Harriette Onyalla
31 January 2008
Kampala — IN Ngamba Island, you will glide to a world where every ordinary thing takes on the extraordinary. Surrounded by the Lake Victoria waters, Ngamba Island has been turned into a sanctuary for chimpanzees, which are mainly rescued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority from people who keep them in confinement or after being wounded by insurgents in the Congo Forest. This island is 23km from Entebbe town.
You will also meet nature at its best. The lush rainforest sprawled over 100 acres of rich soils provide a home and rich foods for the chimps. There are also over 120 bird species and monitor lizards. Being on Lake Victoria, Ngamba Island is also home to hippos and a crocodile.
And all this, in an eco-friendly setting, cozy rooms with warm water from solar power, spotless compost toilets and great waste management practices so you are sure the air is pure.
This is where torn and battered by the world, chimpanzees are given another chance at life, a life that turns out so beautiful that it leaves your heart churning.
Take Tumbo, for example. He is one of the big 'boys' on the island. He is fourth in the chimp ranks. Many visitors think he is the oldest chimpanzee because his hair is grey, but Tumbo is just about 18 years old.
It is thought that Tumbo got grey hair prematurely possibly because of either stress or genes.
One thing his juniors have had to learn though is that he won't save your neck when you get yourself into a fight and are being given the beating of your life. Tumbo will look on, leaving you to 'take your lessons'.
However, his soft spot is Sophie. Tumbo is definitely in love with Sophie. He loves holding her hand as they retire in the forest for the night.
Sometimes they walk in tandem with hands on their shoulders.
But Sophie won't be taken for granted. It is amusing to see Tumbo pulling her into the forest while she pretends she does not like his moves. Of course, she 'finally' accepts.
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