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Ngamba Island, Uganda

Ngamba Island Tented Camp

A visit to Ngamba is without doubt one of the coolest experiences in Africa! Spend your days learning about the amazing chimpanzees that live here!

The simple tented camp is basic but comfortable and staying overnight is the only way to participate in the forest walk with baby chimps.  — Mango's view

After a motorboat ride across Lake Victoria, you reach Ngamba Island. Upon arrival, you will meet the staff and learn about the incredible population of orphaned chimpanzees who have been rescued and live on the island sanctuary. Ngamba Island is a project of the Chimpanzees Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust (CSWCT), established in 1997 by the Born Free Foundation (UK), International Fund for Animal Welfare (USA), the Jane Goodall Institute (Germany and Uganda), The Uganda Wildlife Education Centre Trust (UWECT) and the Zoological Board of New South Wales (Australia) and it provides these orphaned chimpanzees with a secure home to live out their lives, since a return to their natural habitat is not possible, while educating visitors and local communities about their remarkable species and the importance of conserving their fragile forest habitat.

You can help support this project by visiting. The entrance and activity fees paid go directly toward helping cover the recurring costs of the island sanctuary and ensuring the well being of the chimpanzees.

An excursion over 2 days, staying in an East African style tented camp on the island with each of the tents overlooking the lake and accommodating 2 persons (twin beds) in comfort, duvets and all linen supplied, ensuite bathroom facilities and solar lighting. All meals are prepared and served to you by friendly camp staff in either our relaxed covered dining area or open dining area beside the lake. Meals are substantial with several tasty courses for dinner and local specialties such as fresh daily catches from the lake, when possible. Hot beverages including tea and coffee are available at all times on a self serve basis. Cold drinks are available on a cash sale basis including water, sodas and beers and anyone requiring anything else is welcome to bring it along with them.

View 2 of the daytime chimpanzee feedings from the visitor's platform along the edge of the sanctuary fence, plus the bedtime and early morning feeding routines at the overnight chimpanzee holding facility and unlimited use of the other island facilities and optional activities.

You may like to take out one of the kayaks around the island bays searching for wildlife such as monitor lizard, otter and abundant bird life (154 recorded) or view a local fishing village, go for a sunset cruise, fish or just relax on your tent's private deck overlooking the lake with sundowners while watching the bats emerge from the forest and the colorful African sunset.

The Forest Walk experience is available while the baby chimps are manageable and offers you an opportunity to join a group of infant chimpanzees on a one hour walk through their forest habitat, either in the late afternoon or very early morning. A maximum of three visitors are allowed in the forest for each walk, always accompanied by trained CSWCT staff for your safety and enjoyment. You will be in the company of several chimpanzees ranging in age from 1 year to 8 years of age and you will have direct contact. There are very specific instructions regarding clothing, cameras, glasses, and behavior when signing up for this unique opportunity as these chimpanzees are used to human contact and they will play-bite, climb on you, grab your glasses, and pull your hair or even just walk along holding your hand. And that's where the fun just begins!

Includes: All meals