Ngamba Island is located 23 km offshore from Entebbe. It lies on a total land area of 100 acres 98 forested of which are separated from the visitor areas. The sanctuary providing refuge for 40 orphaned chimpanzees. The Ngamba island chimpanzee sanctuary is a project which was started in 1997 by Born Free Foundation (UK), International Fund for Animal Welfare (USA), the Jane Goodall Institute (Germany and Uganda), The Uganda Wildlife Education Centre Trust (UWECT) and the Zoological Board of New South Wales (Australia).
It was officially opened to visitors in October 1999 and is currently home to 40 orphaned chimpanzees. It provides a unique opportunity for a close range view of chimpanzees in this habitant since their natural environment cannot easily be restored. Chimps come closer for feeding a short distance to a raised walkway specially designed for easy viewing and excellent photography.