CHIMPANZEE ADVENTURER

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Stella Brewer OBE on the 24th January 2008. All at tillys tours extend their condolences to Stellas family.

NIGHT RESORT / 4 NIGHTS + 5 DAYS TOUR / 2 NIGHTS RESORT

DAY 1 - You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel for your first night.

DAY 2 - We travel to the port of Banjul where we cross to the north bank of the country on the ferry with the locals, quite an experience in itself. We proceed by road the 300kms up river to the old Colonial encampment - Georgetown, stopping to visit local villages en-route. We arrive at our overnight accommodation in time to freshen up for dinner. Dinner will be enjoyed while we are entertained by local cultural dancers.
OVERNIGHT IN GEORGETOWN

Visit the chimps DAY 3 - After breakfast there is a guided tour around Georgetown visiting the main sites and attractions including old Colonial buildings and slave dungeons of a bygone era. Time for lunch before proceeding via the south bank route to the Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Base Camp. Here we are met by STELLA BREWER, the project and National Parks Director, who is our host and chimp expert during our three day stay. Time to get to know each other over a cool refreshing drink at the WATERHOUSE bar and dining area. Then time to book into the wonderful tented/stilted accommodation high up over looking the River Gambia and National park. Taking a shower beneath the full moon with the River Gambia shimmering below is described by some visitors as " An ethereal experience." Stella will explain what we can expect during our stay and the itinerary in more detail. Around 4pm we take to the river and follow the feeder boat to go out to see the chimps on Baboon Islands National Park, usually accompanied by Stella herself who will explain why this is necessary and introduce us to the Chimps by name. This is a magical experience in itself, you are only a few feet away from the chimps and screened viewing hides are planned for the near future. We return to base camp as the sun begins to set over the river and are very likely to see some of the 40 -50 Hippo's which are in this area as well as the abundant birdlife. Dinner is served at the WATERHOUSE, right on the river in peaceful tranquility. The Waterhouse is completely screened to protect you from mosqitoes and an ideal location from which to view the bird and wild life as well as 'Star gazing' and a wonderful relaxation area.
OVERNIGHT IN YOUR SAFARI TENT, MAYBE ENJOYING A NIGHT CAP ON YOUR VERANDAH OR TAKING A REFRESHING SHOWER UNDER THE STARS.

DAY 4 - Breakfast at the Waterhouse followed by a visit to the neighbouring village of Sambel Kunda and the community projects in place within the village including the clinic, school and the HORSE AND DONKEY PROJECT (registered charity) Here the local people really do benefit directly from Stella's programmes which have brought to the villages significant direct and in direct employment. There are more than 300 children currently sponsored at the village school for example. There will be opportunities for horse and cart riding or horse riding through the forest park (small additional cost) In the late afternoon there will be more of the fantastic and rare chimp viewing with Stella and her team followed by supper at the Waterhouse and the option to watch one of the documentaries made about Stella's work with the Chimps.
OVERNIGHT IN YOUR SAFARI TENTS - DEEP IN THE AFRICAN BUSH.

Chimps on the tour. DAY 5 - You may tailor your morning from a number of options offered to you, i.e early morning birdwatching, Hippo watching, Forest walk, re visiting the village projects to name a few. Over lunch there will be time for more discussions with Stella and her team and guests may wish to enter the Adopt a Chimp Scheme before leaving this majestic place. Our return journey is via the South Bank route which is bumpy and dusty but a worthwhile journey capturing the true Gambian Culture far away from the tourist areas of the coastal region. By late afternoon we reach the Presidents home village of KANILIE where we will be spending the night at the 4* Sindola Lodge. Time to refresh before dinner after which we may be entertained by some of the local people.
OVERNIGHT AT SINDOLA LODGE (or poss Tendaba camp) A 4* Lodge with air conditioned en-suite rooms and a swimming pool set in luscious gardens.

DAY 6 - An early start to visit Kanalies Wildlife park which has many animals. Time to relax, maybe take a swim before lunch. Our journey then resumes back to the coastal area arriving at our hotels around 6pm.
OVERNIGHT AT A HOTEL ON THE COAST.

DAY 7 - Time to relax over a leisurely breakfast at your hotel followed in the afternoon by a visit to the capital city - Banjul, with time to shop at Albert Market for local crafts you may wish to take home. The evening is spent at a farewell gathering over dinner at the lively resort area of 'Senegambia.'
OVERNIGHT AT COASTAL HOTEL

DAY 8 - A morning of leisure before being transported to the airport for the homeward flight in the afternoon.

Project accommodation. PRICES
2 to 4 people £859.00 per person
5 to 10 max £789.00 per person
Price incl; * 7 nights accommodation, half board at the coastal resort (3nights) and full board during the 5 day adventure. * Services of an English speaking guide throughout. * All road transportation incl airport transfers. * Services of Stella Brewer and her team. * All tours as stated * Entrance fees to National Parks and Wildlife Park

(Does not include optional addition excursions or flights to / from The Gambia, holiday insurance, visa's (for stays over 28 days) personal items or drinks.)

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING; * We can not be held responsible for the ferry timings which can be erratic. * You need to have reasonable mobility to maximise your enjoyment during this adventure and to manage the stairway to the safari tents at the Chimpanzee Project. * Children under the age of 12 yrs can not be accepted due to safety reasons at the Chimp Project. * Food throughout this adventure is adequate but basic with a mix of Local and European. * The winter months (Nov to Feb) are hot with cool nights, the summer months are hot both day and night. * Long trousers/skirts and t-shirts covering shoulders is a must in the villages away from the coastal tourist area's. * Medical facilities away from the coast are limited mainly to local village clinics although there is a hospital at Bansang, not far from Georgetown but approx 2 hrs away from the Chimp project.

VERY LIMITED VISITOR NUMBERS TO THE CHIMPANZEE REHABILITATION PROJECT MEAN YOU SHOULD BOOK THIS ADVENTURE WELL IN ADVANCE TO ENSURE YOUR PLACE.