Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
The Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is a premier location for seeing chimpanzees in Uganda. Chimpanzees constitute one of the five species of big apes. They possess two pairs of limbs, lack a tail, and exhibit superior intelligence relative to the other five. Chimpanzees possess the ability to utilize tools intricately for the purposes of insect extraction or defense against dangers. Chimpanzees and bonobos (pygmy chimpanzees) at the Ngamba Island chimpanzee sanctuary in Uganda are humanity’s closest relatives, sharing around 98% of DNA. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified them as endangered when it was determined that their global population has fallen below 300,000 individuals. Chimpanzees are adversely affected by habitat destruction, the pet trade, and poaching. Primates are now extinct in four African countries.
To conserve chimpanzees, groups such as the Jane Goodall Institute have diligently endeavored to save their remaining habitats. The Jane Goodall Institute collaborates with governments and various wildlife conservation entities to educate populations in wildlife reserves on the significance of coexisting amicably with chimpanzees and other species. An intriguing piece discusses chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park.
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust
The primary locations for observing habituated chimpanzees in Uganda include Budongo Forest, Kibale Forest, Kalinzu Forest, Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve, and Kyambura Gorge. Wild chimpanzees can also be observed in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Bugoma Forest, and many smaller forested areas throughout the country. Chimpanzee excursion in Ngamba Island Chimpanzees can also be observed in captivity at the Entebbe Wildlife Education Centre (Zoo). In addition to national parks, reserves, and zoos, chimpanzees in Uganda can also be observed at the Ngamba chimpanzee sanctuary. The Ngamba chimpanzee refuge encompasses a 100-acre tropical rainforest located on one of the Ssese Islands in Uganda. One half of the island comprises woodland, while the other half has the sanctuary offices, housing facilities, and various establishments. The sanctuary was established by the Jane Goodall Institute, with assistance from the government and other benefactors, in 1988 to serve as a new habitat for orphaned and rescued chimpanzees.
Daily management is conducted by personnel from the Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust (CSWCT). The Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary obtains substantial funding from entities such as the Born Free Foundation, International Fund for Animal Welfare, Jane Goodall Institute, Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, Environmental Conservation Trust of Uganda (ECOTRUST), Uganda Wildlife Society, and private benefactors. The refuge operates as a non-profit organization but invites travelers to mitigate any budget deficiencies.
Accessing Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Ngamba Island chimpanzee sanctuary is accessible by boat, ferry, and air. The most common and economical method of reaching the island is via a ferry that departs from Waterfront Beach, in close proximity to the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC). Tourists may also rent a speedboat from the Entebbe sailing. Visiting the Ngamba Island chimpanzee sanctuary or other boating firms in Entebbe. Travelers are recommended to secure a boat through the Ngamba Island reservation office, as it is a more reputable organization. The reservation office will provide discounts for group travelers. The boat accommodates more passengers; but, it is slower, requiring around one and a half hours to reach the island. A speedboat requires around 40 minutes to arrive at the islands. An alternative, more costly option is to reserve a charter flight operated by Aerolink from Kajjansi airfield in Kampala directly to the island. Whichever method you choose, an entrance pass or ticket is required to access the Ngamba chimpanzee sanctuary. The pass can be obtained from the Ngamba Island reservation office in Entebbe or upon arrival at the island. A local tour operator can assist you in obtaining tickets and organizing the entire trip, including accommodations in Entebbe or on the island. Consider exploring the sites in Entebbe town.
Tour of Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Visiting the Ngamba chimpanzee sanctuary is among the premier activities in Uganda, particularly for those who are passionate about or fascinated by primates. A visit of the island provides an opportunity to approach the chimpanzees. Visiting the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary provides extensive insights into global conservation efforts. Visiting the Ngamba Island refuge indirectly aids in the rescue and rehabilitation of primates. A portion of the revenue generated from tourism is allocated to compensating caregivers and individuals engaged in outreach activities. In addition to observing primates, visitors to the island can partake in activities such as nature walks in the forest, boat rides, sport fishing, swimming, and relaxing on the beach.
Visits to the Chimpanzee island are divided into three sessions – morning, afternoon and night sessions. The morning session commences at 9:00 AM and concludes at 12:45 PM, whereas the afternoon session begins at 1:00 PM and terminates at 5:00 PM. The nocturnal tour is the priciest option and commences at approximately 7:00 PM. It costs over $300 and includes interacting with the chimps, dinner and overnight in self-contained tented luxury tents s. Regardless of which session you choose, you are assured of some intimate time with the primates.
On a typical visit, tourists are received at the main offices and given a briefing about the Centre. Staff will share information about the how the sanctuary came to be, chimpanzees in general and how each Ngamba Island chimpanzee sanctuary individual was introduced at the Centre. The chimpanzees are usually left to wander into the vast but fenced tropical forest and only come to take their extra meals or sleep. It is during meal time that tourists get to see them before they go back to the forest. Although they are left to roam free in the forest, they all come back to sleep in specially made houses. There are about 49 chimps at the sanctuary and the caregivers know each one by name. During feeding time, the caregivers will share details about each individual, their temperament and character. Scientific methods are used to control births so that their numbers remain at a manageable level. Interestingly, even with birth control measures in place, the sanctuary still welcomes babies from a few hardened individuals.
How do the chimps know if it is feeding time?
