Chimpanzee Adventures

Discover Tanzania’s Hidden Gems

Up Close with Our Closest Relatives in the Wild

Experience the thrill of chimpanzee trekking in Tanzania, a journey into some of the most pristine and untouched forests in Africa. Tanzania is home to three incredible destinations where you can witness these intelligent primates in their natural habitat: Mahale Mountains National Park, Gombe Stream National Park, and Rubondo Island National Park. These adventures promise not just sightings of our closest relatives but also an immersive exploration of Tanzania’s rich biodiversity and remote, breathtaking landscapes...
Chimpanzee Adventures
Hidden Gem!
Hidden Gem!
Hidden Gem!

Rubondo Island National Park
A Hidden Gem for Chimpanzee Trekking

While Mahale Mountains and Gombe Stream are well-known for chimpanzee trekking, Rubondo Island National Park offers a unique and lesser-known alternative in the heart of Lake Victoria. This hidden gem is perfect for those seeking seclusion, wildlife diversity, and an off-the-beaten-path chimpanzee experience.

Where to go for Chimpanzee Trekking in Tanzania?

Mahale Mountains National Park

Chimpanzee Adventures
Remoteness & Wilderness

Mahale offers a true off-the-beaten-path experience, reachable only by boat, making it ideal for adventurers seeking solitude.

Chimpanzee Adventures
Larger Chimpanzee Population

Home to the famous “M Group” of over 60 habituated chimpanzees, part of one of Africa’s largest populations.

Chimpanzee Adventures
Lake Tanganyika Beaches

Relax on pristine beaches and enjoy activities like swimming and snorkeling after trekking.

Chimpanzee Adventures
Unique Trekking Experience

Guided treks take you deep into the untouched rainforest with no fixed trails.

Gombe Stream National Park

Chimpanzee Adventures
Historical Importance

Made famous by Jane Goodall’s groundbreaking chimpanzee research, Gombe offers a deep connection to primate conservation history.

Chimpanzee Adventures
Accessibility

Easier to reach compared to Mahale, located just a short boat ride from Kigoma.

Chimpanzee Adventures
Compact Size

Ideal for travelers with limited time, offering a concentrated chimpanzee experience.

Chimpanzee Adventures
Additional Activities

Swim or snorkel in Lake Tanganyika, or hike to Kakombe Waterfalls.

Comparison between Mahale Mountains and Gombe Stream National Park

Chimpanzee Adventures

Accessibility

Chimpanzee Adventures

Chimpanzee Population

Chimpanzee Adventures

Habitat

Chimpanzee Adventures

Trekking Difficulty

Chimpanzee Adventures

Best Time to Visit

Chimpanzee Adventures

Discover Wildlife

Chimpanzee Adventures

Excursions

Chimpanzee Adventures

Atmosphere

Chimpanzee Adventures

Accessibility for Time-Constrained Travelers

Size

Mahale Mountains National Park: 1,650 square kilometers

Gombe Stream National Park: 52 square kilometers

Chimpanzee Adventures

Accessbility

Mahale Mountains National Park: Can be done by a long road trip. Travelers are advised on taking a flight or boat.

Gombe Stream National Park: Easier to reach, near Kigoma town and accessible by boat.

Chimpanzee Population

Mahale Mountains National Park: Larger population, with over 1,000 individuals

Gombe Stream National Park: Smaller population, with around 100 chimpanzees

Habitat

Mahale Mountains National Park: Dense rainforest, savannah, and bamboo forests

Gombe Stream National Park: Tropical rainforest along Lake Tanganyika

Trekking Difficulty

Mahale Mountains National Park: Moderate to challenging with longer treks

Gombe Stream National Park: Moderate, with shorter and more accessible trails

National Parks and Game Reserves

Best Time to Visit

Mahale Mountains National Park: June–October (dry season)

Gombe Stream National Park: June–October (dry season)

Discover Wildlife

Mahale Mountains National Park: Chimpanzees, red colobus monkeys, roan antelopes, birds

Gombe Stream National Park: Chimpanzees, olive baboons, red-tailed monkeys, birds

Excursions

Mahale Mountains National Park: Chimpanzee trekking, swimming, snorkeling, and birdwatching

Gombe Stream National Park: Chimpanzee trekking, hiking to waterfalls, and birdwatching

Atmosphere

Mahale Mountains National Park: Remote and serene, ideal for adventurous travelers

Gombe Stream National Park: Compact and historical, great for short trips

Accessibility for Time-Constrained Travelers

Mahale Mountains National Park: Less ideal due to remoteness and time needed to travel

Gombe Stream National Park: More convenient for travelers with limited time