Safari Overview
Experience a captivating 1-day excursion to Ngamba Island, a lush 100-acre sanctuary on Lake Victoria that provides a haven for over 50 orphaned and rescued chimpanzees. Located 23km offshore from Entebbe, this sanctuary offers a unique opportunity to observe our closest cousins in a semi-natural environment.
Whether you choose a high-speed boat or a traditional motorized canoe, the journey across the Equator line on the water is as memorable as the destination itself. This tour is perfect for travelers with limited time who want an ethical, high-impact wildlife encounter that directly supports primate conservation.
1-day excursion to Ngamba Island
Safari Highlights
- Boat Cruise on Lake Victoria: Cross the Equator via a 45-minute speedboat or 90-minute traditional canoe.
- Chimpanzee Feeding Sessions: Observe the chimps’ unique personalities from a raised viewing platform.
- Expert Caregiver Briefings: Learn the touching rescue stories of the island’s residents.
- Birding & Reptile Spotting: Encounter monitor lizards and diverse water birds along the island’s shores.
- Equator Swimming: An optional dip at the Equator crossing for experienced swimmers.
Detailed Safari Itinerary
Morning or Afternoon: Transfer to the Sanctuary
You will be picked up from your residence in Kampala or Entebbe and transferred to the Waterfront Club or Banga Beach jetty.
- Morning Session: Departs Entebbe at 9:00 AM.
- Afternoon Session: Departs Entebbe at 12:45 PM.
Travel Note: The journey across Lake Victoria offers spectacular views of the Entebbe coastline. Since the trip crosses the Equator, your guide will point out the exact spot where you transition between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
At the Island: Primate Encounter & Learning
Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by the sanctuary staff for an orientation. You’ll head to the raised viewing platform to witness a feeding session (typically at 11:00 AM or 2:30 PM). Watch as the chimpanzees display human-like behaviors—clapping, whistling, and gesturing to catch the caregivers’ attention.
After feeding, take a guided walk to the Chimpanzee Food Store to learn about their specialized diets and medical care. You may also explore the Ngamba Trail or visit neighboring fishing villages to see how the sanctuary coexists with the local community.
Evening: Return to the Mainland
Board your boat for the return trip to Entebbe. As the sun begins to set over Lake Victoria, enjoy the peaceful breeze before meeting your driver for the transfer back to your hotel or airport.
- Meal Plan: Lunch (served at the Island or Entebbe, depending on session).
Tour Inclusions & Exclusions
| Category | Inclusions (What is Included) | Exclusions (What is NOT Included) |
| Transport | 4WD vehicle transfers & Round-trip boat fees | International airfares & Uganda Visa |
| Fees | Sanctuary entrance & Chimp viewing fees | Personal (medical/travel) insurance |
| Staff | Professional English-speaking Ugandan guide | Tips/gratuities for rangers and guides |
| Meals | Lunch & bottled drinking water | Extra drinks, snacks, or alcoholic beverages |
| Activities | All scheduled feeding & orientation sessions | Optional Caregiver for a Day programs |
| Fuel | All fuel for the land and water transfers | Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry) |
Safari Quotation (Indicative)
Final price depends on group size and choice of boat (Speedboat vs. Traditional Canoe).
| Option | Transport Type | Price Per Person (USD) |
| Standard | Traditional Motorized Canoe | $90 – $110 |
| Premium | High-Speed Boat | $130 – $160 |
Quick Facts
- Location: Lake Victoria, 23km from Entebbe, Uganda.
- Feeding Times: 11:00 AM and 2:30 PM daily.
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round; dry seasons (June–Sept) offer calmer lake conditions.
- Conservation Impact: Ngamba Island is managed by the Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust (CSWCT).
- Travel Tip: Bring a rain jacket and sunblock, as the weather on Lake Victoria can change rapidly.
TOUR ITINERARY
Day 1: Ngamba Island chimps tour
Your tour guide/driver will pick you up from your place of residence or accommodation and then drive to Entebbe at the starting point for a boat trip to the Island. Once you get to the Chimpanzee sanctuary you will have a lot of activities to choose from. You will enjoy a full day with the chimpanzees learning more about their feeding experience and their behaviors. In the evening transfer back to Entebbe then Kampala.
