Chimpanzee Trekking in Tanzania: Complete Guide to Mahale & Gombe

Chimpanzee trekking in Tanzania is one of the most exclusive and rewarding wildlife experiences in Africa. Far removed from the crowds of classic savannah safaris, this adventure takes you deep into the forested mountains along Lake Tanganyika, where wild chimpanzees live freely in their natural habitat.

Tanzania offers two exceptional destinations for chimpanzee trekking:
Mahale Mountains National Park and Gombe Stream National Park. Both provide intimate encounters with our closest relatives, yet each offers a very different experience.

This complete guide explains where to go, when to visit, what to expect, and how to choose between Mahale and Gombe.

What Is Chimpanzee Trekking?

Chimpanzee trekking is a guided forest walk led by professional rangers, tracking habituated chimpanzee families. Once located, visitors can spend up to one hour observing their natural behavior—feeding, grooming, playing, and communicating.

Unlike gorilla trekking, chimpanzee encounters are more dynamic, as chimps move quickly through the forest and interact loudly and energetically.

Where to Go for Chimpanzee Trekking in Tanzania

Mahale Mountains National Park

Mahale Mountains National Park is widely considered the best place for chimpanzee trekking in Tanzania and one of the finest in Africa.

Located on the eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika, Mahale combines dense rainforest, dramatic mountain scenery, and pristine white-sand beaches.

Why choose Mahale?

Home to one of Africa’s largest habituated chimpanzee populations
Extremely remote and exclusive
Very high chimpanzee sighting success rate
Stunning landscapes: forest, mountains, and lake

Treks in Mahale are immersive and feel truly wild. After your trek, you can relax on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, making Mahale ideal for luxury and honeymoon safaris.

Mahale Mountains Chimpanzee Trekking Safari

Gombe Stream National Park

Gombe Stream National Park is Tanzania’s most famous chimpanzee destination, best known for Dr. Jane Goodall’s groundbreaking research.

Despite being Tanzania’s smallest national park, Gombe offers rich primate encounters and historical significance.

Why choose Gombe?

Birthplace of modern chimpanzee research
Easier and shorter treks
More affordable than Mahale
Close to Kigoma town for easier logistics

Gombe is perfect for travelers interested in conservation history, first-time chimpanzee trekkers, or those with limited time.

Gombe Stream National Park Chimpanzee Safari

Mahale vs Gombe: Which One Is Better?

Feature	Mahale Mountains	Gombe Stream
Chimp population	Large	Smaller
Trek difficulty	Moderate	Easy–Moderate
Crowds	Very low	Moderate
Scenery	Forest, mountains, lake	Forest, lake
Accessibility	Fly-in only	Boat + flight
Experience level	Premium & wilderness	Historical & educational

Quick decision guide:

Choose Mahale for exclusivity, luxury, and wilderness
Choose Gombe for history, simplicity, and lower cost

Best Time for Chimpanzee Trekking in Tanzania

The best time for chimpanzee trekking in Tanzania is during the dry season, when forest conditions are easier and chimpanzees stay at lower elevations.

Best Months

June to October – Peak season, excellent trekking conditions
December to February – Good sightings, warmer weather

Rainy Season (March–May)

Lush forest scenery
More challenging hikes
Fewer visitors and lower lodge rates

How Difficult Is Chimpanzee Trekking?

Chimpanzee trekking is moderately challenging and involves:

Walking on forest trails
Steep slopes and uneven terrain
Treks lasting 2 to 5 hours

A reasonable level of fitness is recommended, but no technical skills are required. Guides set the pace according to the group’s ability.

Chimpanzee Trekking Rules & Permits

To protect chimpanzees, Tanzania enforces strict guidelines:

Maximum 6 visitors per trek
One hour with chimpanzees
Minimum age: 12 years
Face masks may be required
No trekking if you are sick

Permits are limited and should be booked well in advance, especially during peak season.

Wildlife Beyond Chimpanzees

Chimpanzee safaris in Tanzania are not just about primates. You may also see:

Red colobus monkeys
Olive baboons
Forest birds and butterflies
Hippos and crocodiles along Lake Tanganyika

Mahale and Gombe are also outstanding destinations for birdwatching and nature photography.

Combining Chimpanzee Trekking with a Safari

One of Tanzania’s biggest advantages is the ability to combine chimpanzee trekking with big-game safaris.

Popular Combinations

Mahale + Katavi National Park (ultimate wilderness safari)
Gombe + Western Tanzania cultural experiences

Katavi National Park is famous for huge buffalo herds, lions, and hippos, creating a perfect contrast to forest trekking.

Katavi National Park Safari
Mahale & Katavi Safari Itinerary

Who Is Chimpanzee Trekking in Tanzania Best For?

Safari repeat travelers
Wildlife photographers
Honeymooners and luxury travelers
Conservation and primate enthusiasts
Travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences

This experience is especially appealing to guests who want something different from classic Serengeti safaris.

Why Choose Tanzania for Chimpanzee Trekking?

Compared to other African destinations, Tanzania offers:

Fewer tourists
More natural, less crowded encounters
Exceptional scenery
High-end safari combinations

Chimpanzee trekking here feels raw, authentic, and deeply immersive.

Final Thoughts

Chimpanzee trekking in Tanzania is a rare and unforgettable adventure. Whether you choose the remote beauty of Mahale Mountains or the historical significance of Gombe Stream, you will experience one of Africa’s most intimate wildlife encounters.

For travelers seeking exclusivity, wilderness, and meaningful connections with nature, Tanzania is one of the best chimpanzee trekking destinations in the world.