Ngamba Island Sanctuary

Ngamba Island Sanctuary is located approximately 23 kilometers southeast of Kampala, Uganda, on Lake Victoria. The sanctuary covers about 100 hectares of tropical forest and serves as a safe haven for orphaned and rescued chimpanzees. The island was established in 1998 and managed by the Jane Goodall Institute Uganda to provide a natural environment for chimpanzees that cannot return to the wild. The forest on the island is a blend of indigenous tree species that offer shelter, food, and shade for the chimpanzees and other native wildlife. Visitors reach the island by boat from the mainland, typically from Entebbe or Ggaba, making the journey part of the immersive experience. Ngamba Island not only functions as a sanctuary but also as a center for public education, research, and community outreach to promote wildlife conservation awareness in Uganda and beyond. Visitors can enjoy guided walking tours to observe the chimpanzees during feeding times, especially their morning and afternoon feeds. The sanctuary also hosts an environmental education center and offers overnight stays for volunteers and researchers within eco-friendly accommodations. Besides chimpanzees, the island supports other wildlife such as monitor lizards, various bird species, butterflies, and monkeys. The sanctuary's work is crucial in protecting Uganda’s chimpanzee population and serves as an example of successful wildlife rescue and rehabilitation in East Africa. Its tranquil forest setting on the expansive Lake Victoria makes it a unique destination for wildlife enthusiasts and conservation supporters.