Ngamba Island is a forested island in Lake Victoria, a boat ride from Entebbe, run by the Chimpanzee Trust as a sanctuary for orphaned and rescued chimpanzees. Most arrived as victims of the bushmeat and pet trades and cannot be returned to the wild, so they live here in a large patch of forest, with caregivers and vets looking after them.
It is a fine way to start or end a trip. You watch the chimps come down to the feeding platform, learn about each individual and the work of the Trust, and head back across the lake in the afternoon. For those who want more, it is possible to stay overnight on the island or join the caregivers for part of their day.
The island is home to around fifty chimpanzees, each with a name and a history the caregivers know well. Lake Victoria birds are around too, including African fish eagles, kingfishers and cormorants, and monitor lizards patrol the shoreline.
Chance of seeing
Our estimate for a stay of two or three nights with a good guide. Wildlife is wild, so nothing is promised.
A small, wooded island with a narrow strip of sand and a cluster of buildings on the shore, surrounded by the open water of Lake Victoria. The crossing from Entebbe takes you past fishing boats and papyrus-fringed islands.
Activities here
The lake keeps temperatures steady all year, with days around 24 to 28°C. Rain falls mainly from March to May and October to November, often as afternoon storms that can make the lake choppy.
| Month | Day °C | Night °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 27 | 17 | 70 |
| Feb | 27 | 18 | 95 |
| Mar | 27 | 18 | 165 |
| Apr | 26 | 18 | 260 |
| May | 25 | 18 | 240 |
| Jun | 25 | 17 | 110 |
| Jul | 25 | 17 | 75 |
| Aug | 25 | 17 | 80 |
| Sep | 26 | 17 | 80 |
| Oct | 26 | 17 | 125 |
| Nov | 26 | 17 | 160 |
| Dec | 26 | 17 | 115 |
Approximate long-term averages. Higher ground is cooler, and forests can rain in any month.
June to September and December to February are the calmest months, with sunny mornings and a steadier lake for the crossing. Days are warm, around 25 to 27°C.
March to May is the main wet season, with a shorter one in October and November. Rain usually comes as afternoon thunderstorms, which can make the crossing rough, so we plan morning departures when the lake is calmer.
Ngamba can be visited at any time of year. Mornings tend to be calmer on the water, so an early departure is usually the better choice, particularly in the rainy months.
Best time to visit Jan to Feb, Jun to Sep
The island lies about 23 km from Entebbe. A speedboat takes around 45 minutes to an hour, and slower boats longer. Entebbe is about 45 minutes to an hour from Kampala on the expressway.
Visits are booked in advance through the Chimpanzee Trust, and numbers are limited. For the caregiver experience you need to meet health requirements, including certain vaccinations, because chimps can catch human diseases. We check the current rules and handle the booking.
The chimpanzee sanctuary is on an island in Lake Victoria, reached by boat from Entebbe. A yellow fever certificate is needed to enter Uganda, so please carry it with your passport. Malaria is present, so antimalarials are advised. Visitors with a cold or other infection cannot enter the sanctuary, as chimpanzees are vulnerable to human illness.
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“Best on arrival day”
We often use Ngamba for guests arriving on a morning flight who have an afternoon to fill in Entebbe. It is gentle, meaningful and gives a real sense of why chimp conservation matters before you meet wild chimps in Kibale or Budongo. If you have the time, the overnight stay is special: the island is very quiet once the day visitors leave.
Plan your time in Ngamba Island
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