During a month in Africa with friends (June-July 2012), I boarded a fast boat from Entebbe, Uganda ($129 round trip), for a 45-minute ride to Ngamba Island, which houses the Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary (phone +256 414 320 662). At the time of my visit, the sanctuary provided care for 48 orphaned chimps that had come from families, circuses and even a US military base.

Entry costs $40 per person, and it costs $200 a day for room and meals. In addition, one can sign on as a caregiver...

From a vacation my wife, Paula, and I and another couple took in the Republic of Ireland, June 14-25, 2012 (Dec. ’12, pg. 14), I have a few attractions and impressions to share.

We feel that, in Dublin, the Chester Beatty Library (Dublin Castle, Dublin 2; phone+[353 1] 407 0750 — Open 10-5 Tuesday-Friday, 11-5 Saturday, 1-5 Sunday and closed Mondays. Free admission) is underrated. If you’re interested in early Islamic, Asian and Christian manuscripts and art, this is a “must see.”...

During a trip to West Africa in June ’12, I spent 11 days in Senegal. In Dakar, I was fortunate to use the guide services of Massaer Dieng (e-mail dieng.massaer@yahoo.fr), who goes by “Ali.” He is knowledgeable, experienced, very personable and speaks English well. I used him for six days during my stay and was very happy with the experience.

Ali works with his friend Abdou, who is an excellent, experienced and friendly driver. (“Friendly” is not unusual in Senegal, I found.) Abdou...