Spend a day at Ngamba Island, a chimpanzee sanctuary set on the shores of Lake Victoria, just a short boat ride from Entebbe. Home to dozens of rescued and orphaned chimpanzees, the island offers a rare chance to observe these great apes up close in a natural, forested setting. Your day includes a scenic boat crossing, a guided chimp feeding session from a raised viewing platform, and time to explore the island’s rich birdlife and biodiversity. It’s a relaxed, family-friendly tour that also supports vital chimpanzee conservation and rehabilitation work.
1 Day Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Tour
- 1 Day
Adult
From
$ 320
Per Adult
Description
Duration
1 Day
Ngamba Island Tour Highlights
A morning or midday game drive through open savannah, spotting zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, elands, and impalas, followed by a boat cruise on Lake Mburo for close-up views of hippos, crocodiles, and water birds like the African fish eagle. A stop at the Equator line adds a fun photo opportunity along the way.
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (Kampala/Entebbe)
- Return boat transfer to Ngamba Island
- Sanctuary entry and conservation fees
- Guided tour and chimpanzee feeding session
- Services of a driver-guide
- Bottled drinking water
Excluded
- Lunch (unless specified by operator)
- Personal travel insurance
- Tips/gratuities for guide and sanctuary staff
- Alcoholic and other personal beverages
- Optional activities (e.g., kayaking, village visit, UWEC entry)
- Items of a personal nature
Travel Itinerary
7:00 – 8:00 AM - Pickup
Depart from your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe with your driver-guide
8:00 – 9:00 AM - Transfer to Entebbe
Drive to the Lake Victoria shoreline in Entebbe for a briefing before boarding the boat.
9:00 – 9:45 AM - Boat Crossing
Scenic speedboat ride (about 45 minutes) across Lake Victoria to Ngamba Island.
9:45 – 11:00 AM - Arrival & Island Tour
Welcome briefing, tea/coffee, and a guided walk introducing the sanctuary and its chimpanzees.
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM - Chimpanzee Feeding Session
Observe the chimpanzees up close during the scheduled feeding from the raised viewing platform.
12:00 – 1:00 PM - Lunch & Free Time
Relax on the island, with time for birdwatching or a walk along the shoreline.
1:00 – 1:45 PM - Return Boat Ride
Board the boat back to Entebbe.
1:45 – 3:00 PM - Return Drive
Transfer back to your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala.
Maps
Frequently Asked Questions About Ngamba Island
It's a full-day trip, typically departing Kampala or Entebbe in the morning and returning by mid-to-late afternoon.
By speedboat, which takes about 45 minutes to an hour from Entebbe, though some tours use a slower motorized canoe.
Feeding sessions are usually scheduled around 11:00 AM and 2:30–3:00 PM; tours are timed around one of these sessions.
Yes, Ngamba Island is one of the few chimpanzee sites in Uganda that welcomes children under 12.
This varies by operator — some include lunch on the island or at the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, others don't.
Comfortable clothing, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, a camera, and a light jacket for the boat ride.
Yes, boat transfers and feeding sessions have limited slots, so early booking is recommended.
Yes, many itineraries pair it with a visit to the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC) in Entebbe.
From $ 320
Book This Tour
From $ 320
Book This Tour