NGAMBA CHIMPANZEE SANCTUARY

Ngamba is a small island on Lake Victoria, 23km west of Entebbe Uganda. It is part of the Koome group of islands. Approximately 100acres, Ngamba is home to over 40 orphaned rescued chimpanzees that live in 95 acres of land which is covered by natural forest. The sanctuary was established in October 1998 by the Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust (CSWCT) who provides the chimps with a secure home to live out their lives since their natural habitat is not currently possible. Visitors and the community are encouraged to come and learn about these remarkable creatures; man’s closest relative and the importance of conserving their fragile forest habitat. The fees paid go directly towards ensuring the wellbeing of the chimpanzees in the sanctuary.

There are a number of other creatures especially birds. There are a variety of birds species on the island (over 130 recorded species) including species of sunbirds, storks, swallows and martins, swifts, tinker birds, turacos, weavers and sparrows, wagtails…the list is endless. You will also see several monitor lizards basking in the sun and several other creatures.

ACTIVITIES

The islands visitors enjoy activities such as

·       Chimpanzee viewing

We went for the chimp viewing activity. Every time you view the chimpanzee feeding it is a brand new experience. Feeding time is at 11am and 2:30 pm and you can view either of them. Those who do the overnight trip can also view the evening feeding.

·       Birds & other wildlife watching

·       Fishing trips

Catch the largest fresh water fish in the world- the Nile perch using any of several fishing methods

·       Boat rides to neighboring islands/ sunset cruises

·       Kayaking

You may want to take out one of the kayaks around the bays searching for wildlife and also go to neighboring fishing village.

·       Island shopping  

·       Care giving

This is a 24-hour opportunity to be behind the scenes of the sanctuary and participate in the daily routine like preparing food, cleaning facilities, health checks and learning more about taking care of the chimpanzees.

·       Integration of the chimpanzee experience

This gives you an opportunity to spend time with the chimpanzees. A small group of young chimpanzees is chosen for you to accompany into their forest habitat. Trained sanctuary staff is also around to ensure your safety and enjoyment.

ACCOMMODATION

The island has exclusive permanent tented camp. Each of the four tents overlooks the lake from a raised wooden deck and accommodates two persons in comfort.

HOW TO GET THERE

You can access the island by water on ether a speed boat that will take you 45 to 50 minutes or a traditional motorized canoe for 1 and half hours or 2 hours. Both experiences 

Great Review of Churchill Safaris on Trip Advisor by one of our past clients!

We chose Churchill Safaris after getting prices from a couple of operators for the same itinerary. Ether at Churchill was very responsive to emails (I had a phone message from her the day after sending my first inquiry which was a pleasant surprise) and worked with me to customize our trip. She made suggestions, answered questions promptly, assured me we’d have a Land Cruiser with pop-up top, and came back with a price that seemed more than fair.

We booked with them in summer 2012 and then started the count-down to our February safari. During that time I did request a few changes and it was never a problem. We made our down-payment and then final payment by paypal.

Everything on our trip went as planned -- no glitches. We had a fantastic time, a great guide (Emmy) who was sweet and helpful and fun to talk to (and on those looooong drives that was a good thing!) and I’d recommend Churchill with no hesitation.

Read more at:  http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g293840-i9254-k6214263-Trip_Report_We_came_for_the_gorillas_but_saw_so_much_more-Uganda.html

School Tree Planting Project in Kisoro

 

The mysterious fog that lingers over the ancient trees of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda, is almost as famous as the gorillas that call the forest home.  So when the myst began to fade community members immediately took notice. Due to deforestation and erosion, the residents responded by planting more trees, conserving land, and investing in other economic activities besides agriculture.  Since then the myst has returned to Bwindi but there still continues to be struggles between Uganda's rising population and conservation.   

As tour company Churchill depends on the preservation of Uganda's natural resources and decided to invest in a conservation project in Kisoro District, right next to Bwindi.  Our school tree planting project, which began several months ago, focuses on educating students at local schools and engaging youth with discussions surrounding conservation.  The project also works with these students to plant school gardens and tree nurseries.  Since the beginning of the project over three thousand trees have been planted.  

A number of Churchill clients have visited the project, and have helped in planting trees as well as interacting with students.  If you are interested in off setting your carbon footprint during your travels to Uganda or just want to learn more about our project send us an email.

Five Steps to Haggling like a Local 

Buying anything in Uganda is an art form, a sophisticated dance between buyer and seller that requires patience, the gift of gab, and an incredible sense of humor.  Learning how to partake in this exciting exchange can be addicting, and is a great way to learn more about Ugandan culture.  You might even be tempted to try it when you return home and go to refuel your car or pay for your groceries.

1. Do your research

Going to a market without doing your research first is like going to the grocery store  on an empty stomach, it's just plain dangerous.  Most markets will carry similar souvenirs and gifts so its perfectly reasonable to go to a few to gage prices before settling on any purchases.  Speaking to locals about what is reasonable to pay and what markets carry the best prices is also beneficial.  If you can make a local friend who can do your bargaining for you, it's even better!

 2.  Be able to walk away

Do not fall in love at the market. Even if it's love at first sight, if the price seems unreasonable it more than likely is.  Being able to walk away from that perfect purchase is the hardest aspect of bargaining, but haggling takes patience.  Hold your poker face, seem nonchalant, and don't automatically go for your wallet at the buyer's first price.  

4.  How low can you go? 

 At the end of the day many of the women and men selling at craft markets will be relying on that income to support their families.  Although you should never pay for the first price offered, if you go too low the buyer won't be making any profit.  

5.  Enjoy it  

Going to the market is a cultural experience, and even though it can sometimes be frustrating, try to enjoy the experience of it.  Between the stacks of used clothes, knock-off phones, and fake Gucci purses, there are always some real treasures to be found!