Chimpanzee Trekking

Tanzania is home to two primary and renowned locations for chimpanzee trekking, both located in the remote western part of the country along Lake Tanganyika:

• Mahale Mountains National Park: Widely considered one of the best places in the world for chimpanzee trekking due to its large, well-habituated chimpanzee populations (the M-group, studied since the 1960s by Japanese researchers) and stunning setting with sandy beaches on Lake Tanganyika and lush mountains.
• Gombe Stream National Park: Made famous by Jane Goodall’s pioneering research since 1960. While smaller, it offers a deeply historical connection to chimpanzee research and provides excellent viewing opportunities.

A third, less common option is Rubondo Island National Park in Lake Victoria, where chimps were introduced to the island in the 1970s. Trekking here can be more challenging with a lower success rate for sightings, but offers a unique island safari experience.

Accessing Mahale and Gombe is part of the adventure, as they are truly off the beaten path:

• By Air: The most common and convenient way is to take scheduled or private charter flights from major hubs like Arusha or Dar es Salaam to nearby airstrips (e.g., Mahale has its own airstrip, while for Gombe, you fly to Kigoma).
• By Boat: From Kigoma (the main town on the Tanzanian side of Lake Tanganyika), you’ll then take a dhow (traditional sailboat) or speedboat to reach Gombe Stream or Mahale Mountains National Park. This boat journey offers stunning views of the lake and coastline.

• Dry Season (June to October): This is generally considered the best time for trekking as the trails are less muddy and slippery, and the vegetation is less dense, making it easier to track and view the chimpanzees. The chimps also tend to be closer to the lakeshore during this time, potentially leading to shorter treks.
• Wet/Green Season (November to May): While trekking can be more challenging due to muddy trails and denser vegetation, the chimps may be easier to find as food is more abundant and they might not range as far. This season also offers fewer crowds and lush, vibrant scenery. Avoid April and May if possible due to heavy rains.

Chimpanzee trekking permits are mandatory and are a significant part of the overall cost.

• Mahale Mountains National Park: The permit cost is currently around $150 per person per trek.
• Gombe Stream National Park: The permit cost is currently around $100 per person per trek.

These fees are in addition to park entry fees, accommodation, and transport. It’s crucial to book permits well in advance, especially during peak seasons, as numbers are limited to protect the chimpanzees.

The minimum age for chimpanzee trekking in Tanzania is typically 12 years old in Mahale and 15 years old in Gombe, though this can vary slightly by park regulations. This is for the safety of both the visitors and the chimpanzees, and also due to the often challenging nature of the trek.

Comfortable, practical clothing is key:

• Sturdy hiking boots: Essential for navigating uneven, potentially muddy, and slippery terrain.
• Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts: In neutral colors (khaki, green, brown) to protect against scratches, insects, and sun.
• Rain jacket/poncho: Even in the dry season, unexpected showers can occur in rainforest environments.
• Gardening gloves: Useful for gripping vegetation and protecting your hands from thorns.
• Insect repellent: Crucial for protection against mosquitoes and other biting insects.
• Small backpack: To carry water, snacks, camera, and other essentials.
• Camera with good zoom lens: No flash photography is allowed.
• Binoculars: For spotting chimps and other primates high in the trees.
• Water bottle: Stay hydrated during the trek.
• Sunhat and sunglasses: For sun protection, especially before and after the trek.
• Walking stick: Often provided by your guide or available at the lodge, very helpful on steep terrain.
• Face mask: Often provided by the park/lodge and required when near the chimps to prevent disease transmission.

Strict rules are in place to protect the chimpanzees and ensure a safe and respectful encounter:

• Maintain distance: Generally, a minimum distance of 7-10 meters (23-33 feet) from the chimps must be maintained.
• Maximum viewing time: Limited to one hour once you find the chimpanzees.
• No flash photography: To avoid startling the chimps.
• Keep voices low: Minimize disturbance to the chimps and other wildlife.
• No eating or drinking near the chimps.
• If you feel unwell, do not trek: Chimpanzees are highly susceptible to human illnesses.
• Always follow your guide’s instructions.

While wildlife sightings can never be 100% guaranteed, the habituated communities in Mahale and Gombe offer very high chances of successful chimpanzee sightings, especially if you plan for a multi-day visit (2-3 days). Researchers and trackers are often in the forest daily, greatly aiding the location process.

Yes, this is a popular option for a comprehensive Tanzanian adventure! However, due to the remote location of the chimpanzee parks in Western Tanzania, it usually involves additional domestic flights and adds a few extra days to your itinerary. Many travelers combine a Northern Circuit safari (Serengeti, Ngorongoro) with a flight to Mahale or Gombe for the chimpanzee trekking, often flying back through Dar es Salaam or on to Zanzibar.