“You need to take remedies like ginger before you embark on a boat for a long journey on water,” said Eric Ntalo my friend, looking amused at my miserable, seasick expression as I stumbled off the boat onto Ngamba Island.
For five days leading up to this trip, I had been bursting with excitement. I imagined a peaceful escape, a perfect way to unwind after my just-completed exams. I had romanticized the idea of gliding effortlessly across the largest freshwater lake in Africa, soaking in the sun and feeling the cool lake breeze on my face. But reality had other plans.
Lake Victoria had its own way of welcoming us—through waves that turned our boat ride into what felt like an obstacle course. The entire cruise was a series of thuds and jolts, as if we were hitting invisible speed bumps on water. My stomach protested, my excitement quickly turned into regret, and I suddenly understood why experienced travelers take ginger tea or motion sickness tablets before long boat rides. If you’ve ever endured an hours-long wavy journey on water, you know exactly what I mean.
But here’s the irony of travel: sometimes, the experiences that scare or challenge you are the ones that leave you wanting more. By the time I left Ngamba Island, I was the happiest person alive, already yearning for another adventure on the water.
Because that’s the whole magic of travel, isn’t it? Pushing yourself into uncomfortable experiences, only to discover that you can’t wait to do them again. If travel never makes you feel this way, maybe you’re not doing it right.
A Celebration for Our Wild Cousins
July 14th is no ordinary day—it is World Chimpanzee Day, a global celebration of one of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom. In previous years, primate conservationists in Uganda mostly marked this day with social media posts and digital campaigns, spreading awareness about chimpanzees and their conservation. But this time, things were different.
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, home to over 50 rescued chimpanzees, had organized an open day for the public—an opportunity for people to visit, interact, and learn firsthand about these fascinating primates.
As I stepped onto the island, the atmosphere was electric with excitement. The air buzzed with laughter, the rhythmic sound of lake waves crashing against the shores, and the occasional distant hoots and calls of chimpanzees in the forest.
After the bumpy boat ride, standing on solid ground felt like heaven. But before I could fully recover from my earlier ordeal, the island had already started working its magic on me.
A Sanctuary of Second Chances
Ngamba Island is not just another island on Lake Victoria—it is a haven for orphaned and rescued chimpanzees, most of whom were victims of poaching or illegal wildlife trade. Unlike chimps in the wild, these ones can no longer survive on their own. This sanctuary is their second chance at life.
As we walked towards the chimpanzee viewing platform, I could already hear them—excited pant-hoots, playful screeches, and the occasional drumming sound of hands pounding on tree trunks. It felt surreal to be so close to them, watching them swing effortlessly through the trees, tease each other, and demand attention from their caregivers.
One of the guides explained the strict feeding schedule and how the chimps recognize it so well that they start making noise long before mealtime, as if reminding their caretakers not to forget them. And when the food finally arrives? Chaos! Some of them hoard fruits, others playfully snatch bananas from their friends, and a few just sit back, munching contentedly, enjoying the view of Lake Victoria.
It was impossible not to fall in love with these creatures—their intelligence, curiosity, and playful nature felt almost human. Watching them felt like watching little children at play—mischievous, dramatic, but incredibly endearing.
Learning to Coexist
Beyond just being a rescue center, Ngamba Island is a place of education and awareness. Conservationists here work tirelessly to teach visitors about the challenges facing chimpanzees in the wild—habitat loss, illegal pet trade, poaching, and human-wildlife conflicts.
One of the rangers told us about a chimpanzee named Tumbo, who was rescued from smugglers trying to sell him as a pet. His story was heartbreaking. Stolen from the wild as a baby, he had spent months in a small cage, malnourished and alone, before he was saved. Now, at Ngamba, Tumbo is thriving, playing with his fellow chimps and finally living the life he was meant to.
This is why places like Ngamba Island matter. They are not just tourist attractions; they are safe spaces where victims of human greed find healing and a second chance at life.
The Magic of Ngamba
Apart from the chimps, Ngamba Island itself is a paradise for nature lovers. The lush tropical rainforest, the soothing sounds of nature, and the breathtaking view of Lake Victoria stretching endlessly into the horizon make it a place of pure tranquility.
At some point, I just sat by the lake, watching the sunset paint the sky with fiery orange and pink streaks. The same lake that had tormented me with waves in the morning was now calm, peaceful, and mesmerizing.
I realized that travel is full of ironies—the things that frustrate you at first often become the moments you cherish the most.
A Journey Worth Taking
Leaving Ngamba Island was bittersweet. I had come expecting a simple chimpanzee experience, but I left with a new perspective on conservation, adventure, and resilience.
I learned that chimpanzees are not just animals in the wild—they are complex beings with emotions, personalities, and families, just like us. I learned that every visit, every donation, and every shared story helps keep them safe. And most importantly, I learned that sometimes, the best experiences in life come from stepping out of your comfort zone, even if it means enduring a shaky boat ride across the largest lake in Africa.
So, would I go back? Without a doubt.
And this time, I’ll definitely take that ginger remedy before getting on the boat.
