Things to Do · Western Tanzania
One hour with wild chimpanzees, in forest that meets the clear water of Lake Tanganyika.
Chimpanzee trekking is a guided forest walk to find a habituated group of wild chimpanzees, followed by one hour in their company. Treks take 1 to 5 hours with a park ranger and tracker, in groups of no more than six. Tanzania's chimpanzees live in the remote west, reached by light aircraft and boat.
No roads lead here. That is the point.
Three parks, all in the west, all reached by air and water. They are among the best answers to where to see chimpanzees in Africa.
Our first choice
The finest chimpanzee experience in Africa. Forested mountains fall to white sand beaches on Lake Tanganyika, and there are no roads in the park. You arrive by light aircraft and wooden dhow, trek in the morning, then swim and kayak in the afternoon. Around 1,000 chimpanzees live here.
Best for a 4 to 5 night stay
The research site
Where Jane Goodall began her research in 1960, the longest-running wild animal study in the world. Tanzania's smallest national park, reached by boat from Kigoma. Shorter treks and close encounters with the Gombe National Park chimpanzees.
Best for 2 to 3 nights
The quiet island
A forested island in Lake Victoria with a chimpanzee habituation experience, sitatunga and almost no other guests. Easy to pair with the Serengeti.
Best added to a Serengeti safari
Mahale is larger and wilder, with around 1,000 chimpanzees, beaches and longer treks. Gombe is smaller, with shorter treks and Jane Goodall's research history. Choose Mahale for a 4 to 5 night stay, Gombe for 2 to 3 nights.
| Mahale | Gombe | |
|---|---|---|
| Setting | Mountains and white sand beaches | Steep forested valleys on the lake |
| Treks | Longer, more varied | Shorter |
| Access | Flight to park airstrip, then dhow | Flight to Kigoma, then boat |
| Stay | 4 to 5 nights | 2 to 3 nights |
| Known for | Size of the population, the lake | Jane Goodall's research since 1960 |
June to October is best. Trails are dry and the chimpanzees stay lower on the slopes, so treks are shorter. November to May is greener and quieter, with longer walks.
Your investment
Price on request, per person.
Non-Resident and Resident rates. Chimpanzee trekking cost in Tanzania for 2027 depends on the park, the lodge and the flights. Flights, permits, lodge and guiding are included in every quote.
Fly by light aircraft from Arusha, the Serengeti or Dar es Salaam. For Mahale, land at the park airstrip and continue by dhow. For Gombe, fly to Kigoma and continue by boat.
Three private fly-in routes. Each can be extended or joined to a Serengeti safari.
Fly to Kigoma, boat to Gombe, two chimpanzee treks.
Your investment
Price on request
Fly in, dhow to a lakeshore lodge, three chimpanzee treks.
Your investment
Price on request
Tanzania's wildest big-game park, then chimpanzees and the lake.
Your investment
Price on request
Add chimpanzees to any Serengeti safari with a direct flight west.
Chimpanzees are faster, louder and more active, and you follow them as they move. Gorillas are calmer and stay in one place. Tanzania has chimpanzees only. Gorillas are in Rwanda and Uganda, which we can add.
Mahale Mountains for the setting and the size of the population. Gombe for history and shorter treks.
About 10 metres. They often move closer on their own.
No wildlife sighting is guaranteed, but sightings in Mahale and Gombe are very reliable, especially June to October. Two or more treks give the best chance.
Moderately fit. Trails are steep, humid and uneven.
Yes. Flights connect the Serengeti with western Tanzania.
From age 12 in Mahale and 15 in Gombe.
Chimpanzees pair well with these.
Great Migration Safaris Follow the herds across the Serengeti. 
Western Tanzania Safaris Katavi, Mahale and Gombe, the western circuit page. 
Fly-In Safaris Less time on the road, more time in the wild. 
Game Drives Morning, afternoon and full-day drives across Tanzania. 
Walking Safaris On foot with an armed ranger. 
Balloon Safaris The Serengeti from the air at sunrise. 
Honeymoon Safaris Private camps and lake beaches for two. Tell us when you want to travel. We reply within 24 hours.
Ready When You Are
Tell us your dates and interests — we'll shape a private itinerary suited to you, from the first game drive to the last sundowner.
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