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Tanzania Chimpanzee Trekking

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What Is Chimpanzee Trekking?

Tanzania Chimpanzee trekking is an immersive guided wildlife experience that involves tracking and observing chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Similar to gorilla trekking, you’ll follow your knowledgeable guide through the dense forest to locate a group of wild chimpanzees and observe them going about their day. Typically offered in Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania, chimp trekking is a memorable and educational experience, offering a rare glimpse into the complex social world of these intelligent animals

Gombe and Mahale National Park are located on the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika. Kigoma is the main city on the Tanzanian side of the lake. Gombe is about 20 km from Kigoma region while Mahale National Park is located about 150 km south of the same region. These three national parks in Tanzania are a perfect place for chimpanzee trekking.

 Tanzania: Chimpanzees Hiking in Gombe Sui Stream National Park

Established in 1968 and covering an area of 35 km2, it is one of the smallest national parks in Tanzania. It is located in the western region of Kigoma, Tanzania, and its main attraction is a large population of chimpanzees.

Gombe National Park is associated with Jane Goodall, who began studying chimpanzees in 1960. It is accessible to about 100 chimpanzees. Chimpanzee tracking in Gombe National Park is a popular activity in this park and it requires a lot of time and effort. It is best done right after sunrise at the end of the dry season from July to October on which during this time it only takes less time to trace them on their daily schedules

Gombe also has other primate species, including the olive baboon, the common vervet, the red colobus, the red-tailed colobus, and the blue monkey. Chimp tracking at Gombe is done with the help of a guide.

Tanzania Chimpanzee Trekking in the Mahale Mountains National Park

It is a 1,613 km.sq Park on Lake Tanganyika and is not as well-known as Gombe National Park. Take a walk it is more remote and much larger. It has from 700 to 1000 chimpanzees a Research by Japanese scientists has been going on since 1965.

This National Park is one of the most beautiful parks in Tanzania. It has mountains, lush forests, and deserted sandy beaches. Chimpanzee tracking may involve more walking than at Gombe. Seeing chimps is almost guaranteed on a three-day visit. The hike to reach the Mahale chimpanzees can vary from a leisurely walk lasting about 20 minutes to a more strenuous hike that can last the majority of a day. They are easiest to see towards the end of the dry season (August to October), as the forest paths are at their driest and least slippery, and the chimps are usually the closest to the shore. To see the chimpanzees, it’s always wise to bring walking boots, long trousers, and a small backpack (for cameras and binoculars).

Although we can’t 100% guarantee it, in the Mahale Mountains it’s very likely to see chimpanzees. You’d be very unlucky to be here for several days and not find them. More often, you’ll be able to sit and watch them grooming, tussling, foraging, bickering, and taking care of their young. Sitting in the forest and watching chimps go about their daily lives is an impressive experience, which is what makes Mahale’s chimp safaris so special.

 Chimpanzees trekking in Tanzania’s Rubondo National Park

It was officially listed as a national park in 1977 and is well protected and preserved due to its ecological values, including wildlife such as chimpanzees, but the park is also a breeding ground. Migratory birds and fish are important.

How fit do you need to be to go chimpanzee trekking?

Chimpanzee trekking is a physically demanding adventure lasting for hours, so a moderate level of fitness is required. You’ll be tackling hilly and mountainous terrain, often muddy and uneven, while simultaneously navigating the thick vegetation over an extended period. The length of your trek and difficulty of the terrain will depend on where the chimpanzees are located, and you could be hiking for anywhere between one and five hours. Flexibility, stamina, and a good sense of balance will help greatly in navigating the uneven and unpredictable conditions.

You certainly don’t need to be an athlete to go chimp trekking, but being in good health and having a reasonable level of fitness will enhance your enjoyment of the experience. If you have concerns, chat to your experienced guide who can assist you and provide additional support as you go.

Chimpanzee Trekking Rules and Regulations

There are some responsibilities and rules to adhere to, to ensure your safety as well as that of the chimps. As our closest relatives, chimps are vulnerable to the same illnesses that we are. For this reason, you will not be permitted to trek if you have a cold or infection. The idea is to observe the chimpanzees without disturbing them, or their environment, at all. Other rules and regulations include:

  • No flash photography is allowed
  • Maintain a distance of 7-8 meters from the chimps
  • Do not provoke the chimps or try to attract their attention
  • Keep noise and talking to a minimum
  • No eating or drinking while viewing the chimpanzees
  • You may only spend one hour observing the chimps
  • Group numbers are limited to eight travellers
  • Always follow the rules given to you by your ranger

Best Time To Go On A Chimpanzee Safari

As chimpanzee safaris are offered in Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania, the best time to go will depend on where it is that you’re going. Generally, the drier seasons are best for a trek through the forest as conditions are a little easier and and less muddy.

The best time to go to Tanzania for chimps is June to September and December to February. The trails aren’t as muddy, and the vegetation is less dense. The dry seasons also offer clear views and favourable photography conditions. The wet seasons, from March to May and October to November, are less appealing but still possible. The chimpanzees are more elusive. However, this quieter season has advantages like reduced prices and fewer crowds. 

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This is an ideal way to cut down the costs as travelers in the group share the expenses on fuel, guides, etc. and at the same time share the experience with new friends.