Where to see chimpanzees in Tanzania

Quick facts about Chimpanzee

Tanzania lies at the very eastern limit of the chimpanzee’s range and has far fewer than many countries in Central and West Africa. However, the estimated population of 2,000–3,000 – all belonging to the eastern race (P. troglodytes schweinfurthii) – remains one of Africa’s best known, due largely to the pioneering research conducted in the country since the 1960s, and it was here that chimps were first habituated. The species is naturally confined to the very west of Tanzania, finding suitable habitat in the forested hills along the eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika – notably in the Greater Mahale Ecosystem. A small population has also been introduced to an island in Lake Victoria.

Tanzania: chimpanzee hot spots

Tanzania’s chimpanzees are found far west of the country’s main safari circuits – thus requiring a diversion for most visitors. The most famous site is Gombe National Park on the north-west shore of Lake Tanganyika. This tiny park, accessible only by boat, is where celebrated primatologist Jane Goodall conducted ground-breaking research into chimp behaviour. Today a habituated population of around 90 offers excellent guided viewing. Further south on the same lakeshore, Mahale Mountains National Park offers a more exclusive lodge experience amid scenic splendour. Here, the wild, hilly terrain is home to ±1,000 chimps, with one habituated clan studied by Japanese researchers since the 1960s. Rubondo Island National Park in Lake Victoria also supports an introduced population of chimps founded on individuals rescued from captivity. Chimp-trekking here is a little less reliable, though other wildlife is abundant.