Ngamba Island is the leading primate conservation in Uganda. It is also known as Chimp Island. Ngamba Island is one of the islands located in Lake Victoria. The island was established in 1993 with the purpose of rescuing endangered chimpanzees. The chimpanzees that stay on the island are either orphans, or rescued from poachers or even abandoned by people. Ngamba Island is approximately 23 km south-east of Entebbe, and it is a place of joy that you might not feel until you reach the destination.
Ngamba Island started with about 19 Chimpanzee but now they are over 52 chimpanzees. To get to there, one needs to take a speed boat. Most of the boats park and depart from waterfront beach in Entebbe. The boats are of different sizes. Some can take up to 25 people. Depending on budget, one can choose the smaller and faster boats or the larger ferries. The boats are equipped with life jackets and fire extinguishers. The Ngamba Island Reservations Office is the main place to go to for any boat bookings.
The island is divided in 2 sections; one is for the humans that take care of the chimpanzees while the other side is for the chimpanzee to move freely around. The island is one of the projects for the Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust. Ngamba was officially opened in 1997 to rehabilitate the chimpanzee that were hurt. Ngamba island is there to let chimpanzees enjoy their rights.
The main activity done is viewing the chimpanzees though the experience is different from that of Kibaale and Kyambura and other places that you can go to. The island is mainly for those that love chimpanzee where by they spend more time with them.
The unique thing about Ngamba Island chimpanzee is that they are habituated and for this case, you will spend more time with them. There is a place where visitors stand and watch the chimpanzees playing around and enjoying their home.
PHOTO: Chimpanzee at Ngamba Island.
This place is for safety for both humans and chimpanzees. For the chimpanzees not to contract diseases from the humans and the humans, some chimpanzees are not advisable to go close to them because they are still traumatized since they are new, they might harm human beings.
One can also have a chance to view the young chimpanzee being integrated in the system. The young ones, the new ones must be taught the new system though this does not happen in one night. It might take some time, depends on the age, sex, how it has been traumatized and other factors.
One can also do a forest walk in Ngamba Island though this offer is given to the people that are staying at the island for 2 or more days. During the forest walk, you will get a chance to encounter with baby gorillas and see them very close. This is done for 1 hour and strictly for 4 people. And this is more fun than just seeing them from the visitor’s side.
One can also be a caregiver at Ngamba Island and this will give you time and a unique experience with the chimpanzees. However, being a care giver does not last for the whole day, you will just assist the care giver in some activities like feeding them, preparing food, or watching them how they feed. You might also help in treating them, watching them.
The chimpanzee care giving activity is for visitors that stay at the island for a day and more, which gives you a unique and wonderful experience. When traveling to the “Pearl Of Africa Uganda”, don’t forget to include Ngamba Island on your list.
