Get involved in the day-to-day running of one of the largest sanctuaries for chimpanzees in the world, Chimfunshi, once called the most wonderful place on earth by Jane Goodall. Care for rescued chimpanzees and interact with them while living in the true African wilderness of northern Zambia.
Make a difference and get involved in running of one of the largest chimpanzee sanctuaries in the world Interact with chimpanzees on a personal level while out on bush walks with 2 specific adult chimpanzees once a week Invent fun behavioral enrichment activities for a group of unique chimpanzees, Vervet monkeys, African grey parrot and more Observe the chimpanzees interaction and behavior Work alongside local Zambians, immersing yourself in true Zambian culture Experience life in the African bush, living in a very rustic, beautiful setting in the heart of Africa Enjoy sundowners, canoeing, picnics, barbeques, and amazing stargazing on the banks of the Kafue River Chimfunshi started as a family-run wildlife orphanage in the north of Zambia. It was founded in 1983, when a badly-wounded infant chimpanzee was brought to David and Sheila Siddle, a British couple who had lived in Zambia since the 1950s. The Siddles nursed that chimp nicknamed "Pal" back to health, thereby establishing a tradition of care and respect that forms the legacy of the sanctuary. Many of the chimpanzees at Chimfunshi have been rescued from poachers or terrible situations where they have been kept as pets, in bars, or to be sold in local markets for bush meat. An equally large number are rescued from rundown zoos and circuses from all over Africa, Asia, Europe and South America and reach Chimfunshi as orphans. Chimfunshi is a safe haven home to the healthiest captive chimps in the world. The Chimpanzee s live in 4 huge forested areas, as close to their natural environment as possible. With over 130 chimpanzees, Chimfunshi is now one of the largest chimpanzee sanctuaries in the world and its mission is the re-socialization and rehabilitation of orphaned chimpanzees and the preservation of indigenous flora and fauna in Zambia through research and education. The work of the Siddles and the current Chimfunshi staff has won them many honors and awards, including info@africanimpact.com the Jane Goodall Award TEL: in +27 1995. (0)21 065 0501
An important part of your work will be creating behavioral enrichment activities that provide extra stimulation for the chimpanzees. These activities are essential to keeping the chimpanzees physically and mentally active and help alleviate boredom. Volunteers will work with 4 unique chimps called Escape Artists as well as Vervet Monkeys and African Grey Parrots. We highly recommend researching possible enrichment activities before you arrive so that you have some ideas for during your stay - the chimps are extremely intelligent, very strong and enjoy working out a challenge. Chimfunshi is one of the only places in the world where you can take part in bush walks with chimpanzees - a once in a lifetime opportunity to interact with chimpanzees on a very personal level in their natural habitat. You will be able to do this once a week with two unique adult chimpanzees living in the Sanctuary. Other than this, please keep in mind Chimfunshi has a NO interaction rule and there are no photographs allowed of the bushwalk. The contact with the bushwalk chimps depends on your health since our main goal is to look after the chimps wellbeing. Chimfunshi has its own farm dedicated to growing crops, fruit and vegetables to feed the entire chimpanzee sanctuary. It s time to work up a sweat as you get fruit picking, harvesting sacks of oranges, planting a field of cabbage, fertilizing 20 rows of tomatoes and harvesting but it s always rewarding seeing how the hard work you put in at the farm helps the chimps get fresh fruits and veggies!
This is your chance to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty by cleaning and maintaining enclosures. You might be removing waste, food scraps etc. from the enclosures and assisting with the weekly wet scrubbing of the chimp feeding areas so to make sure the chimpanzees are well looked after and have a clean environment to live in. You may get the chance to attend the local school and assist the teachers with a lesson, participate in the afterschool clubs music/art/conservation club/sports etc. You ll help occupy the preschool kids with nursery activities, or take games to the surrounding staff compounds and just have some fun! There are occasional researchers at Chimfunshi, some of whom may ask for an extra pair or eyes for observations. Also the Chimfunshi vet is often very busy and may need help organizing and cleaning. If you are very lucky you may be able to observe during a procedure on one of the many animals that the vet looks after. Sheila Siddle and Doug Cress (Foreword by Jane Goodall), wrote the book In My Family Tree A Life with Chimpanzees, telling the story of how Pal would grow to become a member of the family, as well as the inspiration behind the Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage. It includes many stories about individual chimps that you will get to meet in person. Why not equip yourself for this volunteering adventure by reading her book. You will also have the chance to meet Sheila, whose home is still the wildlife orphanage and hear all about her fascinating stories of how Chimfunshi was founded many years ago
Am Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Visit to the Wildlife Pick up from your Orphanage and Chimp accommodation in Meet the chimps for Farm work fruit Bush Walk Internet café to catch up with Ndola. The Project the first time! & veg picking friends and family Enclosure cleaning Manager will be Food preparation followed by there to meet you and behavioral Lunch before heading back to Meet Sheila Siddle and take you to Enrichment Picnic on the river camp Chimfunshi Canoe trip and picnic along the Kafue river Pm Settle in to your accommodation Induction on Chimfunshi Feeding and chimp observation Culture and Sports day at the local primary school Games night Back to camp late afternoon to relax, enjoy the sunset and prepare dinner Sundowners on the river Kafue & stargazing Sat Behavioral enrichment, food preparation & boundary patrol Picnic at the farm followed by fruit and veg picking BBQ night! Sun Free time This is just an example of how your week as a volunteer could look.
