Adventurous Activities Chimpanzee Trekking
What’s the Best Time to Explore?
The ideal time depends on where you plan to do your Chimpanzee trek. Usually, the dry months are best for trekking along forest trails, as the trails are less muddy. The preferred months include June to September and December to February. Unlike the rainy or green season, the forest is less dense. The chances of spotting the chimpanzee are higher this time.
What to Carry on Your Chimpanzee Trek?
Gombe National Park and Mahale Mountain National Park in Tanzania are the two top destinations for chimpanzee trekking. You can observe chimpanzees’ natural behaviour. Hike through the trails to spot the chimpanzee in their natural habitat. Take comfortable clothes, hiking boots, a raincoat, sunscreen, a hat, a camera, insect repellent, snacks and water for the most enjoyable chimp safari.
What Level of Fitness Do You Need?
Chimpanzee trekking demands a moderate level of fitness. On your way, you hike through uneven, muddy, hilly terrain and dense vegetation. It may take one to five hours to trek along the chimpanzee trails. You must have physical strength and balance, and a good level of stamina, to cross the unpredictable conditions. Talk to an expert guide for assistance.
Chimpanzee Trek - Rules and Regulations
On your Chimpanzee trek, you must follow the rules and regulations. If you have the flu or a cold, you won’t get permission to trek. Observe and study chimpanzees without disturbing them. The rules and regulations include: no flash photography, maintaining distance, no provocation, no loud sound, and no eye contact with chimps. Last but not least, follow the ranger’s instructions.
Encounter Your Closest Relative in the Wild
Chimpanzees are the most intelligent of all great apes. Over the last 50 years, the chimpanzee population has dropped from millions to 300,000 due to human activity. Chimpanzees are human-like individuals with emotions. They share social bonds, express love, and communicate. They hunt, groom, and show creativity in their everyday lives. Encountering chimpanzees in action in their natural habitat creates a lifetime experience.
You can have an adventure-filled trek journey through the uneven slopes of the Mahale Mountain National Park to spot the elusive chimps. A view is not guaranteed, but the chances of spotting the animals increase with a walking safari led by experienced guides. Once you spot the resident, you have an hour to watch the chimps interacting and playing with one another.
Where Can You Find Chimpanzees in Tanzania?
View Gallery
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions from the safari planners. Get the right information with us to make your dream safari perfect. If you have any further questions, contact us.
Though the experience involves interaction with another animal with certain emotional weight, the trek is safe. As advised, the travellers should always maintain a distance of 8-10 meters from chimps. Make sure to follow your guide’s instructions when on safari.
Yes. You can take photos when trekking through the trails. But, flash photography is strictly prohibited.
A chimpanzee trek requires moderate physical effort. However, chimps live on comparatively flat plains. You may have to hike for 2-5 hours to watch them.
Definitely. You can. But it’s strictly forbidden to eat or drink near the chimp. It may distract the chimpanzees or lure them to come closer. Or, it may simply disturb them.
One must be 15 years old to secure a permit for chimpanzee treks in Tanzania. Younger kids cannot participate in the specific adventure activity. The regulation maintains the safety of both trekkers and chimpanzees.
