Does Tanzania Have Chimpanzees?

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Best Places to See Primates in Tanzania - Does Tanzania Have Chimpanzees?

Does Tanzania Have Chimpanzees?: Where to See Them in the Wild

Yes! Tanzania is home to chimpanzees, making it one of the best destinations in Africa for primate enthusiasts. In fact, Tanzania was one of the first countries to establish a national park dedicated to chimpanzee conservation.

Whether you want to track wild chimpanzees or visit habituated groups, you’ll find incredible opportunities for close-up encounters with these intelligent primates.

Here are the two best places to see chimpanzees in Tanzania:

1. Gombe National Park – Home of Jane Goodall’s Chimpanzee Research

Gombe National Park is a legendary primate destination, best known for Jane Goodall’s pioneering chimpanzee research. Visitors can track habituated chimpanzees alongside experienced guides on the Gombe Main Tracking Trail.

Beyond chimpanzees, Gombe National Park is home to a variety of wildlife and primates, including:

Olive baboons
Red-tailed monkeys
Red colobus monkeys
Diademed monkeys
Leopards, bushbucks, buffalo, and waterbucks
Bird species like the African fish eagle, palm-nut vulture, and Forbes’ plover

If you’re passionate about chimpanzees and primate conservation, a visit to Gombe National Park is an unforgettable experience.

2. Mahale Mountains National Park – Best for Chimpanzee Trekking

If you’re looking for the best place to see large chimpanzee populations in Tanzania, Mahale Mountains National Park is the perfect choice.

Compared to Gombe, Mahale offers more frequent and prolonged chimpanzee sightings. The park is also known for its stunning landscapes, with a mix of:

Miombo woodlands
Lowland (Kasoge) forests
Montane rainforests

This diverse habitat supports a wide variety of flora and fauna, making Mahale Mountains National Park a must-visit for wildlife lovers.

Best Time to See Chimpanzees in Tanzania

Chimpanzee trekking in Tanzania is available year-round, but the best time depends on what kind of experience you want:

Rainy Season (November to Mid-May) – Offers the best chimpanzee sightings, as food is abundant, drawing them closer. The lush green vegetation also enhances the scenic beauty.
Dry Season (May to October) – Ideal for photography, hiking, and easier trekking conditions, as the trails are drier.

Either season provides an incredible opportunity to see chimpanzees in their natural habitat.

Where to Stay in Mahale Mountains & Gombe National Parks

Both parks offer a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences.

Top Lodges in Mahale Mountains National Park:

Mbali Mbali Mahale Lodge
Greystoke Mahale Camp
Kungwe Beach Lodge

Top Lodges in Gombe National Park:

Mbali Mbali Gombe Lodge
Gombe Forest Lodge
Muzye Lodge
Mlukoyoyo Guest House

These lodges provide comfortable stays with breathtaking views of the parks’ pristine landscapes.

Tanzania Visa & Travel Requirements

Do You Need a Visa for Tanzania?

Yes, all visitors require a tourist visa to enter Tanzania. You can:
✔ Apply before traveling OR
✔ Get a visa on arrival at any Tanzanian entry point for $100 USD

Other Travel Requirements:

Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if arriving from an affected country)
COVID-19 certificate (if required at the time of travel)

Since travel regulations can change, we recommend checking with your local Tanzanian embassy or contacting us for up-to-date information.

Tanzania Vehicle Hire Services

Need reliable transportation for your safari? Trek Africa Expeditions offers customized 4×4 vehicles designed for comfort and game viewing.

Vehicle Options & Prices:

4×4 Land Cruisers – $200-$250 per day (with driver)
4×4 Safari Vans – $200 per day (with driver)

We can provide a custom transport estimate based on your itinerary to ensure smooth travel throughout Tanzania.

Why Book Your Tanzania Chimpanzee Safari with Trek Africa Expeditions?

Trek Africa Expeditions organizes exceptional wildlife experiences in Tanzania. We are highly rated on TripAdvisor and are known for our:
✔ Expert local guides and trackers
✔ Eco-friendly and sustainable tourism practices
✔ Tailor-made safaris to match your interests
✔ Extensive experience in chimpanzee trekking, Big Five safaris, cultural tours, and gorilla trekking

We also operate in Kenya, Botswana, Namibia, Uganda, and Rwanda, offering unique African safari experiences while supporting wildlife conservation and local communities.