Chimpanzee Trekking in Tanzania
Chimpanzee trekking is an active experience that involves hiking through thick forests, up hills, and through valleys for tourism and research purposes. Humans share 98.8% DNA with Chimpanzees, imagine searching for a close relative. Chimpanzee trekking in Tanzania takes place in Mahale Mountains National Park, Gombe National Park etc. Unlike other Safaris, chimp trekking goes beyond where guests get on foot for a lifetime adventure.
Tanzania has two main locations for Chimp Trekking
-
Gombe Stream National Park
The park is found along the eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika, Gombe is the smallest national park in Tanzania but it has a lot to offer. It gained global recognition through the groundbreaking research of Dr. Jane Goodall, who began studying the park’s chimpanzees in 1960.
Gombe’s steep forested slopes offer close viewing opportunities, often bringing visitors within a few meters of the habituated chimp families.
-
Mahale Mountains National Park
Mahale is considered one of the best chimpanzee trekking destinations in the world. It is located on the western shores of Lake Tanganyika; this park combines outstanding white-sand beaches with misty mountains. Its chimpanzee population is larger and often more habituated than that of Gombe hence offering high chances of encounter.
Mahale is place in the remote, peaceful, and breathtakingly beautiful, ideal for travelers seeking a truly immersive wilderness moment. 
Cost of Chimpanzee Trekking Permits
Gombe Stream National Park
The permit in Gombe costs USD 100–120 per person per trek
This fee typically covers park entry and the guided chimp trek.
Mahale Mountains National Park
The permit in Mahale costs USD 100–150 per person per trek
Mahale’s permits are slightly higher due to its remote location and longer trekking opportunities.
However, Prices may change depending on whether you are a foreigner, East African resident, or local citizen. It’s always best to confirm with TANAPA (Tanzania National Parks Authority) or your tour operator before your trip.
The Chimpanzee Trekking Process
The day begins with a drive to the briefing center where visitors sign in and present their Chimp permits for confirmation. After you are assigned a skilled ranger to do the briefing before trekking. The briefing involves safety guidelines, environmental etiquette, rules on photography etc.
After briefing, you head into the forest with your guide. Trekking takes 1 to 4 hours depending on the location and movement of the Chimpanzees. Upon finding them, you will have one hour observing them. This is a precious moment watching them feed, play, groom one each other, and communicate in ways almost similar to humans. The guides share insights about individual chimps, their family structure, and their behavior.
After this encounter, you walk back to the park headquarters and head back to the lodge for lunch and relaxation.
Best Time to Do Chimpanzee Trekking
Best Time to Do Chimpanzee Trekking Chimpanzee trekking takes place throughout the whole year but some months offer better trekking conditions and more flexible encounter.
Dry Season (Best Time): June to October
The dry season is widely considered the best time for chimpanzee trekking in both Mahale Mountains and Gombe Stream National Parks because Chimps Stay Closer to the Trails, Trail Conditions Are Easier, Clear and Pleasant Weather and More stable conditions for photography. This I a perfect season to book your chimpanzee trekking activity.
Wet Season: November to May
Chimp trekking is still possible and rewarding in the wet season, but conditions change. This is because Chimps rarely move, Trails Are Slippery and Steep making it challenging, Lush, Beautiful Forests, Fewer tourists, Excellent opportunities for birdwatching however, the wet season offers very good sightings.
