Trekking into the realm of the chimps

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Today we trek to chimps staring at 8AM as we get word from the advance trackers that the chimps are near camp.  After a tough 45 minute hike up the slope to M group which consists of 60 individuals - 19 males including the alpha, Primus and his crew. Again we have the great luck to have the chimps approach us at very close range and just plop down and sit amongst us as we marvel at their human like faces and actions.  At one point as we are walking in the forest and a a large male comes and starts screaming and shaking all the branches around us in a very provocative display but we are not alarmed as our guides have assured us we are completely safe and he is just showing off.  Good action!



We hike back to camp and enjoy warm showers and then I take a kayak out in the afternoon as the other guests board the boat for a visit to the nearby village.  My kayak trip is magic.  I float in silence over turquoise waters as I look up to the forested slopes above and travel along the beach crossing several bays.  As I look down I can see tropical fish and large cat fish that dart under my bow.  After returning to camp the other guests arrive and share a great tale of how they stumbled into a wedding party and were asked to come dance and celebrate with the villagers.  There was some excellent video documenting the incredible gyrations and calls of ten locals.  What fun!

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