Filming Rescued Chimpanzees on Ngamba Island Sanctuary
Filming in Jinja Town Uganda
February 16, 2024
Budget Gorilla Safaris from Kampala
February 16, 2024
Female chimp Pasa, is photographed eating leaves in the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Lake Victoria, Uganda. Pasa, who has been on Ngamba Island since 2000, was surrendered to UWEC by a man from Arua who realized that he had broken the law by buying the infant chimp from a Congolese trader two weeks earlier. Pasa was named after the ‘Pan African Sanctuary Alliance’ which was formed during a workshop held in Entebbe at the time of her confiscation. This Alliance is working together to try and stop the root cause of the chimpanzee-orphan-crisis (bush meat trade and habitat destruction) She was approximately 6 months old on arrival so she needed 24- hour human care until she was strong enough to join the juvenile group on Ngamba. Pasa is now very settled but she still enjoys contact with her human caregivers, especially during the walk in the forest. 03/15 Julia Cumes/IFAW
Capturing the Lives of Rescued Chimpanzees: A Cinematic Journey on Ngamba Island Sanctuary
Embark on a cinematic odyssey as you film the captivating lives of rescued chimpanzees on Ngamba Island Sanctuary. To commence this endeavor, securing media accreditation from the Uganda Media Council and filming permission from Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is imperative. Trek Africa Expeditions stands as your reliable partner, offering assistance in processing these prerequisites, including kit clearing, security arrangements, visa advice, transportation, and accommodation in either Entebbe town or Ngamba Island. Feel free to reach out via email or WhatsApp with your shoot details, and our experts will promptly respond to guide you through every step.
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary: A Haven for Orphaned Chimpanzees
Ngamba Island currently provides a nurturing home to 59 orphaned and confiscated chimpanzees, victims of the illegal pet and bushmeat trade. Despite the initial trauma, these chimpanzees find solace in the sanctuary, offering them a safe and semi-natural environment for recovery and the opportunity to thrive throughout their potential lifespan of up to 60 years. For comprehensive information on filming these rescued chimpanzees at Ngamba Island Sanctuary, contact Trek Africa Film Fixers for expert guidance.
Established in 1998, the island spans 95 acres of natural forest, allowing the chimpanzees to roam and forage daily. Visitors, including filmmakers, have the privilege of observing feeding sessions from a viewing platform. The chimpanzees also enjoy the freedom to spend nights in the forest or return to night-time enclosures, where they can build nests and receive evening meals.
Sanctuary Goals: A Holistic Approach
The sanctuary is committed to achieving multiple goals, including providing a secure home for rescued chimpanzees while also promoting environmental conservation on the island. Additionally, the sanctuary aims to offer a high-quality educational experience for visitors and contribute to the well-being of local communities.
Ngamba Island: A Natural Oasis on Lake Victoria
Situated approximately 23 kilometers southeast of Entebbe, Ngamba Island is part of the Koome group of islands on Lake Victoria. Covering around 100 acres, with 95 acres designated as forested land, the island is separated from the human camp by an electric fence. Its diverse terrain includes flat northern regions rising gently to an altitude of approximately 3800 feet above sea level in the south. Forested landscapes dominate, interspersed with grassland covering about 10% of the island.
The island boasts a trail system, created before the arrival of the chimpanzees in October 1998, forming 50 x 50m blocks from east to west and north to south. Ngamba Island provides an ideal secondary forest habitat not only for chimpanzees but also for various wildlife species such as fruit bats, spiders, fish eagles, otters, and monitor lizards.
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Filming Fees and Permissions
To film the rescued chimpanzees on Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, a filming fee must be paid to the sanctuary. The fee varies based on the number of days and crew members. Contact Trek Africa Expeditions with your specific details, and tailored advice will be provided accordingly.
Journeying to Ngamba Island: A Boat Odyssey
Access to Ngamba Island is exclusively by boat, offering a scenic 45-50 minute ride from the mainland to the island. Scheduled boat transport operates every morning at 8:30 am and at 12:30 pm. Filmmakers can opt for half-day or full-day filming sessions, adhering to the boat schedule. Trek Africa Film Fixers can also facilitate arrangements for a special and exclusive boat experience upon request. Embark on this cinematic adventure, capturing the essence of Ngamba Island’s chimpanzee sanctuary with Trek Africa Expeditions by your side.
