Gold Mining and Camp Leaky or Pesalat Tour

This tour combines Orangutans with a devastating example of forest destruction by illegal Gold Mining. Only those interested in the mal-effects of such practices should go, as it is a long day.

Leave at 0700 after breakfast for a four hour trip up the Sekonyer river to see gold and sand mining. Miners live mainly in Kumai or surrounding villages and use primitive pump and sluice methods of extraction of gold and silica. The gold is washed off on rough matting on the sluice, using Mercury for settling. The sand extracted is grey with elements such as Ziconium bringing high prices in Hong Kong. On return you will call at Camp Leakey to take in the feeding at 1400. Camp Leakey claims to be the longest, continuous biological experiment in the world. The Camp has been made famous by the renowned Orangutan scientisit Professor Dr Birute Galdikas. At this unique place, now known to be the best orangutan experience in the world, you will experience unique sights of these amazing primates. Later in the evening on the run back to the Lodge, you should see many groups of roosting primates including Proboscis and Macaques and maybe if you are lucky Langurs. Dinner at the Lodge after a full day.