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Tracking Chimpanzees in Tanzania
Tanzania, previously known as Swahililand, is a country in East Africa located in the African Great Lakes area. It is located next to 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 has many places for tourists to visit. About 38 percent of Tanzania’s land is reserved for conservation in protected places. There are 17 national parks, 29 game reserves, and 40 controlled conservation areas, which include the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and marine parks. Tanzania has Mount Kilimanjaro, which is the tallest mountain in Africa.
Tanzania has many different kinds of animals. The Big Five and other large animals include cheetahs, wildebeests, giraffes, hippos, and different types of antelope. Tanzania’s most famous wildlife spots are in the northern region. They include Serengeti National Park, Tarangire National Park, and Lake Manyara National Park. Mahale Mountains National Park is known for its chimpanzees, while Serengeti National Park is famous for the wildebeest migration.
Tracking chimpanzees in Tanzania is an exciting and memorable adventure for anyone who loves nature and wildlife. Tanzania has the biggest population of chimpanzees in East Africa. You can see these interesting animals in their natural homes at various national parks and conservation areas.
A great spot for chimpanzee tracking in Tanzania is Mahale Mountains National Park, which is by Lake Tanganyika in the western part of the country. Mahale Mountains National Park has about 1,000 chimpanzees, making it one of the best places in Africa to see these smart and social animals up close. The park is famous for its thick forest, clear mountain streams, and beautiful views of Lake Tanganyika. Tracking chimpanzees in Mahale Mountains National Park allows you to see more chimpanzees and have longer visits with them than in Gombe National Park. The park has many different environments, including miombo forest, lowland Kasoge forest, and montane jungle, each hosting various plants and animals.
Gombe Stream National Park is another well-known place to see chimpanzees in Tanzania. It’s situated by Lake Tanganyika. The park has groups of chimpanzees that are used to people. You can find and observe these chimpanzees with expert park guides along the Gombe main tracking trail. The wild chimpanzees in this park are central to Jane Goodall’s research on animals in Africa, as this is where she began her study of chimpanzees in East Africa. Gombe National Park is home to various animals, including olive baboons, red-tailed monkeys, red colobus monkeys, diademed monkeys, leopards, bushbucks, cows, waterbucks, barbets, palm-nut vultures, Forbes’ plovers, African fish eagles, and Peter’s twinspots, among others. Gombe Stream National Park has a small number of chimpanzees that are used to humans, so tourists can easily see and take photos of them.
Chimpanzee trekking in Tanzania begins with a meeting at the park offices where you learn the rules for tracking chimpanzees. After the training, you will be divided into groups, assigned a chimpanzee family to observe, and given a park guide who knows the jungle trails well. Trekking can take between 30 minutes to 3 hours or more, depending on where the chimpanzees are located. During the trek, you may see different animals like red colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, roan antelopes, and bush pigs. You’ll also have the chance to spot various birds and enjoy beautiful views of different plants and trees. Once you find the chimps, you will be able to spend one hour with them in their natural home. This will let you learn about how they behave, their habits, and watch them do things like eat, play, take care of their babies, hunt, and rest. After you spend time with the chimps, you will walk back to the park office and either head back to your lodge or join other activities in the national parks.
Tracking chimpanzees in Tanzania is a great way to enjoy nature and see the amazing animals of Africa. Whether you hike in the woods of Mahale Mountains National Park or walk along the shores of Lake Tanganyika in Gombe Stream National Park, tracking chimpanzees in Tanzania will be an unforgettable experience.
Guidelines for Tracking Chimpanzees in Tanzania
- To track chimpanzees in Tanzania, you need to get a permit first. You can receive this permit from the national parks or wildlife authorities before your visit.
- You must be at least 12 years old to go monkey tracking, and pregnant women cannot take part.
- Visitors must be with a trained guide and follow their orders at all times.
- Only a few people can track chimpanzees each day, and groups are usually small to avoid bothering the animals.
- Visitors should stay at least 10 meters away from the chimps to avoid bothering them. You can’t use flash cameras when tracking chimpanzees because it can upset them.
- Visitors should not feed the chimpanzees or leave any trash in the forest.
- To help avoid the spread of diseases, visitors who are sick or have been around sick people should not go chimpanzee tracking.
- Visitors should wear suitable clothes and shoes for hiking in the forest, and bring enough water and snacks.
- Breaking the rules for tracking chimpanzees in Tanzania can lead to losing your permit and could also result in fines or other punishments.
Important things to bring for Chimpanzee Tracking in Tanzania.
Permit: The most important thing to have for tracking chimpanzees in Tanzania is a permit that you need to get before you go.
A waterproof backpack is important for safely taking your things, like water bottles, snacks, cameras, and other necessary items.
Water bottle: It’s important to drink enough water while hiking, so make sure to bring enough for the whole trip.
Snacks: Energy-boosting snacks like granola bars, nuts, and dried fruit are great to have for a quick pick-me-up during your hike.
Choose comfortable and strong shoes for walking or hiking, as the ground can be rough and muddy. Good footwear is very important for your trip.
Wearing long-sleeved clothes with insect protection can help keep mosquitoes and other bugs away while you’re in the forest.
Insect spray is important for keeping mosquitoes and other bugs away.
Rain jacket: The weather in the forest can change quickly, so it’s smart to bring a light, waterproof jacket.
Chimpanzee tracking in Tanzania is a special experience, so make sure to bring a camera to record your moments.
Wear a hat and sunglasses to shield yourself from the sun.
Binoculars are helpful for seeing chimpanzees that are high in trees or far away.
Med kit: Bring a simple first aid kit that includes important items like band-aids, antiseptic cream, and any personal medicines you need.
Best time for Chimpanzee Tracking in Tanzania
The best time to track chimpanzees in Tanzania is during the dry season, which usually lasts from June to October. At this time, chimpanzees are easier to see because they come together near water and are more busy when it’s cooler. The plants are less thick, which makes it easy to walk through the forest and see the chimpanzees. It’s best to book your chimpanzee tracking trip early to get your permits and ensure there’s space available, especially since it’s a busy time.
Places to stay in Mahale Mountains National Park.
The parks offer many places to stay for tourists who want to track chimpanzees. You can choose from luxury, mid-range, and budget options, including Mbali Mbali Mahale Lodge, Mahale Classic Lodge, Grey Stoke Mahale Camp, and Mahale Mango Tree Bandas, among others.
Places to stay in Gombe National Park.
The parks offer many choices for places to stay while watching chimpanzees. Visitors can find accommodations at different price levels, from luxury to budget options. Some examples include Mbali Mbali Gombe Lodge, Gombe Forest Lodge, Mlukoyoyo Guest House, and Muzye Lodge.
Contact our trusted tour operators for more information about tourist activities to do in Mahale National Park created and then Book with our tours and travel companies.
