As part of the Koome group of islands, which are located on Lake Victoria, Ngamba Island Camp spans about 100 acres, of which 98 are forested and separated from the camp area. Opened to visitors in 1999, the island is home to some 40 orphaned chimpanzees, of which half were rescued and brought to the island. This means that Ngamba Island Camp provides one of Africa’s most unique opportunities to get up close and personal with these fascinating animals.
Guests at Ngamba Island Camp can travel to the island via a 45-minute speedboat trip, or on a 90-minute boat excursion from nearby Entebbe.
The East African style Ngamba Island Camp consists of four guest tents, and each tent accommodates two persons and has magical lake views. With en-suite bathrooms, each tent is also beautifully and comfortably furnished, and a wooden veranda provides the perfect setting to take in the sights and sounds of this wildlife wonderland. All meals at Ngamba Island Camp are tasty and substantial, with fresh lake fish being a speciality, and guests can choose between a covered dining area or the open-air dining area on a wooden deck beside the lake.
While day visits to this exquisite camp are popular, an overnight stay has far more appeal and allows guests to experience the magic of this island around the clock.Activities offered at Ngamba Island Camp include the much-touted forest walks with young chimps. Guests are also encouraged to use the camp kayaks to explore the islands many bays where wildlife such as monitor lizards, otters and about 154 bird species can be easily spotted. Another highlight at Ngamba Island Camp is a visit to the local fishing village, where guests can get a taste of what Ugandan community life is like. There is also the opportunity to become a caregiver for a day, and assist in looking after the orphaned chimpanzees. For the less active there are magical sunset cruises, fishing expeditions or simply enjoying the magnificent views from your tent’s private deck – and watching the beauty of thousands of bats emerging from the dense forest at sunset.
Ngamba Island Camp not only provides orphaned chimps with a secure home, but is also a prime opportunity for educating visitors about this remarkable species – an unparalleled African experience.
