1 Day Ngamba Island chimpanzee tour

This is an easy day trip, starting an ending with an hour long boat trip from the mainland at Entebbe. Be prepared for weather changes, although the weather was perfect for my trip. The sanctuary guide (Reuben in this case) was wonderful. Trip was well-organized and on time.

The experience of this trip will depend on many unpredictable variables. I had the bonus of a very personalized experience bcs I was the only person on the tour that day. Drive to Entebbe from Kampala is a little over an hr (will be traffic dependent), boat trip to Ngamba Island in a small fishing vessel ~1 hr (size and type of boat will probably depend on size of group). Ngamba guide (Ruben) gave a short lecture on the Sanctuary's history. There is an electric fence that cordons off human activity area from rest of forested island where chimps can roam. They come to the fence for feeding sessions. For an extra $5 I could help toss food (avocados, eggplant and cassava) to the chimps. Got to observe their social interactions, including mother and babies, adolescents rollicking around. Also saw one adult chimp use a very long stick to pull an avocado outside the enclosure onto his side of the fence. A researcher and a volunteer veterinarian were there, so had the chance to chat with them about their work. Jane Goodall had been scheduled to visit the following week, but sadly passed the previous month. Total time on the island was only 2 hr, but very educational. Was told that the govt does not support the program, visit fees support their work. Very glad I went and supported this effort. If you have an evening flight out of Entebbe, this would be a good daytime activity before you leave. Guide Diana was terrific, took me to a shopping mall to buy Ugandan coffee, tea and other local snacks to bring home to my family.

Very goodgids.De boat to the island was very nice and quiet. On the island itself you can see the chimpanzees up close and with payment you can also help with feeding. A nice trip to do in Uganda. Was a very nice experience. Definitely recommended.

It is a wonderfully informative session, and by going on the tour, I feel like we supported such a good cause financially. The departing point was so neat with washroom facilities. The island is beautiful, so well maintained, and seeing the chimpz was just a reconnect with nature on another level! The boat ride was an added bonus, so refreshing. Dianne as tour guide went over and above what she needed to! She was just a blessing!!

The visit is to an island after a boat trip on Lake Victoria to an island where the sanctuary is located. After being received a guide explains the mission and history of the sanctuary with a cup of coffee. After that, the visit culminates with the observation and the possibility of feeding, throwing pieces of fruit, the chimpanzees that are free on the island and come to different times used to look for these snacks. I thought there would be no human interaction, so this last part disappointed me a little. Animals look well taken care of.

The chimps were great, however getting there was very treacherous and somewhat dangerous. If the conditions out on Lake Victoria are that difficult, it should have been cancelled. Viator should mention that there is a strong possibility of very rough seas.. it was the scariest trip I have ever had on a boat…. 25 kilometers by boat.

Great day out to the island to see the chimpanzees. On the way back the boat stopped at the equator for a photo. Diana, our driver was a great host.

i am a solo female traveller and diana made me feel so safe and welcome! she is so kind and caring, i cannot recommend her enough! 🫶💘☀️

Great place! Fun way to get to the island too. Very informative guide and lots and lots of chimps! 😍

The main tour guide picks you up from the city and takes you to the boat docking area, you enjoy a boat trip, then a guide takes over on the island - joined up. Only 4 out of 5 stars because it is a bit pricey. If you have cash you could save money doing the stages yourself.