NGAMBA ISLAND
Ngamba Island is part of the Koome group of islands located on Lake Victoria 23km south of Entebbe, Uganda. It consists of approximately 100 acres, 98 of which are forested and separated from the visitor’s area by an electric fence.
The northern part of the island is occupied by local Lake Victoria
fishing community. There is also a camp, research centre, forest reserve and game viewing platform where chimps a re fed everyday.
Ngamba Island was officially opened to visitors in October 1999 and is currently home to 35-orphaned chimpanzees, 15 of which have been confiscated and brought to the island since its opening. Ngamba islands is not only home to the chimpanzee sanctuary, it also has other primates, fruit bats, spiders, fish eagles, otters, monitor lizards, crocodiles and other mammals.
Ngamba Island is a project of the
and Wildlife Conservation Trust (CSWCT), established in 1997 by the Born Free Foundation (UK), International Fund for Animal Welfare (USA), the
(Germany and Uganda), The
(UWECT) former Entebbe view 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.
The chimpanzee sanctuary was established in October 1998 to take care of orphaned chimps and those rescued from illegal poachers by Uganda Wildlife Authority. The young chimps are introduced to the sanctuary in cages and slowly introduced to surrogate mothers.
Each day there is a chance for the visitors to watch the chimps feeding. Day trips, overnight camping and forest walks can also be arranged. Walking with chimps is quite and experience.
You can help support this project by visiting on
. The entrance and activity fees paid goes directly towards helping cover the recurring costs of the island sanctuary and ensuring the well being of the chimpanzees. Prior booking is however important and is done through any reputable
.
Accommodation on
is available in self catering camps over looking Lake Victoria. Enjoy swimming at the lake, lunch at the picnic site, fish village visits, fishing trips, bird watching and high speed boating when you are here.
Leave a Reply