Chimpanzee Tracking in Tanzania : Tanzania formerly Swahililand is a country in east Africa within the African Great Lakes region. It is bordered by Uganda to the northwest, Kenya to the northeast, the Indian Ocean to the east, Mozambique and Malawi to the south, Zambia to the southwest; and Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west. Tanzania is a country with many tourist attractions. Approximately 38 percent of Tanzania’s land area is set aside in protected areas for conservation. There are 17national parks, 29 game reserves, 40 controlled conservation areas (including the Ngorongoro Conservation Area) and marine parks. Tanzania is also home to Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest point in Africa.
Tanzania and is home to a large variety of animal life. Among the large mammals include the Big Five, cheetahs, wildebeest, giraffes, hippopotamuses and various antelope. Tanzania’s most well-known wildlife attractions are located in the northern part of the country and include the Serengeti National Park, Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara National Park. Mahale Mountains National Park famous for chimpanzee and the Serengeti national park well-famous of its wildebeest migration.
Chimpanzee tracking in Tanzania is a thrilling and unforgettable experience for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Tanzania is home to the largest population of chimpanzees in east Africa, with several national parks and conservation area offering opportunities to obverse these fascinating primates in their natural habitat.
One of the best places to go for chimpanzee tracking in Tanzania is the Mahale Mountains National Park, located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika in western Tanzania. Mahale Mountains National Park is home to around 1,000 chimpanzees, making it one of the best destinations in Africa to see these intelligent and social animals up close. The park is known for is dense forest, clear mountain streams, and stunning views of Lake Tanganyika. Tracking in Chimpanzees in Mahale Mountains National Park will give you an opportunity to see large chimpanzee populations with more numerous, regular and prolonged sightings compared to Gombe National Park. The park has a wide variety of habitats ranging from miombo forest, Kasoge (lowland) forest and montane rainforest home to various flora and fauna.
Another popular destination for chimpanzee tracking in Tanzania is Gombe Stream National Park, located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. the park is home to chimpanzees habituated chimpanzee groups can be tracked and seen with experienced ranger guides at the Gombe main tracking trail. The wild chimpanzees at this park are at the heart of Jane Goodall’s research on primates in Africa given the fact this is where she started her research study about Chimpanzees in East Africa. Other primate and wildlife species found in Gombe National Park include olive baboon, red-tailed monkey, red colobus, diademed monkey, leopard, bushbuck, buffalo, waterbuck, barbet, palm-nut vulture, Forbes’ plover, African fish eagle and Peter’s twin spot among others. Gombe Stream National Park is home to a small population of the chimpanzees that are habituated to human presence, making it easier for visitors to observe and photograph them.
Chimpanzee trekking in Tanzania starts with a briefing about the rules and regulations of chimpanzee tracking at the park headquarters. After the briefing you will be grouped, allocated a chimpanzee family to trek and a park guide who is well conversant with trails in the jungle. Trekking takes about 30 minutes to 3 hours or even more depending on where the chimpanzees are found and during tracking you will have an opportunity to spot a variety of animals such as red colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, roan antelopes, bush pig as well as a variety of bird species as well as the astonishing view of different plant and tree species among others. Once the chimpanzee found you will be able to spend one hour with the chimpanzees in their natural habitat which gives you an opportunity to learn more about their behaviors, habits, watch them carry out their daily activities like feeding, playing, breastfeeding, hunting, resting among others. After spending time with the chimpanzees, you will trek back to the park headquarters and either return back to your lodge or go for other activities in the national parks.
Chimpanzee tracking in Tanzania is a fantastic way to connect with nature and experience the beauty and diversity of Africa’s wildlife. Whether you choose to trek through the forests of Mahale Mountains National Park or explore the shores of Lake Tanganyika in Gombe Stream National Park, a chimpanzee tracking adventure in Tanzania is sure to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you will never forget.
Rules and Regulations for Chimpanzee Tracking in Tanzania
- Chimpanzee tracking in Tanzania requires a permit, which must be obtained in advance from the relevant national parks or wildlife authorities.
- The minimum age for chimpanzee tracking is usually 12 years old, and pregnant women are not allowed to participate.
- Visitors must be accompanied by a qualified guide and adhere to their instructions at all times.
- Only a limited number of visitors are allowed to track chimpanzees each day, and group are typically kept small to minimize disruptions to the animals.
- Visitors must maintain a distance of at least 10 meters from the chimpanzees to avid disturbing them. Flash photography is not allowed during chimpanzee tracking as it can disturb the animals.
- Visitors must not feed the chimpanzees or leave any litter behind in the forest.
- In order to prevent the transmission of diseases, visitors who are sick or have been in recent contact with sick individuals should not participate in chimpanzee tracking
- Visitors are advised to wear appropriate clothing and footwear for trekking in the forest, and bring plenty of water and snacks.
- Any violations of the rules and regulations for chimpanzees tracking in Tanzania can result in the cancellation of h permit and possible fines or other penalties.
Essential items to carry for a Chimpanzee Tracking in Tanzania
Permit: The most important item to carry for chimpanzee tracking in Tanzania is the permit, which must be obtained in advance
Waterproof backpack: A waterproof backpack is essential for carrying your belongings, such as water bottes, snacks, camera and other essentials.
Water bottle: It is important to stay hydrated during the trek, so bring enough water to last the duration of the tracking
Snacks: High-energy snacks such as granola bars, nuts and dried fruit are good to carry for a quick energy boost during the trek.
Walking boost or sturdy hiking shoes: The terrain can be rough abd muddy, so comfortable and sturdy footwear is essential for trek
Long-sleeved clothing: Insect repellent clothing can help protect against mosquito bites and other insects in the forest.
Insect repellent: Insect repellent is essential for protection against mosquitoes and other insects.
Rain jacket: The weather can be unpredictable in the forest, so it is good idea to carry a lightweight, waterproof jacket
camera: Chimpanzee tracking in Tanzania offers unique and unforgettable experience so don’t forget to bring a camera to capture these memories.
Hat and sunglasses: Protect yourself from the sun with a hat and sunglasses.
Binoculars: Binoculars can be useful for spotting chimpanzee high up in the trees or in the distance.
Med kit: Carry a basic first aid kit with essential such as band-aids, antiseptic cream, and any personal medications you may need.
Best time for Chimpanzee Tracking in Tanzania
The best time for chimpanzee tracking in Tanzania is during the dry season, while typically runs from June to October. During this time, the chimpanzees are easier to spot as they gather near water source and are more active in the cooler temperatures. Additionally, the vegetation is less dense, making it easier to navigate the forest and spot the chimpanzees. It is recommended to book your chimpanzee tracking experience well in advance to secure permits and ensure availability during this popular time.
Accommodation in Mahale Mountains National Park
The parks have a wide option for lodge options for visitors while on a chimpanzee tracking, this accommodations facility ranges from luxury level, mid-range to budgets such as Mbali Mbali Mahale Lodge, Mahale Classic Lodge, Grey Stoke Mahale Camp, Mahale Mango Tree Bandas among others
Accommodation in Gombe National Park
The parks have a wide option for lodge options for visitors while on a chimpanzee tracking, this accommodations facility ranges from luxury level, mid-range to budgets such as Mbali Mbali Gombe Lodge, Gombe Forest Lodge, Mlukoyoyo Guest House and Muzye Lodge among others
Contact our trusted tour operators for more information about tourist activities to do in Mahale National Park established and then Book with our tours and travel companies such as; Focus East Africa Tours who offer the best tour packages while on your safari in Tanzania.
