Why Go Chimp Trekking?
Get Up Close to Chimpanzees
Being the closest living relatives to human beings, chimpanzees are creatures that boast awe-inspiring intelligence and emotion – and, above all, are fascinating to encounter up close.
Go2Africa offers responsible tourism operations that run ethical, safe and professionally guided tours that enable travellers to observe chimps in their natural habitat on foot.
Connect with Nature
Safari vehicles are an amazing way to roam the untamed plains of Africa, but game drives lack one distinct quality – connection to nature on foot.
Chimp trekking allows you to fully immerse yourself in the wonders of Africa’s undisturbed, majestic forests.
A Bucket-List Experience
Ask anyone that has ever had the experience to enjoy a chimp trek in Africa, and they’ll tell you that it was a life-changing experience that they’ll never forget.
Chimp trekking is an extraordinary safari adventure in tropical Africa that comfortably sits as one of the top bucket list jungle experiences on the continent – and you have the chance to tick it off.
Trek with Gorillas Too
The only other experience that rivals chimp trekking is gorilla trekking – making it the perfect companion adventure to the former.
On this journey, you’ll get to spend time face-to-face with gorillas in far-flung locations, encountering this near-extinct species in their natural rainforest habitat. Not to mention that gorilla treks are a highly restricted activity, considered a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience.
Exclusive Lodges & Camps
Whether you’re tracking chimpanzees in the rainforest of East or Central Africa, you’ll get to enjoy this adventure in complete comfort and style.
Enjoy simple luxury coupled with world-class amenities, warm and friendly service, unforgettable memories, and every modern convenience one would need to savour an exceptional getaway in some of Africa’s most sought-after destinations.
Excellent Value
Thanks to a very favourable exchange rate, it’s easy to find superb accommodation that offers that extra bit of holiday pampering.
Spoilt for choice is an understatement with an option to suit every budget and preference.
The Difference Between Chimp & Gorilla Trekking
Chimp trekking is an adventure you’ll never forget, but it will take a lot out of you. Trekking through the wilderness to see these majestic primates can be rewarding, but exhausting, so you’ll want to add on a few days at a safari lodge or tropical beach resort to recoup before heading back home.
Go2Africa’s Africa Safari Experts can easily craft tailor-made itineraries that ensure you get access to every stop on your wishlist.
Accommodation From $450 USD
per person per Night sharing
Accommodation From $650 CAD
per person per Night sharing
Accommodation From $1,150 AUD
per person per Night sharing
Accommodation From €1,150 EUR
per person per Night sharing
Accommodation From £800 GBP
per person per Night sharing
Accommodation From R15,000 ZAR
per person per Night sharing
Top Destinations for Chimp Trekking Safaris
Here are some of our best packages, all completely customisable to your requirements and travel wishes:
Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda
The main attraction of Nyungwe is the primates. Chimpanzee tracking can be arranged and several other monkeys are readily seen, including the Ruwenzori colobus in troops of up to 400 strong (the largest arboreal troops in Africa) and the beautiful and highly localised l’Hoest’s monkey.
In addition to these there are silver monkeys, golden monkeys, owl-faced monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys and more.
Highlights:
- Nyungwe is also highly alluring to birders, the forest home to 26 Albertine Rift and endemic bird species.
- The largest single tract of montane forest remaining anywhere in East Africa.
- Remarkably rich centre of biodiversity, harbouring 75 mammal species, 275 bird species, 120 butterflies and more than 100 varieties of orchid.
Kibale Forest, Uganda
It is home to the greatest variety and highest concentration of primates in East Africa. There are 13 primate species found within the forest including chimpanzees, red-tailed monkey, L’Hoest’s monkey, blue monkey, grey-cheeked mangabey, red colobus and black-and-white colobus.
There is also a healthy population of larger mammals including lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo, although the dense vegetation means that these are not commonly sighted.
Highlights:
- Kibale Forest is an undisturbed tract of tropical rainforest.
- Kibale supports an unusually rich array of tropical plants and animals.
- It is home to the greatest variety and highest concentration of primates in East Africa.
Mahale Mountains, Tanzania
The Mahale Mountains is the best place in Africa to track and observe wild chimpanzees. There is a population of around 1,000, one troop of which, the Mimikire clan, have been habituated to humans.
Totally wild, this clan of 70-100 individuals can be tracked and observed from close quarters. Climbing up the leafy tracks in the misty morning and hearing your first shriek of a chimpanzee is a sound you will never forget.
Highlights:
- After a morning of chimpanzee-tracking you can return to the shores of Lake Tanganyika, where sugar white beaches slope into gin-clear waters.
- Spectacularly beautiful and remote, ensuring an uncrowded experience.
- Cultural visits to local villages.
Consider Adding...
Zanzibar
Lying just off the coast of Tanzania, Zanzibar is the perfect place to unwind and relax. Recoup from your walking safari by spending your days exploring Stone Town, taking part in spice tours, tanning on palm-fringed beaches, and sailing on white-sailed dhows across a turquoise sea.
Seychelles
The islands of the Seychelles Archipelago are what most imagine paradise to be. With its powder-soft beaches, tranquil blue waters, award-winning resorts, and stylish villas, a Seychelles holiday is exactly what you need after a week-long walking safari in the African wilderness.
