Chimpanzee Trekking Destinations in Tanzania: Tanzania is one of the largest countries in East Africa and famous for its vast game parks/reserves, sandy beaches on the Indian Ocean, Lake Tanganyika, towering mountains like the Kilimanjaro, archaeological sites like Olduvai Gorge and chimpanzee trekking which will be the subject of this article. Chimpanzee Trekking is more commonly associated with Uganda and Rwanda. Often, when travelers think of Tanzania, they picture exciting safaris to witness the great wildebeest migration in places like the Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater. Tanzania is also famous for adventurers aiming to scale Mount Kilimanjaro and for those who want to explore the charming coastal towns, especially the popular island of Zanzibar.
Where To See Chimpanzees in Tanzania
Gombe Stream National Park
Gombe Stream National Park is one of the two main places in Tanzania where tourists can trek to see chimpanzees. The park is situated alongside Lake Tanganyika and near the border with Burundi, the park has become well-known, especially since the 1960s when a dedicated scientist named Jane Goodall started her remarkable study of wild chimpanzees. One of the major highlights of safaris to Gombe Stream National Park is Chimpanzee Tracking.
This National Park is famous for the ground-breaking research by Jane Goodall who studied chimpanzees in this relatively small National Park. One of the major highlights of safaris to Gombe Stream National Park is Chimpanzee Tracking. Although generally, Gombe stream isn’t a popular chimpanzee trekking destination in Africa, it hosts troops of habituated chimpanzees that you can trek during a Tanzania safari holiday tour. If you wish to experience these primates during your safari in Tanzania and would not like to fly to other popular chimpanzee trekking destinations in neighboring Uganda and Rwanda, Gombe Stream National Park is an excellent option. There are up to 150 chimpanzees in Gombe and up to 82 different other wildlife species that you will encounter on Safaris to this National Park
Gombe Stream National Park is one of the smallest national parks in Tanzania. The park covers an area of approximately 35 square kilometers. It has become a popular destination for those looking to trek and observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Every year, many tourists and researchers make their way to Tanzania, eager for the chance to see these fascinating primates up close in the wild. The chimpanzee groups that are open to tourism have gradually become more comfortable around people through a process known as habituation. In addition to chimpanzees, visitors to Gombe Stream have the unique chance to spot other monkey species as well, including olive baboons, red colobus, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, and vervet monkeys. Birds, butterflies, and a wide variety of rare forest flora can be spotted during forest walks and chimpanzee treks.
Getting to Gombe Stream National Park
The best way to get to Gombe Stream National Park is by using charter flights from Mwanza, Dar es Salaam, and Arusha depending on your entry point to the Kigoma airport where you will then transfer to the park on a ferry along Lake Tanganyika
Where To Stay in Gombe Stream National Park During Your Chimpanzee Trekking Tours
Gombe Stream National Park has got affordable accommodations that cater for different levels of tourists. The accommodation facilities range from Budget, mid-range to luxury levels. Some of these include Mukoyoyo Guest House, Mbali Mbali Gombe lodge, Muzye Lodge and Gombe Forest Lodge among others.
Mahale Mountains National Park
Mahale Mountains National Park offers a unique opportunity for visitors to encounter wild chimpanzees in Tanzania, making it the second site in the country dedicated to these fascinating creatures. Established in 1985, the park is home to a thriving population of over 800 chimpanzees and is more expansive than Gombe National Park, covering an impressive area of 1,613 square kilometers.
One of the park’s most striking features is its lush greenery, coupled with its proximity to the stunning shores of Lake Tanganyika. Within its boundaries, the Mahale Mountains boast vast tropical rainforests that shelter a variety of beautiful tree species, including pines, silk trees, mahogany, and fig trees, as well as bamboo and open grasslands. This rich diversity of vegetation creates a vibrant ecosystem, making Mahale an extraordinary place in Tanzania.
Beyond the charming chimps, the park is alive with other wildlife, such as giant forest squirrel, red-legged sun squirrel, brush-tailed porcupine, Angolan black-and-white colobus monkeys, bushy-tailed mongoose, banded mongoose, blue duiker and Sharpe’s grysbok. You’ll also be delighted with the view of animals such as Roan antelopes, sable antelopes and Lichtenstein hartebeest, Lions, warthogs, zebra and giraffes. Birdwatchers and butterfly enthusiasts will also find delight here, as Mahale is a fantastic location to observe a wide array of bird species and colorful butterflies fluttering about.
How to get to Mahale Mountains National Park
Reaching Mahale Mountains National Park can be a bit of an adventure, as it’s situated in a quite secluded part of the world. Due to its remote location, driving there isn’t really an option. The most practical way to arrive is by taking a charter flight, which you’ll need to book ahead of time. Once you land, you’ll hop on a boat to cross Lake Tanganyika to finally reach the park. Depending on your financial situation and the weather conditions, you can choose between a traditional wooden boat or a faster speedboat. The boat ride can take anywhere from about 20 minutes to nearly 2 hours.
Where To Stay in Mahale Mountains National Park
While there are a range of accommodation options available in Mahale Mountains National Park, the accommodation facilities in the park range from luxury, and mid-range to budget-friendly. Some of the accommodation facilities options here include Greystoke Mahale, Mbali Mbali Mahale Lodge, Mahale Guest House, and Mahale Classic Lodge, among others.
Best Time to For a Chimpanzee Trekking Tour in Tanzania
The best time for chimpanzee trekking tours in Tanzania is during the dry seasons, which typically run from June to October and from December to February. During these months, the weather is pleasant, making it easier to hike through the forest, and wildlife activity is higher, enhancing your chances of spotting these amazing primates.
What is the Cost of Chimpanzee Permit in Tanzania?
In Tanzania, the price of a permit to see chimpanzees can differ based on where you want to go. Gombe Stream National Park is one of the popular spots for chimpanzee trekking. Here you’ll need to pay about $ 100 per person per day for foreign visitors. On the other side, visitors interested in embarking on a chimpanzee trekking tour in Mahale Mountains National Park will pay about $ 150 for a permit per person per day if they’re foreign visitors. This permit let you follow and watch the chimpanzees in their natural habitat, with the help of knowledgeable park guides who know the area well. It is important to know that the minimum age for chimpanzee trekking in Tanzania 15 years. Travelers are required to follow the guidelines given to them during the briefing before the trek.
What You Should Pack for A Chimpanzee Adventure in Tanzania
When planning to embark on a chimpanzee adventure in Tanzania. It is important to pack the right things. Here’s a simple list to help you prepare; long-sleeved shirts, T-shirts, free walking trousers, strong light waterproof hiking boots, breathable socks insect repellents, sunscreen, digital camera, binoculars, day backpacks to carry travel equipment, drinking water, rain jackets and snack and many more.
