Jane Goodall Institute Chimpanzee Eden to Protea Fire & Ice Hotel| South Africa, Day 16

Sunday, September 30, 2018

We went to breakfast at Wimpy's, a multinational chain of former fast food restaurants that has been gradually upgrading to become a casual dining restaurant.

Francisco had the Veggie Breakfast, a crumbled potato and vegetable patty with cheese, hashbrowns, grilled mushrooms, eggs, and toast. I had the Flippin' Flapjacks (fruit salad, a stack of flapjacks, with syrup and Snowfreeze).

Originally, we were supposed to swing by the Jane Goodall Institute Chimpanzee Eden on the way to Kruger, but we'd been short on time. I'm glad that we postponed it and were still able to make it, especially since it ended up taking a solid two hours. Chimp Eden is a game reserve and animal sanctuary for rescued chimpanzees. Its purpose is to provide a permanent and safe home for chimpanzees who are rescued from abusive and unfortunate circumstances. Chimp Eden is the only sanctuary for chimpanzees within South Africa.

The chimpanzees were absolutely remarkable. Mowgli was one of the first chimps we were introduced to.

Jessica had an unfortunate habit of pulling out her hair, but she was most distinguishable by the boot she always carried around with her.

Baby Amari was the youngest chimp there, and when she came out with mom Bazia and was greeted by probable dad Mowgli, it was the most amazing scene. Mowgli immediately took to playing with her and gentle biting.

He hugged her and just engaged with her so gently.

At one point, a large group of male chimps rushed in, causing a big hubbub. Bazia scooped up Amari and moved her into the forest for safety.

There were two separate chimp enclosures, so we made our way over to the second group.

Cozy was one of the first chimps we met on this side. It was suspected that he had 30% brain damage and had been beaten by his former owners.

He had learned to intimidate visitors by picking up rocks and motioning that he was going to throw it. This would elicit a reaction, and he definitely tossed up a couple of rocks while we stood there.

If I had to be honest, I would have to say that I fully did not expect to enjoy this place as much as I did, but I was absolutely enamored with watching the chimps interact, especially when the baby came on the scene!

Driving onwards to Pretoria, we stopped at a Nando's for lunch, but this turned out to be not just any Nando's.

It was located at Alzu Petroport, and the facilities overlook a game enclosure containing 6 rhino, fifty buffalo and a host of eland, blesbok, ostriches and even an emu or two.

I know this doesn't "officially count", but seeing a rhino would get us up to number 4 of the Big 5 (that dang elusive leopard).

The Protea Fire & Ice Hotel was super swanky.

Although it was yet another room with a puzzling bathroom situation.

Francisco was already protesting about going back outside for dinner, but as soon as I saw the room-service menu, I was absolutely on board with staying in. They had an entire milkshake menu, so we ordered 4 milkshakes...+ a Greek salad cuz' we healthy. J/K. We only ordered it because it came with fried cheese balls; turns out there was more salad than cheese. 🤷 Live and learn.

Francisco got the peanana nutter and rocky road. I got crunch and shake and berry buzz. Luckily, they had half sizes, so that made our milkshake meal slightly more acceptable.

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