Sweetwaters Game Reserve, Kenya

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Chimpanzee at the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary

The privately owned 24,000 acre Sweetwaters game reserve and chimpanzee sanctuary has an abundance of wildlife and tropical vegetation and enjoys magnificent views across the bush to the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kenya. It boast all of the "Big 5" game - Lion, Elephant, Rhino, Leopard and Buffalo. Only 250 kilometres north of Nairobi, or two-and-a-half hours' drive on a good highway, the reserve is easily accessible and has the highest density of wildlife per square kilometre of any game park or reserve in Kenya.

There are many advantages to visiting this reserve. As it is private, guests can enjoy special activities such as night game drives, game walks, horse-back and even camel-back game rides. The reserve boasts abundant wildlife - over 400 species of birds, as well as lion, elephant, rhino and cheetah to name just a few. The night game drives are a particular pleasure, as they can allow sightings of the elusive leopard and other nocturnal species.

The Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, opened in 1993, comprises of over 250 acres. It started off with just 3 chimpanzee orphans and is now home to 26 contented, well looked after chimps. Lonrho Africa, the Jane Goodall Institute and Kenya Wildlife Services established this facility to receive and provide sanctuary particularly to those chimps who are orphaned or abused. They are then introduced, rehabilitated and taught to fend for themselves, just as they would have to in their natural habitats. The story of this sanctuary is one of real success, and is a delight to visit.