Before visiting the Island, we checked in at the Sanctuary headquarters in Entebbe.

This boat dock is the departure point for a visit to Ngamba Island.

The lush northern shore of Lake Victoria

This holding facility houses the chimpanzees at night. During the day, only a few "escape artists" who cannot be allowed to roam the forest stay here.

This tunnel connects the 100 acres of forest on the island with the holding facility.

Observation platforms make viewing the chimpanzees easier, if they are nearby.

This is the youngest chimpanzee on the island.

The chimpanzees are fed several times per day, which makes for excellent photo opportunities.

Several tall trees near the fence make favorite climbing spots for the chimpanzees.

The buildings house the researchers and caregivers who work with the chimpanzees.

One of the chimps greets Stany, the head caregiver. The chimps' affection for the caregivers is immediately obvious.

Ngamba Island is home to hundreds of black-headed weavers.

Female black-headed weaver

The island is also home to numerous water monitor lizards. These 3-4 foot long lizards are terribly afraid of people, and are harmless.

This Egyptian Goose was extremely noisy.

The Egyptian Goose takes flight after growing tired of quacking for an extended period of time.

Note the injury on this chimpanzee's arm. The chimps frequently engage in loud, violent confrontations with one another, and many of them bear scars from these events.

Hadada Ibis

One of the chimps moves easily through the top of a tall tree

Two of the older chimps groom the youngster.

Grooming is an essential part of chimpanzee social life.

Chimps make a variety of vocalizations, from hoots to loud screams.

The chimps receive their evening meal of millet porridge.

The young chimp receives a special bowl of milk, but one of the older chimps is standing by below to catch any spilled milk.

Spur-winged plovers are common on the island.

African pied wagtail

A male black-headed weaver sticks out his tongue

A cattle egret stalks in the high grass for food

Water thick-knees scurry around on the ground near the visitors' tents.

Little egret, another common bird on Ngamba Island.

Little egret in flight

The interior of one of the guest tents on the Island.

The dining area for visitors to the Island

The Island has four tents for overnight guests, three of which are shown here.

The Island, as seen from one of the observation platforms.

An Egyptian Goose in flight

A water monitor stalks one of the Island's trails

One of the chimps stands on two legs to get a better view of its surroundings.

When feeding time arrives, all of the chimps make noise.

Feeding time is also a trigger for violent outbursts by the group's males.

Things calm down once the food is distributed.