You will be staying in a truly authentic African camp in the middle of the bush, at the Education Centre situated in a beautiful miombo forest, approximately 65km from the nearest town, Chingola. Volunteers live in dormitory style or twin rooms in our private volunteer house, with shared toilets (long drops with a western seat) and hot showers. The camp is centered around an outdoor thatched Lapa where you will enjoy your meals and socialize with other volunteers. We have a fully stocked kitchen at The Ed. Centre from which you are able to prepare your own breakfast and lunch. Staff and volunteers all work together with evening meal preparation and this is shared on a rotational basis. Our experienced project team live on-site and will offer you 24-hour support from the minute you arrive. Experience the real outdoors! Zambia is one of the last true wildernesses left in Africa, teeming with incredible National Parks, like Kafue and South Luangwa. Chimfunshi is based right next to the Kafue River a beautifully remote location! The nearest town is Chingola where you will have the chance to do some souvenir shopping, catch up with Wi-Fi and absorb the local culture. If you would like to travel to Livingstone before or after your placement, and combine your stay with one of our community volunteer projects (education, sports, medical, eco-building, or girl empowerment), we can help you arrange it. Just speak to your Destination Manager!
GBP USD 2 weeks 1329 $2122 3 weeks 1687 $2694 4 weeks 2045 $3265 5 weeks 2403 $3836 6 weeks 2761 $4407 7 weeks 3119 $4978 8 weeks 3477 $5549 Further Please enquire. 14 and 28 January 11 and 25 February 11 and 25 March 8 and 22 April 6 and 20 May 3 and 17 June 1, 15 and 29 July 12 and 26 August 9 and 23 September 7 and 21 October 4 and 18 November 2 December (2 weeks placement only) Project closes for holidays 16 th December 2019
Project fee this goes directly back into the project that you are involved with. It facilitates funding for items such as resources, building materials, equipment and project supplies. It also covers operational costs such as housing, communication, and project vehicles Full board and lodging which includes 3 meals a day at our volunteer house (volunteers will help prepare them), including snacks and refreshments throughout the day Pick-up on arrival and drop-off when you leave Housekeeping service Comprehensive orientation and training program Assistance and support from the African Impact staff and Project Managers who live and work with you Chimfunshi is very remote and surrounded by beautiful wilderness, but that doesn t stop you getting involved in some extra activities on your days off: Popular Outings: Canoeing and picnic trips down the Kafue River Sundowners, barbeques and stargazing on the floodplains Football and games on the floodplain with the locals
At African Impact, we create the most transformative and impactful volunteer experiences on the planet for communities, wildlife and volunteers. Volunteering in Africa is what we do, it s in our DNA and what we are awarded for year after year. We ve built, grown and developed our very own projects, hand-in-hand with local African communities. We work with the most incredible people to make this happen and surround ourselves with inspiring human beings from every corner of the world. Every year is a chance to grow, learn and better our offering both for host communities and for volunteers themselves. We re constantly pushing the boundaries of excellence and know that volunteering can achieve even more. What do we believe in? Providing an extraordinary experience to our volunteers Making tangible, measurable impacts for our communities and wildlife initiatives Transforming the lives and perspectives of everyone who is part of our journey So, welcome to what good volunteering looks like. Join us and go #BeyondVolunteering to a place that connects cultures, mindset and ideas. A place that leaves you awed and inspired, able to do more, discover more and to make a real impact.
Jess will guide you through the whole prearrival procedure for this placement and you will receive comprehensive information throughout to ensure you are fully prepared for your project placement with us. Jess grew up, studied and worked in England before setting off to travel the world. After living in Australia, Thailand and Mexico she has now made the leap and moved to Africa, after visiting several times, and can t wait to introduce you to this spectacular continent and its people. Email Jess on: jess@africanimpact.com