Chimfunshi – Chimp Heaven
Chimfunshi, the world’s largest chimpanzee sanctuary, is not exactly on the tourist trail, being located smack bang in the middle of the Zambian copperbelt in the north of Zambia. We weren’t sure what to expect and almost didn’t bother visiting, it being 15km or so into the bush up a dirt track.
But we are so glad we did. Meeting the chimpanzees was wonderful, but meeting the Siddles was even better!
The sanctuary was established, unintentionally, by David and Sheila Siddle in 1983 after a game ranger brought a very poorly chimp, christened Pal, to their cattle farm. They cared for it, word spread and today they have circa 120 chimpanzees in their care.
Sheila is the oldest overlander I have met. Her father bought a truck, sold the farm and drove the family from Manchester, UK to Zambia in 1947. Her father even ‘blogged’ the trip – sending cables back to a Manchester newspaper for publication. Sheila has lived in Zambia ever since.
We were honoured to meet Sheila, and her daughter Sylvia, at Chimfunshi. Following a tour of the orphanage with Dominic, a keeper, we spent a lovely afternoon drinking tea, playing Scrabble, drinking stronger concoctions and then eating dinner with the Siddles. Sheila regaled us with countless stories of her truly remarkable life, and she very kindly inscribed a copy of her book for me.
We camped in her backyard that evening. The next day we said our goodbyes and headed out to visit the larger chimpanzee pens before heading towards Chingola.
How amazing!
What a fascinating experience, you seem to be meeting genuinely lovely interesting people.
Can’t wait for your next ‘instalment’.
Take care
Pauline and john x
Thank you Pauline. The people we have met have been very welcoming and are real ‘characters’.
Dave
Waaooh really amazing seeing all those animals and not forgetting the wonderful people you met. Well done both. Travel well and keep us posted.
We will not forget yourself and David – you looked after us so well at your Kansanshi Hotel. See you in London!!
Your trip keeps being more and more exciting.
Enjoy!
Yes is does, doesn’t it! We are very lucky.
Dave
What an amazing experience at Chimfunshi and meeting the Siddles. One wonders what is to follow!!
Hi Anne! Yes it was a real experience.