Chimpanzee trekking safaris in Tanzania
Chimpanzee trekking safaris in Tanzania offer a thrilling and intimate opportunity to observe one of our closest living relatives in their natural habitat. Unlike the classic Big Five safari, chimpanzee trekking takes you deep into Tanzania’s dense tropical forests, where you can witness the complex social behavior, intelligence, and emotional depth of these remarkable primates. It’s a unique, active experience that appeals to nature lovers, photographers, researchers, and anyone seeking a different kind of wildlife adventure.
The most famous destination for chimpanzee trekking in Tanzania is Gombe Stream National Park, located on the eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika. This park gained international recognition through the groundbreaking work of Dr. Jane Goodall, who began her long-term chimpanzee studies there in the 1960s. Gombe is accessible only by boat, giving it an off-the-beaten-path appeal. Trekking through its steep forest trails offers the chance to encounter habituated chimpanzee families, along with other primates, birds, and butterflies. The experience is often described as deeply moving, especially when chimps are vocalizing, grooming, or playing just meters away.
Another excellent option is Mahale Mountains National Park, further south along Lake Tanganyika. Mahale is even more remote and arguably more pristine, with breathtaking scenery that includes white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush, forested slopes. It is home to one of Africa’s largest protected chimpanzee populations. The trekking here can be challenging due to the steep terrain, but the reward is a peaceful, immersive experience with fewer visitors and truly wild surroundings. Lodges like Greystoke Mahale offer high-end accommodations and guided treks that blend conservation with comfort.
Chimpanzee trekking typically involves a short briefing followed by a guided hike into the forest, which can last anywhere from 1 to 4 hours depending on the location of the chimps that day. Once a group is found, visitors are allowed to observe them for up to one hour. Group sizes are small to minimize disturbance, and strict rules are enforced to protect both the chimps and visitors, such as maintaining distance and avoiding treks when ill.
Best done during the dry season (May to October), chimpanzee trekking safaris are a perfect complement to traditional game drives in Tanzania’s savannah parks. They offer an enriching, human-like wildlife encounter and a chance to explore a lesser-known but equally fascinating side of Tanzania’s natural wonders.