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Ngamba Island Ec0-Lodge
Ngamba EcoLodge
Ngamba Eco-Lodge is more than a lodge — it is a sanctuary. Set on the forested Ngamba Island in Lake Victoria, the lodge is part of the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, home to more than 50 rescued chimpanzees. These chimps were saved from poachers and illegal wildlife traders and now live freely on the island under expert care.
The eco-lodge gives guests a rare chance to stay close to nature and witness these incredible primates in their natural habitat. It is a place where you can relax, learn, and give back at the same time.
Only a short boat ride from Entebbe, Ngamba feels like another world — calm, green, and full of life. The island is managed by the Chimpanzee Sanctuary & Wildlife Conservation Trust (CSWCT), supported by the Jane Goodall Institute, and your stay directly supports chimpanzee conservation.
Access & Location
Ngamba Island lies 23 kilometres (about 45–50 minutes by speedboat) from Entebbe on Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa.
Boats depart daily from the Waterfront Beach in Entebbe, and the trip across the lake is an adventure in itself — fresh breezes, wide horizons, and sometimes glimpses of fishermen or colourful birds along the way.
When you arrive, the island welcomes you with the sound of waves, rustling leaves, and the calls of chimpanzees in the forest. The setting is peaceful and natural, far from city noise and crowds.
Accommodation & Facilities At Ngamba Eco-Lodge
Ngamba Eco-Lodge offers a very intimate experience with only four cottages set along the lake shore. Each cottage is built with local materials, blending beautifully with the environment.
Cottage Features
- Comfortable twin beds with mosquito nets
- Private bathroom with hot shower
- Solar-powered electricity for lights and charging small devices
- Private veranda overlooking Lake Victoria
- Daily housekeeping
The cottages are simple but cozy — designed for travellers who appreciate nature and calm surroundings.
At night, you’ll fall asleep to the soft sound of waves and the occasional call of chimpanzees in the forest. In the morning, you’ll wake to birdsong and sunrise over the lake — a magical start to your day.
Dining At Ngamba Eco-Lodge
Meals at Ngamba Eco-Lodge are freshly prepared using local Ugandan ingredients. The food is healthy, tasty, and served with care.
Guests can enjoy meals in the open-air dining area overlooking the water or outdoors under the shade of trees.
What to Expect:
- Delicious multi-course dinners featuring fish from Lake Victoria, local vegetables, and tropical fruits
- Breakfast with eggs, fruit, juice, and Ugandan coffee or tea
- Lunches served buffet-style or as light plates, perfect for relaxing days
- Cold drinks, local beers, and wines available for purchase
- Self-serve coffee and tea available all day
Dining here is informal and friendly. Staff treat every guest like family, and mealtimes often feel like shared celebrations.
Facilities
Although small, Ngamba Eco-Lodge has everything you need for a comfortable stay, including:
- Dining area with lake view
- Bar with soft drinks and local beer
- Solar-powered electricity and hot water
- Wi-Fi in the main area (signal depends on weather)
- Nature trails around the island
- Campfire area for evenings under the stars
- Gift shop with crafts and conservation souvenirs
- Boat transfers to and from Entebbe
The lodge is fully eco-friendly, using solar power, rainwater collection, and waste recycling to protect the island’s fragile environment.
Activities At Ngamba Eco-Lodge
Your stay at Ngamba Eco-Lodge includes many wonderful experiences that bring you close to wildlife and nature.
- Chimpanzee Viewing: This is the highlight of any visit. From the viewing platform, you can watch the chimpanzees being fed and playing in the forest. The guides explain their behaviour, personalities, and the stories of how they were rescued.
- Chimpanzee Caregiver Experience: For those who stay overnight, you can join the staff for a behind-the-scenes experience — helping prepare chimp meals, observing their enrichment sessions, and learning about conservation work.
- Nature Walks: Explore the island’s trails with a guide and discover birds, butterflies, and medicinal plants. Over 120 bird species have been recorded here.
- Boat Safaris: Enjoy a quiet ride around the island to see fishing villages, nearby islands, and the beauty of Lake Victoria.
- Sunset and Campfire: Evenings on Ngamba are magical. Watch the sun set over the lake, then gather around the campfire to share stories under a sky full of stars.
- Community Visits: Guests can also visit nearby fishing villages to learn about local life and culture along Lake Victoria.
Sustainability & Community
Ngamba Eco-Lodge is 100% eco-friendly and community-focused. It is managed by the Chimpanzee Sanctuary & Wildlife Conservation Trust, a non-profit organization working to protect Uganda’s chimpanzees and their habitats.
By staying here, you directly support:
- Chimpanzee rescue and care on Ngamba Island
- Community education programs about wildlife conservation
- Sustainable tourism that respects nature and local communities
Every visit helps fund chimpanzee food, veterinary care, and forest protection — making your stay meaningful as well as memorable.
Who It Suits
Ngamba Eco-Lodge is perfect for:
- Nature lovers who want to stay close to wildlife
- Couples looking for peace and natural beauty
- Families with older children who love learning and adventure
- Eco-travellers who care about conservation and responsible tourism
- Safari guests wanting a unique and relaxing end to their trip
Why Choose Ngamba Eco-Lodge
- Only 45 minutes by boat from Entebbe
- Stay in a beautiful eco-lodge that supports chimpanzee conservation
- Four private cottages for a quiet, personal experience
- Delicious local food and friendly service
- Unique chimpanzee encounters and island activities
- Peaceful lake views and sunsets
- A true eco-friendly escape with purpose and heart
Final Thoughts
Ngamba Eco-Lodge is not just a place to stay — it’s a journey into nature, compassion, and peace. From the gentle waves of Lake Victoria to the laughter of chimpanzees in the forest, every moment here feels alive and meaningful.
Whether you visit for one night or a few days, you’ll leave feeling inspired — connected to Uganda’s wildlife and to the people who work every day to protect it.
For travellers seeking a quiet place with purpose, Ngamba Eco-Lodge is a magical island escape that truly touches the heart.
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