Chimpanzee Trekking

Western Tanzania holds two of the best places on the continent to see wild chimpanzees. Mahale Mountains National Park has around 800 chimps, one group habituated since the 1960s; Gombe, tiny by comparison, is where Jane Goodall began her study in 1960. Both are reached only by light aircraft and boat.

Trekking to the chimps means steep forest walking that can take anywhere from twenty minutes to several hours, and time with the group is capped at one hour to protect them. A minimum age applies and a basic level of fitness is needed. These trips are usually combined with Katavi for a full remote-west safari.