Republic of Congo
Also known as Congo-Brazzaville, the Republic of Congo has opened up Africa’s equatorial rainforests for travellers to encounter western lowland gorillas in their natural habitat. Consider adding in a visit to the Congo’s majestic Odzala-Kokoua National Park before or after seeing the chimps to spend some time with the bigger primates.
Chimp Trekking Trip Ideas
Here are some of our best packages, all completely customisable to your requirements and travel wishes:
Uganda & Rwanda Primates & Wildlife Safari
This 14-day tour takes you through some of Rwanda and Uganda’s top spots to see these gentle giants, including Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Volcanoes National Park. You also get to track down other primates, like chimpanzees in Kibale Forest and the rare golden monkey in Mgahinga. And the unforgettable experiences don’t stop there.
Set out on boat cruises and thrilling game drives the wildlife-rich Queen Elizabeth National Park. Enjoy many cultural activities, such as hiking to Diane Fossey’s grave, visiting Milles Colinnes Hotel, made famous by the film, Hotel Rwanda and interacting with members of local community-based initiatives, such as the Omwani Women’s Coffee Cooperative. This itinerary supports the Volcanoes Safaris Community Partnership Trust.
This organisation is committed to various positive impact initiatives aimed at sustainable development and conservation. Expect world-class service, friendly staff, fine dining, state-of-the-art amenities and facilities, modern rooms and every creature comfort you would need on a luxury safari getaway.
Itinerary FROM $20,900 CAD
PER PERSON Sharing
Itinerary FROM $33,450 AUD
PER PERSON Sharing
Highlights:
- Track Mountain gorilla, chimpanzee and the rare golden monkey
- Incredible game viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Enjoy a Kazinga Channel boat cruise
- Visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus
- Guided Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary Primate Walk
- Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial & Museum
- Lunch at Miles Colinnes Hotel from the Hotel Rwanda film
PER PERSON Sharing
Itinerary FROM €31,800 EUR
PER PERSON Sharing
Itinerary FROM €31,800 EUR
PER PERSON Sharing
Itinerary FROM €31,800 EUR
PER PERSON Sharing
Uganda's Primates & Wildlife Adventure
Explore exquisite Ugandan forests and greet the great gorillas and chipper chimps who call them home. Your first destination, Karibu Guesthouse, offers the perfect haven for relaxation before you embark on the primate safari of a lifetime. From there, a scenic route through rolling hills and tea plantations takes you to the delightful Ndali Lodge, where the enchantment of Crater Lake and a candlelit dinner await.
Following a sensational Chimpanzee tracking experience, your journey continues to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Along the way, you’ll witness Uganda’s diverse landscapes and wildlife before arriving at Kyambura Gorge Lodge. Days here are filled with thrilling game drives, serene boat cruises along the Kazinga Channel, and meaningful encounters with local community projects.
Following several days of rejuvenation and safari encounters, your journey continues to the south, where tree-climbing lions in Ishasha Plains captivate your gaze before arriving at Bwindi Volcanoes Lodge. Gaze upon a gorilla troop as they go about their daily routine and encounter other wildlife and aviary species along the way. Days at the lodge are filled with exploration, whether it’s the tranquility of the forest or engaging with local initiatives.
Highlights:
- Unforgettable Gorilla Tracking experience
- Exceptional chimpanzee encounters
- River cruises in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Exceptional views throughout
- Engage with the locals and their inspiring initiatives
- Your stay supports community & conservation initiatives
PER PERSOn Sharing
Itinerary FROM $9,800 CAD
PER PERSOn Sharing
Itinerary FROM $15,700 AUD
PER PERSOn Sharing
Itinerary FROM €14,900 EUR
PER PERSOn Sharing
Itinerary FROM £11,900 GBP
PER PERSOn Sharing
Itinerary FROM £11,900 GBP
PER PERSOn Sharing
How Much is a Chimp Trekking Safari?
Rates generally depend on timing (i.e., key travel seasons like holidays) and level of luxury (the type of amenities and exclusivity). As a guideline, safaris can range anywhere from approximately $450 USD per person per night in low season to over $1,650 USD at the finest lodges in high season.
What Costs Are Included?
Most accommodations are all-inclusive; all your meals, snacks, beverages, alcohol (with some exceptions) are part of your room rate. In addition, your game drives, and other excursions like walking safaris and cultural village visits will all be included.
To run in such remote areas at such a high level of hospitality, it takes some serious logistics and often means guest-to-staff ratios of more than 5 to 1. Not to mention many accommodations offer services like laundry, so you can pack light and travel easily.
The only things you’ll have to pay for are special activities (like hot-air balloon rides and spa treatments) and, in some cases, imported spirits. Beyond that, just gratuities for the incredible staff who will make your stay at each lodge so memorable.
Justin Chapman
"Less noted than the treks that take place with their larger Gorilla primate relatives, but an incredible experience all the same and often complimentary to the former is the opportunity to spend time in the company of Chimpanzees. Good to differentiate between habituation and trekking (ask your Africa Safari Expert) but there are opportunities for both, with a very special opportunity for habituation experiences on Rubondo Island in Lake Victoria."
Why Travel with Go2Africa
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