Day Tour to Ngamba Island

January 31, 2025

Day Tour to Ngamba Island

Day Tour to Ngamba Island, located 23 km from Entebbe on Lake Victoria, is a sanctuary for orphaned chimpanzees rescued from illegal wildlife trade. A day tour to Ngamba Island offers a unique opportunity to observe and interact with these intelligent primates while enjoying a scenic boat ride on the world’s second-largest freshwater lake.

Itinerary for a Ngamba Island Day Tour

Departure from Entebbe (8:00 AM – 9:30 AM)

Head to Waterfront Beach or Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC) for a speedboat or traditional motorized canoe ride.

Boat ride duration:

Speedboat: 45 minutes

Motorized Canoe: 90 minutes (cheaper but slower)

Arrival & Chimpanzee Feeding Session (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM)

Get a briefing about the sanctuary’s conservation efforts.
Watch the chimpanzees being fed from a raised platform.
Observe their playful behavior, social interactions, and feeding habits.
Learn about chimpanzee rehabilitation, challenges, and conservation programs.

Nature Walk & Island Exploration (12:30 PM – 1:30 PM)

Stroll through the pristine rainforest, home to over 120 bird species, butterflies, and small mammals.
Spot monitor lizards, otters, and various monkey species.
Enjoy stunning Lake Victoria views and lush greenery.

Lunch at Ngamba Island Eco-Lodge (1:30 PM – 2:30 PM)

Have lunch at the Ngamba Island Eco-Lodge or picnic by the lake.
You can also bring packed food or order from Entebbe before departure.

Optional Activities (2:30 PM – 3:30 PM)

Kayaking & Boat Cruise – Paddle along the island shores and enjoy stunning views.
Swimming at the Equator Line – Swim in the safe, designated Lake Victoria areas.
Fishing Experience – Try your hand at catch-and-release fishing (tilapia & Nile perch).
Community Visit (optional) – Learn about the local fishing villages near the island.

Return to Entebbe (3:30 PM – 5:00 PM)

Depart from Ngamba Island back to Entebbe.
Enjoy the sunset view over Lake Victoria if taking the evening boat.

Tour Prices & Entrance Fees

Chimpanzee Feeding Tour (Half-day visit)

Foreign Visitors: ~$95 per adult, ~$65 per child

East African Citizens: ~$45 per adult

Boat Transport (speedboat): ~$300 per group (shared options available)

Full-Day Tour (Includes extra activities like kayaking, fishing, or nature walks)

Foreign Visitors: ~$120 per adult

East African Citizens: ~$60 per adult

(Prices may vary depending on operator and group size. Private tours available.)

Best time to explore Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is open for exploration throughout the year. The dry season however is more fun since there are few chances of rainfall to interrupt your tour experience. The dry season is experienced from December to February and June to August.