About Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage

About Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage

Chipangai wildlife Orphanage is situated in Bulawayo Zimbabwe. It is a non profit making wildlife organization with aim to give animas a second chance to life. The Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage was set up in 1973  by Vivian Wilson and Paddy who were ex- ranger guide

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Filming the Chipangali Wildife Orphanage

The aim of Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage was to give safe haven to rescued, orphaned, abandoned, injured, born in captivity animals in southern part of Africa and indeed this is so far well done.  The word Chipangai is formed from a local word called Chinyanja an eastern Zambian word.

Brief History Of Chipangai Wildlife Orphanage

The Chipangai wildlife Orphanage was started in 1973 in Zimbabwe by a former game ranger called Vivian Wilson and his wife Paddy who are deceased.  He worked in Eastern Zambia as a tsetse flies control operator but later retired.

Hunting wild meat is one of the activities  enjoyed by the people of southern Africa but in the process some of the wild animals are injured or left homeless or orphans. The philanthropic nature of Mr. Vivian Wilson prompted him and the wife to start this rescue center. 

The work of Mr. Vivian has contributed to the investigations on wild animal research through books like Duikers of Africa, Masters of the African Forest Flow and others.  

What Is Done At Chipangai Wildlife Orphanage

To provide a second home to abandoned, rescued, orphaned, homeless, sick, captured from captivity wild animals in Zimbabwe.

Nature Conservation especially to the young generation to appreciate the beauty of the eco system and the need to promote sustainable existence of natural resources. The Chipangai Wildlife Orphanage puts emphasis on not taking the existence of these wild animals for granted and need to preserve the environment for them to survive.

Educations purpose for the students and pupils to learn more about the relevancy of wild animals and give them a chance to see the rare wild animals that may not be quite to find in the jungle. The center does so by organizing lectures, films, PowerPoint programs for visitors to the center and much more.

Research is being carried out too at the Chipangai wildlife Orphanage especially on animals collected from captivity, assessing the growth, gestation, traits and much more. More research is being conducted in the wilderness under this center within the Zimbabwean wildlife protected areas. 

Open more ventures for cooperation between the government and the locals on things concerning wild life and offer assistance to organizations like  National Parks, SPCA, Schools and private entities.

What To See And Do In Chipangai Wildlife Orphanage

Most of the animals and birds in Chipangai Wildlife Orphanage are protected in exhibits with an environment similar to that where they are commonly seen in the wilderness. During the visit to Chipangai Wildlife Orphanage, you can do a self guided tour in the center or be guided by those on ground.  During the walk, you may take the paths lead to exhibits like the avian exhibit, with flamingoes, peacocks, eagles, parrots and others. The wild animal exhibit possesses carnivores like lion leopards, cheetahs, hyenas and others.

The primates exhibit with several monkey species including black and white colobus, olive baboons and others.  Even several snakes are preserved in Chipangai Wildlife Orphanage.

For Research purposes, you can contact the Chipangai Wildlife Orphanage management so that all necessary arrangements can be done in advance. Contact us

When Is The Best Time To Visit Chipangai Wildlife Orphanage

Any time of the year is Chipangai Wildlife Orphanage time but the most exciting is the dry season that is June, July, August, September, December and January where most outdoor activities are done. The wild animals of Chipangai wildlife Orphanage are most active when the day is clear and during the dry seasons, the grass in the exhibit is lower allowing better visibility

The trails constructed in the Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage are clearly networked to connect one exhibit with another and are quicker to navigate in the dry season. 

The dry season is normally the peak tourism season in Uganda so expect to share the same space with other tourists on a visit to Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage. Expect to also share the attention of the ranger guide.

The wet season that is March, April, May and November is also fine visiting time to Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage however you need to move with some waterproof gears and warmers. The animals most of the times keep at particular points of the exhibits where they can shelter from the heavy downpours. The trails in the center may become slippery especially during heavy downpours.

The grass is higher which may obstruct your visibility to see the wild animals especially during the heavy down pours. It is best to carry with you some waterproof gears during the wet season and wear waterproof footwear. Some patience is also necessary during the wet season until the rains stop and you can continue with the tour.

How to get to Chipangai Wildlife Orphanage

From Bulawayo town, the drive to Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage is about 27 kilometers along the Gwanda road. You can get there by road as the way is quite easy to trace. It is best to make advance arrangements for the visit to

How Much Is The Cost Of A Visit To Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage

The Chipangai Wildlife Orphanage entrance fee cost must be paid as this is part of the contribution to the funds that support the center. At the Chipangai Wildlife Orphanage are other private activities you can be part of like research, keeper for the day and others. The cost of being part of these experiences at the orphanage vary that is why advance planning is necessary.

