Chimp Trekking with KAONE
At KAONE, we take you deep into Tanzania’s remote forests for an unforgettable chimpanzee trekking experience. Engage with these intelligent primates in their natural surroundings and observe their complex social behaviors and interactions.
Chimpanzee viewing in Mahale and Gombe National Parks offers an immersive wilderness experience, where treks through pristine forests are led by expert guides or park rangers. The trek requires moderate fitness, with a minimum age of 12 and health precautions in place due to the chimps' vulnerability to human diseases. Beyond chimpanzees, discover red-tailed and gentle blue monkeys along the trails, adding to the richness of the experience.
Afternoons in these remote locations provide a rare escape from technology, inviting you to unwind with activities like dhow sailing, birdwatching, and deep-water swims. For those seeking more adventure, kayaking and visits to remote villages offer deeper cultural and natural connections. Many guests extend their stay beyond the typical three or four nights, captivated by the serenity of these lakeside forests.
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Both Mahale and Gombe National Parks offer extraordinary chimpanzee encounters, yet each presents a unique experience.
Mahale Mountains National Park is vast, covering 1,613 sq. km, with rugged mountain landscapes, waterfalls, and dense forests. Its remoteness ensures fewer visitors and a more exclusive trekking experience.
Gombe National Park, though smaller at 52 sq. km, holds historical significance as the site of Jane Goodall’s pioneering chimpanzee research. Its steep forested terrain along Lake Tanganyika’s shore is home to chimpanzees, olive baboons, and red-tailed monkeys.
Access Differences:
Mahale can be accessed by boat, road, or air, offering more flexibility for travelers seeking a remote yet reachable destination.
Gombe is reached by boat or a short flight, making it slightly more accessible.
Whichever you choose, KAONE ensures an expertly guided and deeply immersive chimpanzee trekking experience, set in some of Tanzania’s most breathtaking landscapes.
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Exclusive Chimpanzee Trekking – Follow expert guides to track and observe wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat.
Breathtaking Scenery – Enjoy pristine forests, rugged mountains, and the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tanganyika.
Flexible Activities – Choose from boating safaris, sport fishing, canoeing, birdwatching, dhow sailing, and historical excursions.
Big Game Park Extension – Witness large elephant herds, predators, and antelopes in Tanzania’s premier parks such as Serengeti, Nyerere, Tarangire, or other wildlife-rich destinations.
Accommodation Options – Stay in Comfort (a seamless blend of comfort and adventure) or Explorer (a more adventurous yet well-supported experience) lodges and camps, ensuring a seamless and immersive experience.
5-Day Chimp Trekking Itinerary
This itinerary ensures unforgettable primate encounters combined with opportunities to relax by Lake Tanganyika.
This itinerary can be customized based on your preference between Mahale Mountains National Park or Gombe National Park. Both destinations provide an unparalleled opportunity to observe wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat, with additional activities to enhance your adventure. A trek to the peak of Mahale Mountains (Nkungwe, 2520m) can also be arranged for adventurous travelers. The itinerary can also be shortened to a 4-day experience for those with limited time.
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Meet & Greet: Your expert KAONE guide welcomes you at Dar es Salaam airport.
Travel to Kigoma: A scenic 1.5-hour flight or 16-hour overland journey to Kigoma, the gateway to Mahale and Gombe.
Overnight Stay: Spend the night in Kigoma or continue to Mahale/Gombe, depending on logistics.
Optional Activity (extra charges apply): Visit Ujiji, one of the oldest towns in Tanzania, where Dr. David Livingstone met Henry Morton Stanley in 1871, a historic moment marked by the phrase, "Dr. Livingstone, I presume?"
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Morning Transfer: Travel by 4WD jeep or boat to Mahale, or by boat only to Gombe.
Arrival & Check-in: If arriving in Mahale before noon, settle in and enjoy lunch at the park.
Afternoon at Leisure & Optional Activities (extra charges apply):
Boating Safari: Explore Lake Tanganyika’s scenic shores, watching for hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife.
Sport Fishing: Try your luck at catching some of the lake’s unique fish species.
Canoeing Safari: Paddle along the coastline, taking in the serene beauty of the surrounding mountains.
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Morning Chimp Trek: Venture deep into the forest with expert guides to track and observe wild chimpanzees.
Afternoon at Leisure & Optional Activities (extra charges apply):
Dhow Sailing & Birdwatching: Discover diverse bird species while enjoying a traditional dhow sail.
Swimming & Relaxation: Take a refreshing dip in the clear waters of Lake Tanganyika.
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Morning Chimp Trek: Another opportunity to track and observe wild chimpanzees.
Afternoon Activities (extra charges apply):
Hiking to the Peak of Mahale Mountains (Optional): For the adventurous, a 2-day trek to Nkungwe Peak (2520m) can be arranged.
Boating Safari or Fishing: Enjoy a relaxing afternoon on Lake Tanganyika.
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Return Transfer: Depart for Kigoma and connect to Dar es Salaam or extend your adventure.
Optional Extensions (extra charges apply):
Big Game Safari – Extend your journey to Serengeti, Nyerere, Tarangire, or similar parks for incredible wildlife viewing.
Zanzibar Beach Escape – Unwind on white sandy beaches after your trek.
Gombe or Mahale Extended Stay – Add an extra day for deeper exploration and relaxation.
Historical Excursion: Visit Uvinza, a former vital caravan stop and salt supplier during the 19th-century East-African slave trade.
Salt Mining Experience in Uvinza: Learn about its historical significance as a major salt source in Tanzania’s past.
Your Trekking Adventure, Your Way
From tracking chimpanzees in the lush forests to relaxing by the tranquil waters of Lake Tanganyika, every moment is designed around your dream adventure.
Ready to embark on this unique journey? Contact us today and start planning your trek!