Ngamba Island operates under the guardianship of the Chimpanzee Trust, offering the apes lifelong care and refuge. The chimps on Ngamba cannot be released back into the wild, primarily because they lack the necessary survival skills or may carry diseases that could endanger wild populations. Visitors to the island are provided educational tours, watching the chimps during scheduled feeding times from a fenced viewing platform. This sanctuary is vital as it not only provides welfare for vulnerable chimpanzees but also serves as a critical educational tool, raising awareness both locally and internationally about the devastating impact of illegal trade and the urgent need for habitat preservation on the mainland. The existence of Ngamba ensures that the victims of human encroachment still receive care, while simultaneously funding research and providing opportunities for people to learn about chimpanzee behaviour without disturbing wild troops. You can access Ngamba Island by plane; however, a better option for those on a budget is by boat, which takes 30-40 minutes depending on sea conditions. You can either go to meet the chimpanzees on a day trip or overnight excursion. The project also offers long-term volunteer stays described by one recent volunteer as "one of the most magical experiences of my life". You can even adopt one of the chimps. You can visit their website below.