Holiday Reviews
We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same trip can have different views!
Read our review policy
Volunteering with rescued chimps, in Spain, independent reviews
 Reviewed 19 Oct 2009 by Jane Perry |  |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Every single moment of it. The staff and volunteers at the sanctuary carry out such dedication and care for the chimps and I thank them all for letting me have this wonderful experience. I plan to go back out, maybe next year. What a wonderful opportunity this was and these working weekends generate such a valuable income towards the sanctuary.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take a packed lunch, old clothes to wear and Wellington boots. I can also happily recommend Hotel Peninsular as your accommodation in Gerona.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Not sure about the benefit to the local people, the chimps benefit though, as they have been rescued from appalling circumstances and now have a natural environment to be safe and very well cared for responsibly.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent, I plan to go again and to send regular donations toward then running of the sanctuary. I have wonderful memories to share new friends. The staff and volunteers are very warm, welcoming and so very dedicated. All like minded-people should experience this working weekend. I thank the organisation and responsibletravel.com so much for my experience.
| Reviewed 5 Dec 2008 by Thien-Ly Ngo | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The opportunity to learn and interact with the chimps. They were nervous about us on the first day and we really got to see how they planned actions out, interacted amongst themselves, and were curious about us. The volunteers and staff are very wonderful people who really do care about the chimps and would do anything for their well-being. It was a great feeling to come home tired, dirty, and sore for the sake of the chimpanzees and macaus.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Wear old clothes and pack your lunch!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Definitely. They needed all the help they could get, and with the added help of just two volunteers, we were able to redesign an entire enclosure for the macaus! What a great way to contribute as a part of our stay.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
TERRIFIC. The staff really made a difference in how we were able to help out. They explained everything and allowed us to use our own creativity to contribute as well.
| Reviewed 29 Aug 2008 by Claire Murray | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The whole thing really. It was all just amazing.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared to muck in and do as many different jobs as you can to get the most satisfaction and reward from your holiday.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
I certainly hope so and it will benefit the chimps who had previously come from lives of awful abuse and neglect to a place where they are so obviously loved and well looked after by the keepers.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
One of the most amazing experiences I have had. To be that close to such wonderful animals and have the chance to observe their behaviour was incredible.
| Reviewed 30 Sep 2009 by Emma Fairlamb | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Having the opportunity to spend so much time in close proximity to the chimps and getting to know their individual characters.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Watch out for chimps armed with orange peel! Seriously: bring comfy clothes you don't mind getting dirty,
be prepared to work long hours, and don't forget to bring your lunch and drinks with you.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Definitely felt we made a contribution
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Amazing
| Reviewed 13 Aug 2009 by Hedda Walker | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It was all a fantastic experience and we've come home with so many great memories and photographs. The best part was having the time to observe the chimps - their individual personalities really do become apparent. We arrived at a very interesting time as the chimp groups (which had previously been kept separately) had just been introduced to each other and were beginning their process of learning to socialise within a larger, mixed group. We were made to feel very welcome at the centre and our contributions to the daily tasks were valued. The staff look after the animals so well.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared to join in with all tasks - even helping to clean out the cage wasn't too bad! Remember to pack your lunch and snacks - it's quite a long day. Be prepared for your legs to ache at the end of the day. Practice your throwing skills - you'll find out why if you book this trip!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
We like to think that we were of help to the excellent staff and volunteers who run this centre so well. We also know that the tasks we completed were all for the benefit of the primates; who deserve this care so much.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Brilliant, we intend to visit again!
| Reviewed 27 Oct 2008 by Fiona Buck | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The most memorable aspects of the trip were spending time watching the animals especially when they have their evening meal, getting to know their individual characters and hearing about the journeys they were on before they arrived at the centre. I was also impressed by the longer term volunteer staff and the vet (Amelia)/keeper (Christina) their commitment is great and I came away hoping that I had helped out in some small way to the work that they all do!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Volunteers need to be prepared to do the grotty bits - cleaning the cages in the morning but these are countered by helping to make 'enrichment' tasks, hammocks and watching the chimps during the day and at the evening mealtime. It is a long day on site, we usually finished at 7-7.30 starting at 9 but it wasn’t a problem. It is important to listen carefully to the briefing and be cautious around the animals at all times. Be prepared to be enthralled by the chimpanzees!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
I felt very welcome at the centre and that the staff wanted me to understand the work they are doing as well as for me to contribute to the daily workload and the more fun aspects!
I felt that the centre is well run and the animals are cared to the highest standard and it was great to feel part of team even if it was for a short time... I felt like my volunteer payment will be going to good use, it was nice to leave Spain feeling I had contributed something to the local environment.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I have come home with great memories and I hope I can find time to go and help again... Although my Spanish/Catalan was hopeless!- I found the staff welcoming, there were enough people who spoke English and we managed the rest of time in various ways! I enjoyed the experience and if someone is prepared to do the work, they will have a great trip.
| Reviewed 7 Jan 2008 by Marjolein Alting | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Being close to the chimpansees and having the opportunity to learn more about their behaviour and different personalities. Sometimes I felt the animals were as interested to observe me as I was to observe them! Everybody at the centre was very friendly and willing to teach me everything. They made me feel part of the team, even though I only stayed for two days. The work at the centre is very practical and you really feel you are helping out.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don’t expect to work hands on with the animals. However, working for them and observing their behaviour is very rewarding and a unique experience.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Working as a volunteer improves the centres income, so it was very beneficial
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was a great short term volunteer holiday and I can recommend it to everyone.
| Reviewed 24 Oct 2007 by Julie Macdonald | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Getting the opportunity to spend two days so close to the chimps. Two days was enough to get to know the names and personalities of the 14 chimps and for them to accept my presence. It was incredible to look into the eyes of the chimps and watch their behaviour. I also found the working aspect very enjoyable, especially cleaning the sleeping enclosures - something which quite surprised me!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don't expect to get too close to the chimps on the first day. They can be nervous and aggressive with newcomers. The second day is likely to be much more involved and enjoyable. The more you put in, the more you'll get out of the experience. The staff and other volunteers (six month placements) are very friendly and helpful.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
It definitely benefited the chimp sanctuary as the two-day volunteer placements provide them with a large part of their income, which will go in time to building further outside and inside enclosures, so that more chimps can be rescued. Currently the sanctuary is at capacity and cannot take more chimps, despite there being many more to be rescued. The money from this holiday really does help.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fantastic. A brilliant opportunity and one that I fully expect to do again.