TOUR UG6: CHIMPANZEE ON NGAMBA ISLAND (3 Days)

The safari starts and ends in Entebbe.

This tour visits Ngamba chimpanzee sanctuary on Lake Victoria. Situated 23km off shore from Entebbe, the Sanctuary was set up by a group of concerned organisations including Uganda Wildlife Education Centre and Jane Goodall Institute among others, to offer a facility for now over 33 orphaned chimpanzees to co-habitat in a near natural environment.

From Entebbe there are regular trips to the Chimp Island. Travelling is either by a modified traditional Ssese canoe sitting up to 25 participants, or a faster motor boat sitting 8 persons. The beautifully forested tropical island is almost 100 acres in size and boasts over 50 different types of vegetation that the chimps utilize.

Two main tourist activities are offered: chimp viewing from a raised wooden platform; or a walk to the chimp forest for closer contact with the legendary primates. Chimp walks in the forest require some medical conditions to be fulfilled: Vaccination against -Hepatitis A&B, Measles; Meningococcal meningitis (menomune vaccine); Polio; Tetanus; Yellow fever. A negative TB test before arrival is also required.

Minimum age for the walks is 18 years, Maximum age is 65 years, but the latter category is also dependant on size and fitness level of the person. Clients stay at the Ngamba Island Camp, a 4-tent mid-range Camp directly overlooking the Lake. The entrance fees paid goes towards looking after the chimpanzees.

This tour can be done as an extension to the RW6 Gorillas, Chimps and Birds from Rwanda.

Itinerary

Day 1: Receive briefing and finalise arrangements for visiting the island with JGI management at their offices in Entebbe. Boat from Entebbe pier to Ngamba Island. Watch the evening feeding of the chimpanzees. Time permitting walk to a neighbouring village or bird watching. [Approximate cruising time: 45 minutes for fast boat; 1 ½ hours for traditional boat] O/N: Ngamba Island Camp. (FB)

Day 2: For those who have had the medical inoculations - a half day forest walk with the chimps. This is a unique activity getting you close to the primates. Lunch. In the afternoon walk to a neighbouring village or go for bird watching or simply relax at Camp enjoying the lake shores. Watch the sun go down! O/N: Ngamba Island Camp. (FB)

Day 3: Another chimp walk in the morning. Boat transfer to Entebbe mainland. Drive to Kampala or to Entebbe airport in time for your flight. Tour ends.

More Uganda Tours

TOUR UG1 GORILLAS & WILDLIFE - BWINDI & LAKE MBURO (5 Days)	TOUR UG2 GORILLAS IN BWINDI & MGAHINGA (7 Days)
TOUR UG3 GORILLAS AND GAME BWINDI, QUEEN ELIZABETH & LAKE MBURO PARK (7 Days)	TOUR UG4 BIRDS & GAME IN QUEEN ELIZABETH PARK (4 Days)
TOUR UG5 CHIMPS & BIRDS IN KIBALE FOREST (4 Days)	TOUR UG6 CHIMPS ON NGAMBA ISLAND (3 Days)
TOUR UG7 WILDLIFE, CHIMPS & BIRDS IN KIBALE & QE (6 Days)	TOUR UG8 WILDLIFE, CHIMPS & BIRDS IN MURCHISON FALLS (4 Days)
TOUR UG9 BIRDING IN UGANDA (15 Days)	TOUR UG10 JEWELS OF UGANDA (14 Days)
TOUR UG11 CLIMBING THE RWENZORI MOUNTAINS (11 Days)	TOUR UG12 CLIMBING MOUNT ELGON (8 Days)
TOUR UG13 ECO TOURISM IN THE PEARL (16 DAYS)	TOUR UG14 CULTURAL TOURISM IN UGANDA (14 Days)
TOUR UG15 BUTTER FLIES IN UGANDA (17 Days)	TOUR UG16 BIRDING UGANDA (8 Days)
TOUR UG17 BIRD WATCHING IN UGANDA (15 Days)	TOUR UG18 BEST FOREST BIRDING (20 Days)

For all categories of accommodation, ALL drinks (except bottled water) are excluded in the safari cost and clients are to pay for them direct to the hotels/Camps / Lodges. Clients could choose to fly out the following day in cases where there are no flights for their departure on the last day of the itinerary. A supplement for the extra night will be required.

Flights

Merit Safaris will advise the most appropriate airlines to use to fly to Uganda. We could book your flights; alternatively you can contact your tour operator or travel agent.

Safaris start and end either in either Entebbe or Kampala in Uganda; or Kigali in Rwanda.

For those who wish, a visit for an extra three days by air, to the Karamojong nomadic farmers/cattle rustlers in the North, can be arranged. Please contact us for details.

Unless otherwise stated, prices quoted include a safari car for the itinerary stated, accommodation on a shared basis and meals (in Kampala/Kigali bed and breakfast only and on safari full board), 1 boat/launch trip, park fees, chimpanzee permits and one gorilla permit.

Prices do not include airfares to Uganda/Rwanda, entry visas and airport taxes, all personal expenditure such as tips, telephone calls, laundry and drinks. For single rooms, the supplement (SRS) has to be paid. Fees for mountain climbing, fishing and other specialist activities will attract an extra charge where not stated.

Prices are quoted in US Dollars. At the time of booking, clients should confirm with us the prevailing exchange rates for Pounds and Euros, if they wish to pay in those currencies. At the time of booking, the client(s) will need to pay for all gorilla permits needed in full otherwise a deposit equivalent to 20% of the cost of a safari paid, whichever is higher.

Key to Itineraries: