Tanzania is world-famous for its safaris, Serengeti migration, and Mount Kilimanjaro climbs — but it’s also one of the best destinations in Africa to see wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Unlike gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda, chimpanzee trekking in Tanzania offers a unique experience, combining lush forests, lakeside landscapes, and close encounters with our closest relatives.
Chimpanzees share about 98.7% of human DNA, making them our closest living relatives. Tanzania is home to several protected forests where you can track wild chimps while enjoying unspoiled natural beauty.
Unlike traditional savannah safaris, chimp trekking involves hiking through tropical forests, listening for calls, and following expert guides who track chimp movements daily.
There are three main destinations in Tanzania where you can see wild chimpanzees. Each offers a different experience, depending on your budget, accessibility, and adventure level.
Location: Northwestern Tanzania, on the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika
Famous For: Jane Goodall’s groundbreaking chimpanzee research since 1960
Chimp Population: ~90 chimps
Experience Level: Easy to moderate trekking
Highlights:
Walk the same trails where Dr. Jane Goodall studied wild chimps.
Small, intimate park — fewer crowds and a highly personal trekking experience.
Combine chimp tracking with snorkeling and kayaking in Lake Tanganyika.
How to Get There:
Fly from Dar es Salaam or Arusha to Kigoma Airport.
Take a boat transfer (~1–2 hours