Tanzania is a country of unparalleled natural beauty, boasting some of the most iconic wildlife destinations on the planet, from the vast savannas of the Serengeti to the snow-capped peaks of Kilimanjaro. But beyond the Big Five and the great wildebeest migration, Tanzania also offers a unique and lesser-known wildlife experience – chimpanzee trekking. Found in a handful of remote and pristine forests, these fascinating primates offer a glimpse into the complex social world of our closest living relatives.
Mahale Mountains National Park
Located on the eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika in western Tanzania, Mahale Mountains National Park is a true wilderness wonderland, home to one of the largest and most studied populations of wild chimpanzees in the world. The park’s rugged and remote terrain, which includes pristine rainforests, crystal-clear streams, and dramatic peaks, provides a stunning backdrop for this unforgettable wildlife experience.
Chimpanzee trekking in Mahale is an immersive experience that will get your adrenaline pumping. The park’s habituated chimps (the M-group or K-group) are used to human presence so treks will have you up close as they swing through trees like Tarzan! Departing early morning treks can range anywhere from two hours all day depending on where the chimps are hanging out.
The park is full of hidden landmarks and your guide will point them out, showing you nests, feeding sites, and other signs of their ritualistic daily lives. When you finally come face to face with these remarkable creatures it’s a moment that will take your breath away, watching them swing from tree to tree as they groom each other is a privilege that few people get to experience.
If you’re feeling adventurous aside from trekking Mahale Mountains National Park offers plenty of other activities like hiking through the jungle, swimming in the pools or snorkeling in Lake Tanganyika. The lake has over 250 species of endemic fish so taking a dive after your trek is absolutely recommended.
When to go: The best time to visit Mahale for chimpanzee trekking is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. However, the park is open year-round, and the wet season can offer a unique and lush experience.
Where to stay: There are only a few lodges and camps in Mahale but those few offer an exclusive experience. Some of the top picks include Greystoke Mahale, Mbali Mbali Mahale, and Kungwe Beach Lodge.
Insider tip: While on your treks binoculars will be very useful as sometimes Chimps can be high up in trees or far away by foot. Also make sure to bring bug spray tsetse flies have been known to bite while inside the forest.
Gombe National Park
Found on the northeastern end of Lake Tanganyika, just north of Mahale, Gombe National Park is a small but iconic chimpanzee trekking destination. It is made famous by the monumental work of primatologist Jane Goodall. The park’s lush forests and pristine lakeshore location give the scene an enchanting backdrop for this unforgettable wildlife experience.
Chimpanzee trekking in Gombe provides a more intimate and structured experience compared to Mahale. This is because the park houses a smaller population of habituated chimpanzees that have been studied over several decades. Treks embark twice each day, once in the morning and once in the afternoon. These are reserved for small groups so that the primates aren’t disturbed.
As you follow your guide through the forest, you’ll have the chance to observe the chimps up close as they eat, play, and communicate with one another. You may even witness some of scientific behaviors that Jane Goodall first documented during her time at Gombe such as tool use, hunting, and complex social interactions.
In addition to chimpanzee trekking there are other activities available throughout Gombe National Park such as hiking to stunning waterfalls present within its borders or swimming in Lake Tanganyika which lies just beneath them. There’s also the option to visit Jane Goodall Research Center where you can learn about ongoing conservation efforts taking place in this very park.
When to go: The best time to visit Gombe for chimpanzee trekking is during the dry season – from July to October & December through February. However please note that this national park operates year-round so don’t worry if these months don’t align with your plan – it will still be open!
Where to stay: Options are limited but there are a few campsites & lodges located inside Gombe Forest Lodge which offer comfortable tented rooms and stunning views of Lake Tanganyika. If you’re after an immersive experience, this is your top pick.
Insider tip: Make sure to book your chimpanzee trekking permits well in advance, as the park has a strict limit on the number of visitors allowed each day. Also, be prepared for a bit of a rough journey to get to Gombe, as the park is only accessible by boat from the town of Kigoma
Rubondo Island National Park
Located in the south-west of Lake Victoria, Rubondo Island National Park is a hidden gem for chimpanzee trekking and safaris in Tanzania. Much of the island is covered with untouched forest. The park hosts a small population of primates that were brought to the island as part of conservation efforts in the 1960s.
Chimpanzee trekking on Rubondo Island presents an uncommon adventure compared to other parks because animals are not fully habituated. Primates are more elusive here and sightings are not guaranteed. Guides and trackers, who know their way around the forest well, lead treks.
However, strolling through lush forests under a thick canopy on Rubondo Island feels like an adventure by itself. There is an array of other wildlife such as hippos, crocodiles, elephants, giraffes and over 200 bird species calling this place home. Visitors can also go fishing or kayaking during their stay.
When to go: The best time to visit Rubondo Island for chimpanzee trekking is when there’s no rain – from June till August and December till February. But be aware that even during wet seasons you will enjoy an unforgettable lush experience.
Where to stay: There is only one lodge on Rubondo Island named Rubondo Island Camp that provides luxurious service with comfortable tented rooms facing Lake Victoria.
Insider tip: Make sure you bring plenty of insect repellent with you when going on a chimpanzee trek — mosquitoes don’t respect humans even if they’re washing hands every minute! Also keep in mind that it might take you long to reach the park by boat or small plane
Pro tip: Bring a bunch of solid hiking boots and a pair of nice long pants when you’re going on one of these chimpanzee treks. Should be obvious that exploring the terrain could get pretty wack sometimes. Also, I hate to break it to you, but this most likely won’t be the most comfortable journey ever, plenty of bumps in the road getting here. I’d say buckle up, but we’re already strapped in so… prepare for a long and bumpy journey! Valleys don’t really just show up right next to cities, if you were wondering (which I’m sure you probably weren’t). This place is way out there in Tanzania’s undeveloped side so… yeah. Good luck!
Issa Valley
Located in the far reaches of Tanzania’s western Ugalla Game Reserve, the Issa Valley is a remote, wild and adventurous destination for chimpanzee trekking and safaris. The region’s tough landscape of rocky outcrops, miombo woodlands and grassy plains supports a significant population of wild chimps that have been studied by researchers for over ten years.
Because the primates here are not habituated to humans, they can be elusive and shy so close encounters with them are rare. But treks led by experienced guides and researchers who know the chimps’ habits well offer an unusually raw opportunity to experience these endangered animals in their natural environment. You’ll need patience though.
However, there is plenty else to see in this untouched wilderness. Over 200 species of birds have been recorded here, alongside top-line predators like lions and leopards, packs of African hunting dogs and a vast range of ungulates.
When to go: The best time to visit the Issa Valley for chimpanzee trekking is during the dry season (May-October) as rain makes many areas impassable (and if it’s raining you won’t want to be slogging through wet forests all day anyway). However, with its lush green landscapes dotted with flowers and butterflies, the wet season can offer its own reward.
Where to stay: Rustic Issa Valley Camp has comfortable but basic tented rooms and offers an authentic wilderness experience.
