Chumfunshi Wildlife Orphanage
Replies: 1 - Last Post: Dec 16, 2012 3:20 AM Last Post By: MrMpamvu
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Chumfunshi Wildlife Orphanage
HiI have just spent a couple of days at Chumfunshi Wildlife orphanage near Chingola and absolutely loved it. Such an amazing experience to walk with the chimps. I really struggled to find out information because the website is outdated, so I thought I would provide some details for future traveller.
The best contact number is Innocent on 0968568830
I took the local blue mini bus from Ndola to Kitwe (one hour, 16 000 k $3) and then Kitwe to Chungola (15 O00 k, $3 one hour). Comfortable, easy and safe. Apparently a taxi all the way will cost 500 000 k $100
Chimfunshi has a truck that leaves the Puma filling station at 3pm on Tuesdays and Fridays. (This is a couple of hundred metres from the bus station). Chimfunshi charge 100 000k each way. There is only room for 1 or 2 people in the front (but lots of room in the back)!
I caught the truck out on Tuesday and back on Friday (leaves at 7am back to Chingola at 9am)
Apparently there is local buses/taxis that you can catch out there. If you catch the bus, the driveway is a 16km walk.
MTN phones don't work out there (unless you are lucky and standing on the exact position on the barbecue!) Tel Air is fine
Accommodation is shared room (I had it all to myself) and costs 150 000k per night. Really basic but really clean. No mosquito nets. Camping also available.
Park entry is 50 000k
The walk is absolutely amazing. You can interact directly with the chimps. No children allowed. Must be over 18 years. 500 000k
You can easily fill one day but you might need to find things to do the next day. I am happy I stayed two days (three nights)
The kitchen is clean and tidy. You need to bring all your own food.
Shelia and her daughter are still there and are lovely. Sadly, Billy the hippo died in April 2012 from poisoning.
It is a bit off the beaten track, so there aren't that many tourist (visitors during the week are not common).
I have read a lot about it being expensive and compared to a number of other things, it is. But I got from Ndola and returned, 3 nights accommodation and got to walk with the chimps for 1 230 000 k, which is cheaper than one night at most game parks.
This information was just my experience but in true African style, I am sure it will change, so please check it before venturing out there. I hope this helps. Enjoy!
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