Name: Ngamba Island Tented Camp
Address: Ngamba Island on Lake Victoria, Entebbe, Uganda, Mukono, Mukono, Mukono, not available, Uganda
Rating: 9.8

24-hour reception

No elevators

General

Pets Not Allowed

Pets

Entebbe International Airport

Ngamba Island Tented Camp

About 10 years ago, we lived in Nairobi, Kenya so could travel to other East African sites easily. When our family came to visit 1 time, we trekked with the Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and stay overnight at Ngamba. Both were amazing. But if it's still available to hang out with the young chimps by staying in the tents overnight, that is a must! We were with the handlers shepherding the young chimps (under 2 yrs old) out to the forest for the day. The chimps held our hands, climbed on our backs, but the highlight for me was when 1 jumped onto my lap when he was scared, then "asked" me to groom him! I fell in love!

A friend and I did a 1-night stay on Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary in their permanent tented camp. Our boat ride to the Island over Lake Victoria was very rough even though it was blue skies, so we arrived drenched and a bit battered. But the staff were very welcoming and hospitable. It was straight into the briefing with Phillip with the day-trippers, then it was up to see the chimpanzees feeding. Lunch was included so that was a lovely meal after we had checked in and got organised in our tent. Great view from the bed and deck over Lake Victoria. Private/ensuite shower/toilet/sink wiht two beds in the zip up tent-on-stilts.  (I'm not sure that I would have made the boat trip out and back for just the afternoon feeding - definitely stay overnight.) As part of our stay we had the Caregivers program, where we got to help prepare/chop the various foods for the multiple chimp feedings. We also got to create an "enrichment activity" for the few chimps held in the pens for various reasons. 
The forest-walk-with-the-chimps activity is no longer offered as none of the chimps are of the appropriate age or requiring that habituation/interaction. We were offered an Integration Experience (US$400 where you can have contact time with an appropriately behaved chimp, no photos) but it was outside our budget. 
On our evening we had a sunset cruise (slow boat!) with a drink and popcorn and peanuts, on Lake Victoria by nearby islands. 
On our departure morning we got to go on a forest walk (no chimps) (we were provided with overalls and gum boots) where we learned about a number of birds, bats, spiders!, plants. We had a few occasions to run because of safari (fire) ants - fun! - no issues :) The restaurant meals were lovely, and the staff were truly wonderful to the guests, and it is clear they care deeply for the chimps. 
The Sanctuary provides a wonderful lifeline for these primates. Worth the visit!

Ngamba Island was one of the highlights of our Uganda trip. We stayed one night at the island, including the caregiver for a day program. The interaction with the chimps is really amazing. The staff is very friendly and makes you feel really welcome. Unfortunately we could not do the nightwalk as one (somewhat aggressive) chimp did not come back to camp at the end of the day. As an alternative, we were offered to hang out with a couple of juvenile chimps but had to pay USD 400 per person extra which we were not willing to do. 

The tents are great. Good bed, toilet, hot shower and an amazing view over Lake Victoria. The food is very good too. 

We would really recommend this place when visiting Uganda!

I’ve visited Ngamba a number of times and every time it gets better. The forest is fabulous - surely the densest and most protected outside the National Parks.

I loved the boat trip from Entebbe - that crosses the Equator! We got a lovely welcome on the island, 45 minutes later. We had decided to stay overnight at the camp and booked the caregiver package, which gives you behind-the-scenes access. 

Everyone who visits the island has a talk about chimpanzees, their habitats, and the many threats to their survival. You are then taken up to the viewing platform when chimpanzees are given a variety of fruits. The animals come out of the forest at a given time to meet you. You will love this experience!

There’s a lot more to a stay at Ngamba Island than seeing the chimpanzees. The birdlife is fantastic and staff are very knowledgeable, about all the island’s inhabitants: the chimpanzees, the birds, bats, the monitor lizards, the trees - and much more besides.

We stayed in the tented camp. 2 single beds per tent, ensuite bathroom with hot water shower and flushing chemical toilets, beautiful wooden floor. Very nicely decorated, perfectly clean. The tented camp is well lit and you have your own verandah overlooking the lake. There are only a small number of fixed tents, but it is possible to bring your own tent as well.

You really can’t beat sleeping on the edge of Lake Victoria the sound of the water lulling you to sleep. It’s incredibly relaxing. The food is excellent. Compliments to the chef Samuel.
For best value for money, stay more than one night and/or arrange your travel so you are sharing a boat with other people.
We only stayed one night, I would definitely recommend staying longer.

I visited Ngamba Island just for a day trip and I cannot wait to return for the overnight experience. It is well-run and an amazing opportunity to see chimpanzees. The staff are committed, engaging, attentive and knowledgeable. The food was great and the entire experience was phenomenal. Highly recommend. I traveled solo but our group included two children -- I would say it's great for families, probably kids over 4. The boat trip can be a bit choppy which was fine for me but people who are bothered by it might do well to check the weather first. It is also important to note that some of the experiences require medical clearances so some advance planning may be required.

Mukono

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If you love Chimps, staying overnight at Ngamba is amazing

A worthwhile stop on a Uganda trip

A must see when in Uganda!

Incredibly relaxing commune with nature - stay at least one night!

Amazing experience!

Breakfast included

Free Internet

Transfer

Parking

Suitable for children

Swimming Pool

Fitness centre

Bar or restaurant

For guests with disabilities

Conference hall

Spa Services

Ski slope nearby

Beach nearby

Air-conditioning

Pets allowed

Jacuzzi

Private Bathroom

Kitchen

Balcony

View from the window

Smoking allowed

Electric car charging

Ngamba Island Tented Camp

Location

Available rooms

Location

Services and amenities

General

Pets

Conditions of accommodation

Conditions of accommodation

Payment

Payment

For corporate clients