APOPO Siem Reap HERORATS Visitor Centre is without a doubt one of Siem Reap’s best attractions. Cambodia is one of the most land-mine affected countries in the world and for the last 25 years, APOPO (a registered Belgian NGO) has worked tirelessly to clear landmines and make the world a safer place, not just in Cambodia, but all over the world. The APOPO Visitor Centre, located within Siem Reap town is a fantastic way to learn all about these magnificent animals and the amazing people who train them. A perfect, informative, and family friendly day out.
Now, I know what you’re thinking, “What’s so great about rats?!”. Well, these rats are particularly special (and a lot cuter than the animals you’re probably imagining when you think about rats!). APOPO trains Southern Giant Pouched Rats, which are found in East and Southern Africa, and are a lot bigger than the rats you might see scurrying around an alleyway in a busy city!
How do these rats find landmines?
Well, they’re hooked up to harnesses which are connected to a rope which is suspended and controlled by two highly trained rat handlers. The handlers will direct these rats to search a pre-marked area where explosives are possibly located, and they have been trained to scratch at the ground when they detect the smell of explosives. Once a location is marked, human technicians will be able to follow up later and remove the mine to be destroyed.
This is a much quicker process than is usually involved with detecting landmines and allows large areas of land to be de-mined so that it can be safe for people living in the area and for future generations.
What does a tour of the APOPO Siem Reap Visitor Centre entail?
First, you’ll start in the visitor centre where you can pay for your entry cost (prices listed at the bottom of this article) and browse the very informative boards and interesting photography which is dotted around on the walls. This is where you’ll wait for the next guided tour to begin (usually every 30-45 minutes or so) and is also where the gift shop is located, so you can check out all the cool merchandise!
After this, you’ll be taken outside by the guide and the tour will begin, which begins with an information session about the history of landmines in Cambodia and the history of APOPO itself as an organisation, followed by a Q&A session given in English.
Then you’ll move on to the demonstration area, where one of the HERORATS will be brought out and the handlers will show you an in depth demonstration of how the rats do their work. At any point during the tour, the guides are happy to answer any questions as they’re all super knowledgeable!
After this, you’ll head to the classroom area where you’ll be given the opportunity to actually hold one of the rats yourself! If you’re brave enough, make sure you do this as the rats are incredibly cute and friendly and it’ll definitely be a story to tell your friends!
You’ll then be given the chance to watch some great informative videos about the good work APOPO does and be asked by the guides if you have any more questions or if there’s anything you’re still curious about.
After this, you head back to the gift shop where the tour ends.
We highly recommend purchasing some of the cool merchandise that’s on offer as you’ll have a great souvenir from your trip and the money helps go to an amazing cause.
How much does a tour cost?
Joining the open group tour – $10 per person
Private group tour for 1-4 people – $30 per person
Private group tour for 5-20 people – $20 per person
This can be booked in advance by emailing them at [email protected]
If you’re joining the open group tour, booking in advance is not required, though advisable during busy season
To find the APOPO Siem Reap Visitor Centre, ask your Tuktuk driver or head to the following Google Maps location;
https://maps.app.goo.gl/PbxYtn7P7qiXJqyQ8
They are open 7 days a week, 8.30AM to 5PM with the last tour beginning at 4.30PM
Make sure to check out APOPO and the great humanitarian work they do by visiting their website HERE or by visiting their social media pages.
There are so many things to do in Siem Reap aside from visiting the beautiful Angkor Wat temples. If seeing the HERORATS at Apopo Siem Reap has put you in the mood to check out more animals, CLICK HERE to read all about the Angkor Wildlife and Aquarium park.
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