Home to over 40 orphaned and rescued chimps unable to return to the wild
Location
Ngamba Island Tented Camp is set on Ngamba Island, a protected forested sanctuary in Lake Victoria south‑east of Entebbe. The island lies roughly 23 km from the mainland and is reached by boat, offering a tranquil island escape surrounded by the lake’s waters and rich birdlife, within the unique context of Uganda’s most dedicated primate conservation project.
Rooms
Accommodation comprises four classic East African tented units elevated on wooden decks overlooking Lake Victoria. Each tent features en‑suite facilities with hot water, mosquito nets, solar lighting and a private veranda where guests can relax to the sounds of the lake and forest. The camp is designed with simplicity and comfort in mind, blending with the island environment while providing an intimate wilderness experience.
Facilities
The camp’s communal areas include a thatched dining hall and lounge, outdoor deck spaces for sundowners by the water, and a small craft shop where proceeds support conservation and community projects. Meals are freshly prepared, often incorporating local fish from the lake, and open seating options let guests dine with panoramic lake views.
Activities
Ngamba Island Tented Camp offers an immersive blend of wildlife and cultural experiences. Highlights include chimpanzee viewing and feeding sessions at the sanctuary’s observation platform, participation in forest walks with infant chimpanzees, guided nature hikes through the island’s forest habitat, and birdwatching among the more than 120 recorded species. Guests can also enjoy sunset boat cruises, visits to nearby fishing communities, and relaxed evenings around the campfire under star‑filled skies.
Sustainability
Staying on Ngamba Island directly supports a significant chimpanzee conservation initiative. The island is home to over 50 orphaned and rescued chimpanzees cared for by the Chimpanzee Sanctuary & Wildlife Conservation Trust (CSWCT), an NGO partnership that includes the Jane Goodall Institute, Uganda Wildlife Education Centre and other conservation organisations dedicated to long‑term welfare and habitat protection. Guest contributions help fund the daily care, feeding, veterinary support and enrichment programmes for the chimpanzees, many of whom cannot be reintroduced to the wild.
Uganda Safari Holiday Lodges and Camps
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When to go to Uganda
Find out the best time to visit Uganda with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is classed at the dry season in Uganda, it is one of the best times to visit. Wildlife spotting is good at this time of year is there is less vegetation to obstruct your view.
February
The dry season in February is one of the best times to visit. Wildlife spotting is good at this time of year as there is less vegetation to obstruct your view and a great time for trekking to see chimps, mountain gorillas and migratory birds.
March
The start of the wet season brings lush green foliage and animals giving birth to their young. Visitors should expect heavy rain showers, with some causing issues with the roads so journeys can be longer and bumpier.
April
The wet season in April brings lush green foliage. Visitors should expect heavy rain showers, trekking mountain gorillas will be slower and slippery but they will still be lurking in the mist.
May
The wet season continues into May, with similar conditions to March and April.
June
June is the start of dry season, it is one of the best times to visit Uganda, with large mammals gathering around watering holes game is easily spotted.
July
The dry season continues into July and remains one of the best times to visit Uganda, with game is easily spotted and abundant.
August
The dry season continues into August and remains one of the best times to visit Uganda, with conditions similar to July.
September
September is a good time to visit, with excellent opportunities to observe gorillas as vegetation remains low. Although always expect some rainfall on your trip.
October
October has excellent opportunities to observe gorillas as vegetation remains low. Although always expect some rainfall on your trip.
November
The wet season begins again, with national parks turning lush green as heavy rain showers fill the skies. For birders this is an excellent although wet time to visit Uganda to see migratory birds.
December
Expect some rainfall in December, but wildlife spotting is generally good at this time of year. It's a great time to trek to see chimpanzees, mountain gorillas as well as migratory birds.
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Alistair