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About Drill Ranch Afi Mountain |
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 Drills
are one of Africa’s most endangered primates, and here is the only place
in the world to see natural-sized captive drill groups in natural
habitat. The founders of our drill groups were recovered as orphans
after their nursing mothers were illegally shot for bushmeat. We have
rehabilitated over 75 lone drills into 6 social groups, now bearing a
new generation – over 250 drills have been born at the project. There
are 5 drill groups, each in their own electric fenced enclosure, powered
by our solar energy system. The enclosures can be reached down different
winding paths through the forest; the largest enclosure perimeter is
nearly a kilometre around.
Drill Ranch also provides a lifelong home for orphan chimpanzees, and
our busy chimpanzee group can be seen in their forest enclosure. Please
keep in mind when you visit the chimps’ enclosure that you are not only
coming to see them but, more importantly, you are coming for them to
have a look at you! If you are not entertaining them, they will soon let
you know, so please follow instructions from the staff carefully. You
will soon wonder which side of the fence you are standing on….
There is plenty to keep you busy at Drill Ranch. In addition to seeing
the animals there are beautiful walks in the rain forest to the canopy
walkway (see below), and beyond to the pools and waterfalls of the Bano
River coming straight off the mountain, making a very refreshing dip.
Our demonstration tree nursery illustrates agroforestry techniques, and
various native & fruit tree seedlings are for sale.
Some of our guests enjoy visiting our nearest villages - Buanchor and
Katabang - each just about 5 km from camp. Visitors will find the
villages very friendly and excellent palm wine is available at the right
time of year.
There are 6 guest cabins at Drill Ranch, each with a private deck and
view of the mountain, looming above the largest drill enclosure. The
cabins are fully screened but open to the air on all four sides. From
your comfortable bed you can watch the drills climbing up to 35 meters
in the trees. Guests are charged on a per person, per night basis,
regardless of the number of cabins or beds used. There are rollaway beds
for children which can be prepared in any cabin. Bedding and towels are
provided. Cooking is in a shared facility with Drill Ranch senior staff
that live in camp. All cooking utensils are provided, and all guests
must bring their own food and drinking water. Warm beer and soft drinks
are available from the nearby villages. There is also a place to camp
and we are developing a site for overland trucks to set up.
Source: Official web of
Pandrillus (2008)
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