
1 Day Ngamba Island chimpanzee tour
Traveler rating
4.5/5
Based on 15 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is 1 Day Ngamba Island chimpanzee tour worth booking?
1 Day Ngamba Island chimpanzee tour is a 6-hour experience in Kampala, Uganda, from $290 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.5/5 rating across 15 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 59 / 100
- Rating
- 4.5/5 (15)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $290 per person
Ngamba Island situated on a 95 hectare of forested Island on Lake Victoria originated from a fishing village, which fostered to the establishment of the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary in 1998 by a number of local and international organizations with the aim of providing a safe haven for the orphaned and rescued chimpanzees. Chimpanzee tracking at Ngamba Island The chimpanzees are rescued by the Uganda wildlife Authority (UWA) from poachers and because they are unlikely to survive if reintroduced back into their natural homes, Ngamba Island is therefore used to provide safety and care to them.
What you get
About this experience
Ngamba Island situated on a 95 hectare of forested Island on Lake Victoria originated from a fishing village, which fostered to the establishment of the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary in 1998 by a number of local and international organizations with the aim of providing a safe haven for the orphaned and rescued chimpanzees. Chimpanzee tracking at Ngamba Island The chimpanzees are rescued by the Uganda wildlife Authority (UWA) from poachers and because they are unlikely to survive if reintroduced back into their natural homes, Ngamba Island is therefore used to provide safety and care to them.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- All Fees and Taxes
What you'll see and do
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
1 Day Ngamba Island chimpanzee tour takes you to the only chimpanzee sanctuary or Island (Ngamba Island chimpanzee sanctuary) situated on lake Victoria in order for you to spot and study about the luckily rescued chimpanzees that found their everlasting love and safety on the beautiful Ngamba island. On this island, chimpanzees form friendships with each other and as well as their human caregivers. It’s a full day adventure that takes you to a Boat cruise on lake Victoria too in Entebbe
180 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Kampala
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 60 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Options you can book
1 Day Ngamba Island chimpanzee tour
Pickup included
1 Day Ngamba Island chimpanzee
Afternoon shift at 12:30 Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 9 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Gorilla safari uganda
Know before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Travel time is already included in the total duration time
Photos




What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 15 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
15 verified traveler reviews for 1 Day Ngamba Island chimpanzee tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
This is an easy day trip,...
This is an easy day trip, starting an ending with an hour long boat trip from the mainland at Entebbe. Be prepared for weather changes, although the weather was perfect for my trip. The sanctuary guide (Reuben in this case) was wonderful. Trip was well-organized and on time.
via Viator
Visit Ngamba and Support a Worthy Cause
The experience of this trip will depend on many unpredictable variables. I had the bonus of a very personalized experience bcs I was the only person on the tour that day. Drive to Entebbe from Kampala is a little over an hr (will be traffic dependent), boat trip to Ngamba Island in a small fishing vessel ~1 hr (size and type of boat will probably depend on size of group). Ngamba guide (Ruben) gave a short lecture on the Sanctuary's history. There is an electric fence that cordons off human activity area from rest of forested island where chimps can roam. They come to the fence for feeding sessions. For an extra $5 I could help toss food (avocados, eggplant and cassava) to the chimps. Got to observe their social interactions, including mother and babies, adolescents rollicking around. Also saw one adult chimp use a very long stick to pull an avocado outside the enclosure onto his side of the fence. A researcher and a volunteer veterinarian were there, so had the chance to chat with them about their work. Jane Goodall had been scheduled to visit the following week, but sadly passed the previous month. Total time on the island was only 2 hr, but very educational. Was told that the govt does not support the program, visit fees support their work. Very glad I went and supported this effort. If you have an evening flight out of Entebbe, this would be a good daytime activity before you leave. Guide Diana was terrific, took me to a shopping mall to buy Ugandan coffee, tea and other local snacks to bring home to my family.
via Viator
It is a wonderfully...
It is a wonderfully informative session, and by going on the tour, I feel like we supported such a good cause financially. The departing point was so neat with washroom facilities. The island is beautiful, so well maintained, and seeing the chimpz was just a reconnect with nature on another level! The boat ride was an added bonus, so refreshing. Dianne as tour guide went over and above what she needed to! She was just a blessing!!
via Viator
Very rough getting there by the boat!
The chimps were great, however getting there was very treacherous and somewhat dangerous. If the conditions out on Lake Victoria are that difficult, it should have been cancelled. Viator should mention that there is a strong possibility of very rough seas.. it was the scariest trip I have ever had on a boat…. 25 kilometers by boat.
via Viator
Day out seeing the Chimps.
Great day out to the island to see the chimpanzees. On the way back the boat stopped at the equator for a photo. Diana, our driver was a great host.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 5
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Gorilla safari uganda, who run 9 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 54.1.
See everything Gorilla safari uganda runsWhy this scores 59
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
1 Day Ngamba Island chimpanzee tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kampala.
How much does 1 Day Ngamba Island chimpanzee tour cost?
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Prices start at $290 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Kampala usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does 1 Day Ngamba Island chimpanzee tour take?
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Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Kampala is not rushed.
Is 1 Day Ngamba Island chimpanzee tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.5/5 across 15 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Kampala, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule 1 Day Ngamba Island chimpanzee tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is 1 Day Ngamba Island chimpanzee tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book 1 Day Ngamba Island chimpanzee tour?
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Around 5 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Kampala can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Kampala and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does 1 Day Ngamba Island chimpanzee tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Kampala within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Kampala?
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On Outty we rank every Kampala experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Kampala’s Best Experience walking tour, Kampala Walking City Tours (Women-Guided), Kampala Heart of Walking Adventure. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Kampala?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Kampala?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in 1 Day Ngamba Island chimpanzee tour?
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Included: Private transportation; and All Fees and Taxes. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does 1 Day Ngamba Island chimpanzee tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 414 listed pickup locations in and around Kampala. Be ready about 60 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is 1 Day Ngamba Island chimpanzee tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for 1 Day Ngamba Island chimpanzee tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to 1 Day Ngamba Island chimpanzee tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Kampala. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about 1 Day Ngamba Island chimpanzee tour?
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Across 15 reviews averaging 4.5 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for 1 Day Ngamba Island chimpanzee tour?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including 1 Day Ngamba Island chimpanzee tour, 1 Day Ngamba Island chimpanzee. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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