While planning the visit to Chipangai Wildlife Orphanage include the tips as this is a token of appreciation you can extend for service rendered. Although tipping is optional, at Encounter Africa safaris we encourage our clients to tip generously as this is one of the ways to encourage the guides and other staff at the center.  Accommodation where to spend your time during the visit to Chipangai Wildlife Orphanage is important especially if you have some extra time at the center as a researcher, volunteer and others. Spending extra time at the center gives you more details about it and what is done there. Get in touch with us.

Why visit Chipangai Wildlife Orphanage?

A Visit to Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage is always exciting because you get the opportunity to be at close range with animals you may not get the opportunity to see while in the wilderness. These animals live in exhibits and may move closer to the edges where visitors may be watching from. You can spot these animals from a closer range.

When you visit Chipangai Wildlife Orphanage and volunteer to work with the staff at the center, you contribute to the well being of the center and the conserved animals. While on safari in some of the game parks in Zimbabwe, you may not get the opportunity to spot some wild animals but Chipangai Wildlife Orphanage has better opportunities.

More funds are still required to support the Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage so when at the center, you must pay entrance fees. Even when at the center you may extend some grants to the center through the right channels to support the work at this center.

Children are welcome to the Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage as this is one way to teach them about the importance of co-existing with wild animals and preserving their habitats. The children get the chance to learn about the need to maintain the eco system. Kindly contact us for more information.

How long is the visit to the Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage

The time taken on a visit to Chipangai Wildlife Orphanage varies with activities you wish to be part of. With the guided walk in Chipangai Wildlife Orphanage, you may spend some more time at this center as you have to listen to the details of the different exhibits.               `

In case you are on research at Chipangai Wildlife Orphanage, you may require some days of data coaction and so you may require to spend some nights closer to the animal orphanage. For children, make plan for a visit to Chipangai Wildlife Orphanage in advance so that necessary arrangements can be done.

Is Chipangai Wildlife Orphanage safe for a visit?

Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage has security all the time so while on a visit, be sure to return home safely as long as you follow the instructions of the center. On ground are wild animals with mood swings even those they are accustomed to visitors. While at the Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage keep your voices low so as not to scare these animals.

The trails in Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage sometimes may get quite slippery especially during the heavy down pours so walk carefully.

Do not pick anything from the Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage or dump anything as this alters the natural setting of this center.

Touching the wild animals in Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage is forbidden because they are not pets and so must only be fed by those authorized at the right time.  For any activity that incudes getting up close with the wild animals, follow instructions of the care givers because they know best how to react when the animal showcases some traits.

While with children at Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage, ensure they are always under your watch so that they do not wander into the center. Do not allow them to go out of your sight especially during the peak seasons when more people visit the center.

Ensure that your vehicle is safely packed and all your valuables are in a safe place so as not to invite law breakers.

How Easy Or Tiresome Is The Walk In Chipangai Wildlife Orphanage

Walking is quite draining but very exciting to meet the animals that are only seen in documentaries or films. Listening to the stories and information about these animals is amazing too. Taking that is more refreshing and may not feel how much you have moved at the center.

Carry some snacks to munch on when at Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage because you need to recharge in order to complete the walk. During the severe rainy seasons, the walks in the center get more challenging because of moving in bare soil.

What to Pack For A Tour in Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage

When packing for a safari in Chipangai Wildlife Orphanage, ensure you know the activities you hope to engage in and pack accordingly. For those hoping to spend more time at Chipangai Wildlife Orphanage, do not forget to pack extra cash just in case you need on ground purchases.

• A pair of binoculars to capture a closer look of the surrounding of Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage especially the different land forms around the city.
• Canvas shoes especially if you have to walk as the ground is sometimes very hot and also your feet need to be protected from the rough surfaces along the way.
• Insect repellant to keep away biting insects that may cross your way like mosquitoes. Zimbabwe is a tropical country where you may have some harmful insects that may make you uncomfortable with a bite.
• Rainproof proof gears especially during the wet season. During the rainy seasons, it gets so much and may prevent you from proceeding with the visit.
• Safari hat or cap to protect your head from the dust and buzzing insects
• Sunglasses to protect your eyes from buzzing insects.
• Some warmers because Zimbabwe experiences cold conditions early morning and late afternoon.
•  Foldable drinking water bottle to quench thirst during the Tour in Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage
• Some clothes to wear while traversing Chipangai Wildlife Orphanage. Be mindful of the culture of the communities in Zimbabwe so that you do not appear to offend them.
• First aid kit in case of an emergency in case you extend your tour to other destinations of Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage. It should also contain prescribed medication from a professional doctor.
• Extra batteries fully charged to exchange with in case you one runs low.
• Duffel bag so that you can carry your belongings in case you have to help yourself.
• Some cash to use for on ground purchases as credit cards are no easy to use in Africa because of the lengthy process of collecting money from them.
• Snacks to munch on when you are in Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage in case you get hungry.
•  A camera to keep memorable moment while on a visit to Zimbabwe there many moments that happen
• Flip flops to wear while relaxing at your lodge or hotel

Contact our team for more information.