The caregivers alert the chimps whenever there is food to be given out. It’s interesting to go to the viewing platform to find no chimps and then suddenly all of them start emerging from the forest once they receive the sign for food. Chimps are very vocal primates and you should be able to hear them hooting deep in the forest even before you see them. Once they come at the feeding station, the caregivers put food into their feeding areas. This is the optimum opportunity to watch chimp behavior and mannerism. Watch as some literally beg for more or use sticks to get any pieces of fruit stuck on the fence. It’s vital to mention that the chimps are also provided with nourishing porridge either in the morning of before retiring to sleep.
The cost of touring Ngamba Chimpanzee sanctuary
The charge for visiting the Ngamba island chimpanzee sanctuary includes the cost of a speed boat or ferry to and from the islands. It also includes the entrance charge to the sanctuary and also the viewing fee. It’s Touring Ngamba Chimpanzee sanctuary crucial to remember that the final cost of visiting the Ngamba Island chimpanzee sanctuary varies on the number of travelers. 1 tourist is charged around $326, 2 travelers $168 each, 3 travelers $118 each, 4 travelers or more $88 each. The fees apply to travelers going for the half day viewing experience – morning or evening session. For those interested in the night tour, you will have to pay an extra charge of $200 to remain in the self-contained luxury tented camp. The costs can be paid directly to the Ngamba reservation office. A tour operator can also help you make all the essential bookings including the entrance costs.
Activities in Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary Caregiver for the day experience: This exceptional experience is available to tourists who wish to have more time with the chimpanzees including staying one night at the island. Participants in the Caregiver for the Day experience will collaborate closely with resident caretakers by assisting in feeding the primates, monitoring their health, and engaging with the juvenile chimpanzees. Due of its extended duration, guests get the opportunity to further explore the island, so experiencing many residents such as reptiles, butterflies, birds, and diverse tree species within the tropical forest. Participants in this activity are accommodated in self-sufficient and opulent tented camps.
A comparable experience to the caregiver for the day program involves guests opting to remain for an extended period to gain more insights into the sanctuary’s operations. In addition to participating in the feeding of monkeys, extended-stay visitors may engage in cleaning the primates, preparing food, constructing night nests, administering medication, documenting chimpanzee data, and analyzing information. Between the chimpanzee activities, visitors are also escorted to nearby fishing villages, sunset boat excursions, and campfire retreats.
Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust Induction and Integration Program for Chimpanzee Infants: Upon the arrival of fresh orphaned chimpanzees at the refuge, they must acclimate to the surroundings and the resident chimpanzees. A considerable amount of effort is required to rehabilitate the new chimpanzees and to facilitate a seamless adjustment to life on the island. Visitors may enroll in this particular program and collaborate with sanctuary workers as they acclimate the new chimpanzees to their environment. Upon arrival at the Centre, new chimpanzees are segregated from the established group to prevent harassment. The introduction of senior residents occurs incrementally and systematically. Upon registering to assist the newly introduced chimpanzees, you will be obligated to feed them, engage in play, and escort them on treks deep within the forest to facilitate their acclimatization to the new environment.
Forest Trail/Walk: Fifty percent of Ngamba Island is enveloped in lush tropical rainforest, showcasing remarkable biodiversity and ideal for nature excursions. A nature walk through the forests of Ngamba is quite enjoyable, as it provides the chance to observe birds, reptiles, butterflies, and smaller primates.
Fishing: Ngamba Island is located in Lake Victoria, the largest freshwater basin in Africa. The lake is exceptional for fishing, with the predominant catches being the colossal Nile perch and the delectable tilapia. Should you reside on the island for over a day, this is an activity you must enroll in. Fishing excursions are arranged for either a full day or a half day.
The sunset sail is among the most favored activities for visitors to the Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary for extended stays. A sunset sail is an ideal activity following a day spent engaging with primates. You get the opportunity to explore Lake Victoria and witness stunning sunset vistas. Like any boat cruise, there are provisions, beverages, festivities, and photos.
Engaging in volunteer work at the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Individuals with a profound interest in primatology might contemplate participating in the volunteer program at the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary. The volunteer program endures for approximately four weeks and is segmented into two sections. During the initial phase, volunteers participate in feeding the chimpanzees, preparing their food, administering medication, cleaning the chimps and their nests, and collecting scientific data. The objective of this initial phase is to enable the volunteer to become well acquainted with the chimpanzees. During the second phase of the program, volunteers participate in outreach initiatives. They are urged to contact groups both domestically and internationally to support the conservation of chimpanzees. This may necessitate travel to Kampala or Entebbe for talks with organizations and companies interested in providing support. Volunteers at the sanctuary receive lodging, meals, and complimentary internet access. They are also allotted free time to participate in various activities such as visiting local communities, recreational areas, Kampala city, or embarking on a safari.
Accommodations at Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust Ngamba Island hosts a singular accommodation facility, the Ngamba Eco-Lodge. The Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is owned and was established to offer high-quality services to tourists, volunteers, and other visitors to the island. The lodging consists of tented campgrounds, with additional upscale cottages available. The tents and cottages are exceptionally secure, cozy, and equipped with all necessary amenities. The facility includes a bathroom, hot showers, a private balcony, power, and picturesque views of the lake. During the night, the melodious noises of the chimpanzees can be heard. The resort features a fully-stocked bar and a restaurant offering both local and continental cuisine. The lodge staff received hospitality training at Disney resorts in Florida.