Bambelela Wildlife Care

Description

Bambelela Wildlife Care is a privately owned wildlife rehabilitation and conservation farm situated just 20km out of Bela-Bela, in the Waterberg district of Limpopo. Bambelela is well known for its exceptional work with animal rehabilitation, especially that of vervet monkeys. Bambelela also has self-catering chalets where guests can enjoy a luxury experience in the heart of the rugged bushveld.

Bambelela was established at the end of 2003 by Silke von Eynern and Rodney Williams. The initial objective of the farm was to reintroduce game into the Groot Nylsoog area of the Waterberg. To start off, they bought 5 blue wildebeest but upon their arrival they learnt that the animals were only a few days old. One of them died that first night, but with the advice and assistance of Brian Jones from Moholoholo (“The Very Great One”) Rehab in Hoedspruit, they managed to save the other wildebeest.

After this rocky start, they began taking over the care of animals from Moholoholo that were just about ready for release into the wild. Soon, people from the Waterberg district started calling upon them for help and the farm became well regarded as a Rehabilitation Centre, having successfully rehabilitated and released many species of antelope, blue wildebeest, warthogs, serval, zebra, yellow-billed kites, black-back jackals, porcupines, and more.

They soon took in an abandoned vervet monkey, along with two more monkeys that were delivered to the farm. They began researching Primatology to find out how to hand-raise them, build enclosures, feed, and prepare the release of the monkeys back into the wild. Today, Bambelela is home to over 100 vervet monkeys, requiring a team of FGASA students, field guides, and volunteers from around the world. They hope to one day declare their centre as an official Rehabilitation Centre and Sanctuary for vervet monkeys in Limpopo.

Visitors can join Nappy Hour and play with some of the orphans in the Monkey Kindergarten. Day visitors can take a 2 hour wildlife tour to gain knowledge about the fauna and flora of the region, learn about the centre, and meet the animals close up. All proceeds go towards the wildlife centre. Tours by appointment only.

With a rehabilitation centre, farm trips, volunteerships, and game walks on offer, there is something here for everyone.