.

With comfortable accommodations, delicious meals, and the opportunity to connect with nature, this tour is perfect for those who want to learn about wildlife conservation while enjoying a peaceful retreat.

Whether you’re an animal lover, a conservation enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique adventure, the Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of Uganda’s wild side.