Chimpanzee Trekking in Tanzania, Tanzania is renowned for its breathtaking wildlife, from the vast herds of wildebeest in the Serengeti to the majestic elephants of Tarangire. However, many travelers are unaware that Tanzania is also one of the best places in Africa to see chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Chimpanzees, our closest living relatives, share about 98% of our DNA, making encounters with them both fascinating and deeply moving.
If you’re wondering whether you can see chimpanzees in Tanzania and where to find them, the answer is a resounding yes! Tanzania offers several prime locations for chimpanzee trekking, each providing a unique and unforgettable experience.
Location: Western Tanzania, along the shores of Lake Tanganyika
Best Time to Visit: Dry season (May–October)
Gombe Stream National Park is Tanzania’s smallest national park but one of its most famous, primarily due to the groundbreaking research conducted by Dr. Jane Goodall. Since the 1960s, Goodall’s studies on chimpanzee behavior have brought global attention to Gombe, making it a bucket-list destination for primate lovers.
Chimpanzee Trekking: Visitors can embark on guided forest walks to observe habituated chimpanzee families. Treks can last anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the chimps’ movements.
Close Encounters: Gombe’s chimps are well accustomed to humans, allowing for remarkably close observations of their daily activities—feeding, grooming, playing, and even tool use.
Other Wildlife: While chimps are the main attraction, Gombe is also home to red colobus monkeys, olive baboons, and over 200 bird species.
Gombe is accessible via boat from Kigoma, which can be reached by flight from Dar es Salaam or Arusha.
Location: Western Tanzania, on the shores of Lake Tanganyika
Best Time to Visit: Dry season (May–October)
Mahale Mountains National Park is another exceptional destination for chimpanzee sightings. Unlike Gombe, Mahale is more remote and less visited, offering a more exclusive wilderness experience. The park is home to the M-group, one of the largest known chimpanzee communities in the wild.
Deep Forest Treks: Chimpanzee tracking in Mahale involves hiking through dense rainforest and steep terrain, adding an adventurous element to the experience.
Swimming Chimps: Mahale’s chimps are known to occasionally swim in Lake Tanganyika—a rare behavior not commonly seen elsewhere.
Stunning Scenery: The park’s backdrop of the Mahale Mountain range and the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tanganyika make it one of Africa’s most scenic wildlife destinations.
Most visitors fly from Arusha or Dar es Salaam to Kigoma, followed by a boat transfer to Mahale.
Location: Lake Victoria, northwestern Tanzania
Best Time to Visit: June–October
Rubondo Island is a hidden gem for chimpanzee viewing, though sightings are less guaranteed than in Gombe or Mahale. The park was part of a chimpanzee reintroduction program, and while the chimps here are more elusive, the island’s untouched beauty makes it worth a visit.
Reintroduced Chimpanzees: The chimps on Rubondo were rescued from captivity and reintroduced into the wild, making them shyer than habituated groups.
Boat Safaris: Since Rubondo is an island, exploration often involves boat trips, offering chances to see hippos, crocodiles, and diverse birdlife.
Fishing & Relaxation: The park is ideal for travelers looking for a tranquil retreat combined with wildlife viewing.
Flights are available from Mwanza or Arusha to Rubondo’s airstrip.
While Gombe, Mahale, and Rubondo are the primary locations for chimpanzee trekking, there are a few other places where chimps can occasionally be spotted:
Though primarily known for lions and buffalo, Katavi has a small chimpanzee population in its remote western forests. However, sightings are rare.
This lesser-known reserve has wild chimpanzees, but they are not habituated to humans, making sightings difficult.
The dry season (May–October) is the best time for chimpanzee trekking because:
Easier Trekking: Trails are less muddy, and vegetation is thinner, improving visibility.
Higher Chimpanzee Activity: Chimps tend to stay closer to reliable water sources, making them easier to locate.
The wet season (November–April) can still offer good sightings, but trekking conditions are more challenging due to rain and dense foliage.
Permits are required for chimpanzee trekking in Gombe and Mahale (costing around 100–200 per person).
Group sizes are limited to minimize human impact on the chimps.
Strict rules apply, including maintaining a safe distance (7–10 meters) and avoiding direct eye contact.
Vaccinations: Yellow fever, hepatitis A/B, and typhoid vaccinations are recommended.
Malaria Prophylaxis: Necessary due to the forested environments.
Fitness Level: Trekking can be physically demanding, especially in Mahale’s steep terrain.
Lightweight, long-sleeved clothing (to protect against insects and scratches)
Sturdy hiking boots
Binoculars and a good camera
Rain gear (if visiting in the wet season)
Unique Wildlife Encounter: Observing chimps in the wild is a profound experience, offering insights into their complex social structures and behaviors.
Conservation Impact: Tourism supports chimpanzee conservation efforts, helping protect these endangered primates.
Combination with Other Safaris: Tanzania’s western parks can be paired with classic safaris in the Serengeti or Ngorongoro for a complete wildlife adventure.
Yes, you can see chimpanzees in Tanzania! The country’s western parks—Gombe Stream, Mahale Mountains, and Rubondo Island—offer some of the best chimpanzee trekking experiences in Africa. Whether you’re following in Jane Goodall’s footsteps in Gombe, hiking the remote Mahale Mountains, or exploring the serene Rubondo Island, encountering wild chimpanzees is an unforgettable adventure.
For wildlife enthusiasts, combining a classic Tanzanian safari with a chimpanzee trek creates the ultimate African expedition—one that bridges the gap between humanity and our closest relatives in the animal kingdom.
If you’re ready to witness these incredible primates in the wild, start planning your trip to Tanzania’s chimpanzee sanctuaries. With expert guides, lush forests, and intimate wildlife encounters, it’s an experience you’ll cherish forever.
