1 Day Ngamba-Island tour

1 day Ngamba Island Chimpanzee tour

This 1 Day Ngamba Island excursion leads you to Ngamba Island which is positioned on the country’s biggest lake- Victoria and is popular because it’s a home of chimpanzees. The chimpanzees on this island were found orphaned; they were rescued and taken care of in a sanctuary. This has helped to keep them safe and they have given birth to three others. The sanctuary has 20 male chimps and 29 female chimps totaling up to 49. Of these, 46 are orphaned and only three were born on the Island. A trip to this island gives an extraordinary opportunity to watch these lucky chimpanzees.

Highlights of the trip/excursion to Ngamba Chimp Island

  • Boat cruise on Lake Victoria to Ngamba Island
  • Chimp experience
  • Bird watching
  • Swimming at the equator
  • Sunbathing
  • A walk to the nearby fishing village

Detailed itinerary for the 1 day Ngamba Island tour

This activity has two sessions. The first one begins at exactly 7:00 in the morning and the second at 11:00am. Our driver will pick you from your hotel or residing point to Lake Victoria where you’ll transfer to the speedboat and cruise for about 45 minutes to reach Ngamba Island. Along the lake, you’ll encounter several groups of fishermen, many birds and see some other islands.

Landing at the Island

On arrival at the Island, you will have a beautiful view of it and some of the residents that welcome you could be the monitor lizards at the shores of the island. There are also many bird species at the lakesides and at the island including the Egyptian goose, sacred ibis, yellow billed duck, kingfishers, African open-billed stork, Black-headed weavers to mention but a few.

You’ll be directed to the Visitors’ centre for an introduction to the Island and the chimpanzee sanctuary and a briefing about all the activities to participate.

Breakfast and feeding the chimpanzees

You’ll have a cup of tea or coffee and at 11:00am/2:00pm one of the guides that take care of the chimps will take you around to watch these primates as they play and feed. While feeding them, you clearly and closely watch the Chimps during this walk as the guide gives you details of their behaviors.

Afterwards, you’ll move around different centres at the Island under the guidance of the chimp caretaker, including the chimp food store. The guide/chimp care taker will share information about the foods given to the chimps and how to keep these foods safe and in good condition. The chimps are helped up on a few fruits such as oranges, tomatoes, passion fruits, carrots, cabbage, watermelons, apples, cassava since what is picked from the forest may not be enough.

Those who visit the place in the afternoon have a chance to be engaged in food preparation for the chimps as one of the activities done behind the scenes.

Cruising back to the mainland and Swimming at the equator

If you go for the morning session (7:00am), you get ready on to the speedboat to ride back to the mainland at 11:45am and if you participate in the afternoon session (2:00pm), you are required to be ready at the boat at 4:00 for the return cruise.

As you cruise back, there will be a stopover at the equator and you’ll experience how your boat is pushed by the forces of the South and North Pole as it seems to remain in one position. With an analytical observation, you realize that after crossing the equator the engine of the boat will require little energy to beat the equator line. Those that are interested in swimming are put at this particular point to swim for some few minutes before you proceed to the mainland. You must be a good swimmer though. On arrival back, you’ll find our driver waiting to drop you at your hotel or at the airport.

What is included on the 1 day Ngamba island tour package

  • Transport to destination including pick up and dropping off at your hotel
  • English speaking driver guide
  • A permit for each person to the chimpanzee sanctuary
  • Lunch plus a drink

What is excluded from the 1 day tour package to Ngamba island

  • Tips and other items that the client may need
  • Extra and alcoholic drinks

Things to carry for the chimpanzee tour to Ngamba Island

  • A heavy jacket to wear when it’s cold and windy while cruising on the boat
  • A cap or hat with a neck string
  • Camera and fully charged batteries