CHIMFUNSHI CHIMP ORPHANAGE

Chimfunshi started as a family-run wildlife orphanage in the north of Zambia, and today Chimfunshi is managed by a board of trustees to ensure the long-term sustainability of the sanctuary. Chimfunshi was founded in 1983 when a game ranger brought a badly wounded infant chimpanzee to the cattle ranch of David and Sheila Siddle. The Siddles nursed that chimp, named Pal, back to health, thereby establishing a tradition of care and respect that forms the legacy of the sanctuary. Once word of Pal’s recovery spread, the Siddles were inundated with orphaned chimpanzees.

While many of the chimpanzees were confiscated from poachers who attempted to smuggle the infants into Zambia for sale as pets, an equally large number were rescued from dilapidated zoos, laboratories and circuses from all over Africa, Asia, Europe and South America.

In 2002, an Education Centre was built to provide a facility to teach the youth of Zambia about ecology and wildlife conservation. Both local and international students come here to conduct research on animal behavior, as the semi-free-range enclosures provide a unique framework for observing the animals.

Come and visit!

By learning about our work, you help spread the word, and your entry fee supports the care of our animals.

We also welcome volunteers to assist with the many tasks needed at and around Chimfunshi.

You can donate to support a variety of programmes, all of which benefit the rescued wildlife, the local communities, and the environment.

Some programme examples:

• Sponsor the new enclosures, to be able to continue rescuing chimpanzees from inhumane circumstances and illegal activities such as the bush meat and smuggling trades, which sadly still exist today
• Support our community school from ECE to Form 1, helping to provide a better education for our next generation, including over 250 children.
• Support our anti-poaching unit, and help preserve our 10 000-hectare landscape and the life it hosts, including over 350 bird species.

Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage Trust is located on the main Chingola-Solwezi Road, 65 km from Chingola. Travelling out of Chingola towards Chililabombwe, turn left (west) at the main junction & security checkpoint, onto the Solwezi Road. Drive for approximately 50 km and turn right (north) at the Chimfunshi sign, onto an untarred road. The sanctuary is 15 km from this turning. On arrival, follow the signs for “Reception” to get to the Education Centre and its accommodation units. The GPS coordinates of the sanctuary are: S12° 21.924‘ E027° 28.912‘

Entry charges* are:

• for adults: K60 for residents, and K100 for internationals|
• for children (13 and below): K30 for residents, and K50 for internationals
•  free for children below the age of 3.

Group discounts are available to groups of over 20. Please contact the office +260 975 519 881 or email us at enquiries@chimfunshiwildlife.org

Please note we accept credit cards, cash, and Airtel Money, paid in Zambian Kwacha or US Dollar. Your entry fees go directly to the running of the sanctuary and to the care of our chimpanzees.

*Please note that entry fees may change.

We are open from 09:00 – 16:00, 365 days of the year, including public holidays.
Best viewing times for chimpanzees are 10:30 – 11:30 and 14:00 – 15:00.
Last entrance is at 15:30.

Chimfunshi offers six rustic cottages, with twin or double rooms and a dormitory. The rooms are basic but clean and comfortable.

Camping and campervans are welcome; however, please note these are unpowered camping sites.

Toilets are environmentally-friendly, long-drop type with a western seat, and ablution blocks are available, with hot water and hot shower facilities from late afternoon.

If you are self-catering, there are braai (BBQ) stands available, or you can use the communal kitchen, which is equipped with a gas stove/oven, plates, glassware, cutlery, saucepans, and fry pans.

As a courtesy to other visitors, we ask that all these items be washed and cleaned after use. A communal fridge is available for your use.

Charges for Accommodation

• Private room for 2 people: K600 per night
• Bed in a dormitory: K250 per person per night
• Camping: K200 per person per night

Download Our Visitor Information Brochure for more information

Chingola Office: 9 Freedom Avenue (Mon-Fri 09:00 – 17:00 hrs)
Mobile/WhatsApp: +260 975 519 881
Email: enquiries@chimfunshiwildlife.org
For more information, visit: www.chimfunshiwildlife.org

Keep informed about our latest news on our social networks:

• Facebook: facebook.com/chimfunshi
• Instagram: instagram.com/chimfunshiwildlifeorphanage
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/103030918
• Youtube: youtube.com/@ChimfunshiWildlifeOrphanag-w9n