Chimpanzee Trekking in Tanzania (Mahale & Gombe): The Guide + Videos

In contrast to the typical wildlife safaris in Tanzania’s Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara national parks, which form the northern circuit of the country, chimpanzee trekking in Tanzania offers a unique experience. You can typically anticipate seeing the big five, a variety of predators, and grazers in the various protected zones on a Tanzania safari. Meeting man’s closest cousins in their natural environment is as amazing as it gets, though. In the adventure, you wander through Mahale Mountains National Park’s magnificent woodland in quest of these apes. Even more enjoyable is spending time with them.

You search the area for the source of the sounds you are hearing via the fig, mahogany, silk, and nutmeg trees. Soon you see a large forest squirrel or a colobus monkey searching for berries. However, the anticipation of seeing your near family still makes your heart race. After several hours of walking, you eventually come across them. a pack of curiously gazing habituated chimpanzees. The value of an hour spent with chimpanzees is immeasurable. It’s beautiful to see them scale the tall forest trees in quest of fruits and foliage. Accept the many echoing chimp noises as they converse with one another. In Mahale, chimpanzee populations are acclimated, or unaware of human presence. Without a care in the world, they will continue with their everyday activities. Watch them eat, play, and even fight from a safe distance.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Tanzania

Chimpanzee Trekking Experience in Tanzania

Experiences with chimpanzees can be had in Tanzania without any special training. Instead, you need to be in good physical form to hike across forests and mountain ranges. Frequently, it begins at 8:00 am with an experience briefing. Here, chimpanzee trekking is offered to visitors. The rules for chimpanzee trekking are also discussed before the experience starts. Tourists are led through the trails in groups of six in search of the apes. You eventually locate them by looking for hints such as their last night’s nest, recent chimpanzee excrement, and abandoned fruit.

It is magnificent to watch the chimpanzees swing between tree branches above the forest canopy. Watch as the chimpanzee mothers gather termites and insects from the trees to feed their young. Watch them play and nurture each other. The majority of these people have habits. Consequently, humans have the chance to interact with them more closely.

In addition to seeing chimpanzees while on a hike, the forest is home to birds, olive baboons, monkeys, roan antelopes, and bush pigs.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Mahale and Gombe National Park

CHIMP TREKKING at Greystoke, Mahale!!! 🐵🐒 | TANZANIA, AFRICA

Only two of Tanzania’s chimpanzee-protected zones allow for hiking. In Gombe National Park, emulate Jane Goodall, the chimpanzees’ toughest defender and closest comrade. A vulnerable stretch of chimpanzee habitat skirts the steep hills and river valleys that surround the sandy northern shore of Lake Tanganyika in this 13 square mile, boat-accessible park. Visits are restricted to six-person parties 15 years of age and older, and are capped at one hour. This facility is home to about 95 chimpanzees.

Chimpanzee trekking is possible in the Mahale Mountains National Park, which has boat access only and no roads, south of Gombe but still on Lake Tanganyika. One of the most difficult treks on this list, chimp trekking is given by just two accommodations (EJ exclusively suggests Greystoke Mahale, a barefoot luxury seaside lodge made up of six thatched bandas and having superb guides). This is because of the high inclines and deep jungle. There are over 800 monkeys in Mahale Mountains National Park, but only about 60 of the Mimikere or “M” group are habituated.

Rules and Regulations for Chimpanzee Trekking in Tanzania

• Chimpanzee trekking is only permitted for anyone 15 years of age and older.
• It’s against the law for visitors to consume food, smoke, or drink close to chimpanzees.
• It’s not allowed to use flash photography. When taking pictures of the chimpanzees, tourists are obliged to always turn off their camera flashes.
• In the forest, avoid leaving trash behind. Keep your trash and place it in the trash cans in the park’s administrative building.
• When unwell, one is not permitted to trek chimpanzees. Human diseases can infect chimpanzees.
• The guidelines provided at the time of the briefing must also be followed by tourists. additionally from the trekking guides.
• Keep at least an 8-meter distance from the chimpanzees at all times. This keeps the chimps from feeling packed in and encircled.
• When among chimpanzees, speak in a quiet voice at all times. The primates can be aroused by noise.

What you need for Chimpanzee Trekking in Tanzania

• A permission for walking with chimpanzees. This card permits you to go chimpanzee trekking in their native habitat.
• The right hiking boots for navigating the rocky terrain and steep incline
• long pants and shirts with sleeves. These will shield you from the thorns and jagged tree branches.
• Drink plenty of water, and keep yourself energized with a packed lunch or snacks.
• For the erratic rainfall of the tropical rainforest, a rain poncho.
• a set of binoculars to aid in capturing distant views of the chimpanzees in the treetops.
• If you want to get the best pictures of the primates and the surrounding wildlife, you’ll need a good camera and batteries.
• a suitcase. All of your belongings will need to be carried and protected in a backpack.