Bambelela Wildlife Care&Vervet Monkey Rehabilitation Farm

South Africa 2015: Bambelela Wildlife Care and Vervet Monkey Rehabilitation Centre

If you are fortunate to be able to visit Bambelela or (better!) stay in one of their comfortable chalets, Silke Von Eynern and her staff are only too pleased to provide a ‘tour’ of the facilities to help you learn more of the work that the charity does and about monkeys and baboons in general.

Sue Holme showed us round and she demonstrated a really in depth knowledge and understanding of the plight of vervet monkeys and baboons in particular. We visited the ‘Cheeky Monkey’ troupe, the ‘Golden Oldies’ (monkeys which had been kept in captivity, lost teeth and generally were unable to be released into the wild). At the ‘Handicapped Cage’, we saw individuals that had been mutilated by Sangoma (‘witch doctors’) or had been cruelly treated or had met with car accidents. The ‘hospital cage’ contained individuals who had to be separated for reasons of recovery. We visited the enormous ‘Rehab’ cage which had a troupe nearly ready for reintroduction to the wild. Interactions are kept to the minimum and we weren’t allowed to go too near as only one volunteer is allowed in to minimise human influence.

Lastly, of course we had to visit the ‘Kindergarten’ where the young ones are kept and gradually introduced to troupe formations. Again it was mayhem and total anarchy with young monks just everywhere and exploring all parts of you….! In addition to the leaping onto and off your head, they tend to test everything with their teeth! I couldn’t count the number of tiny bites I received.

You just have to admire the dedication and hard work of the regular employees like Belinda, Chantel, Dean and all the volunteers who will spend ages just cuddling, reassuring the very young or distressed monkeys. They even sleep at night with an orphaned vervet tucked inside their fleece or jacket. They have my deepest admiration.

Another indication as to how well this centre has become part of the local environment is demonstrated by a troupe of baboons and a small herd of zebra (with foals) who wander in and around the facility at will, totally unphased by all the activity.

Bambelela is a Zulu word meaning to 'hold on' or 'hang on in there' Let's help Silke, Sue et al to do just that by visiting, staying, contributing and volunteering.

Bambelela Wildlife Care Bela Bela South Africa - Africa Travel Channel

Bambelela Wildlife Care and Guest Farm was established by Silke von Eynern in December 2003. This labour of love is a prime wildlife rehabilitation centre with three 4-star graded self-catering units, facilitating a unique and heart warming getaway. Funded entirely by the owners and proceeds from accommodation, Bambelela are in the throes of the lengthy process of registering as a non profit organisation. To date, nearly two million rand has been poured into making this facility the success that it is. The perfect training ground for students of the F.G.A.S.A exam - which turns out qualified level one field guides - Bambalela invites candidates to apply for a minimum 3 month tenure. At a price of R4 000 per month, this includes the F.G.A.S.A exam fee, stationary, internet usage, laundry services and the likes. Heavily reliant on donations and proceeds from educational tours and guided walks for tourists, Bambelela remain eternally grateful to those who contribute to their worthy cause and look forward to engaging new sponsors and donors.

Lions at Bambelela wildlife care & vervet monkey rehabilitation

Awesome cuteness