Chimpanzee trekking in Tanzania offers a truly unique and emotional wildlife experience, one that brings you face-to-face with our closest genetic relatives in the heart of pristine tropical rainforests. Far from the savannahs of Serengeti and Ngorongoro, this journey takes you deep into the forested slopes of Mahale Mountains National Park and Gombe Stream National Park, where communities of wild chimpanzees thrive in their natural habitat.
At Explore Trekking Adventures, we craft chimpanzee trekking tours that immerse you in nature, guided by expert trackers and local guides who have spent years observing chimp behavior. As you hike through lush forests filled with birdsong and butterflies, you’ll follow clues—nests, footprints, and distant calls—until suddenly, there they are: grooming, playing, or simply observing you with equal curiosity.
Mahale Mountains National Park
Accessible only by boat on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, Mahale is one of the most remote and unspoiled parks in Africa. Here, the Mimikire chimpanzee group—one of the most habituated in the world—offers unforgettable encounters. The backdrop of crystal-clear lake waters and misty mountain forests makes Mahale ideal for both trekking and photography.
Gombe Stream National Park
Famous for Jane Goodall’s groundbreaking chimpanzee research, Gombe is the smallest national park in Tanzania but rich in primate biodiversity. It’s ideal for travelers looking for a more accessible and historically significant trekking experience.
Chimpanzee trekking is an active adventure that requires hiking through steep, often humid terrain. Treks can last from 1 to 4 hours depending on the chimpanzees’ location that day. Once you find them, you’ll have up to one magical hour to observe these incredible creatures up close. Our treks always follow ethical guidelines that prioritize the well-being of the chimps and their forest home.
Your day typically includes:
Early morning briefing and start
Guided forest trek with a professional tracker
Chimpanzee observation (up to 1 hour)
Return hike and lunch by the lake or forest camp
