Chimpanzee Tracking in Tanzania: Your Ultimate Guide to Mahale Mountains and Beyond

Tanzania is a safari paradise, renowned for its big cats, elephants, and vast plains—but for a truly unforgettable experience, chimpanzee tracking offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of our closest primate relatives. In 2025, adventure seekers can explore lush rainforests and remote national parks to track these intelligent, charismatic creatures. Mahale Mountains National Park, on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, stands out as Tanzania’s premier destination for chimpanzee trekking, but it’s not the only spot. From Gombe Stream to other hidden gems, Tanzania’s forests beckon with opportunities to witness chimpanzees in their natural habitat. At Emnel Adventures, we specialize in crafting immersive, ethical wildlife tours that bring you face-to-face with these primates while supporting conservation. Ready to embark on a primate adventure? Read on to discover where and how to experience chimpanzee tracking in Tanzania, starting with the iconic Mahale Mountains.

Chimpanzee Tracking in Tanzania: Why It’s Unmissable

Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) share 98–99% of our DNA, making them fascinating subjects for wildlife enthusiasts. Tracking them offers a rare chance to observe their social behaviors, tool use, and playful antics in the wild. Tanzania’s dense forests and protected areas provide ideal habitats, but these experiences require careful planning, expert guides, and respect for conservation rules. Here’s what makes it special:

• • Intimate Encounters: Watch chimpanzees groom, hunt, and communicate in their natural environment.

• • Conservation Impact: Tours often fund habitat preservation and research, like the Jane Goodall Institute’s work.

• Adventure Appeal: Trekking through rainforests adds a thrilling, physical challenge to your safari itinerary.

Mahale Mountains National Park: The Chimpanzee Tracking Capital

Located on Lake Tanganyika’s eastern shore, Mahale Mountains National Park is Tanzania’s hidden gem for chimpanzee tracking. Home to over 1,000 chimpanzees, it’s one of the best places globally to observe these primates up close.

• • Why Mahale? The park’s remote location—accessible only by boat or charter flight—ensures pristine habitats and minimal human disturbance. Its rainforest, grassland, and alpine zones support a diverse ecosystem.

• • The Experience: Tracks typically start early, with guides leading you through dense forests to locate habituated chimpanzee groups, like the famous M group. Expect a 2–4 hour trek (depending on their location), followed by 1–2 hours of observation at a safe distance (about 10 meters, per park rules). You might see mothers with babies, males displaying dominance, or playful juveniles.

• • Best Time to Visit: June–October (dry season) offers better tracking conditions and stunning lake views, though chimpanzees are active year-round.

• How to Get There: Fly to Kigoma, then take a boat or charter flight to Mahale. Emnel Adventures offers the Mahale Chimp Safari, including transport, lodging, and expert guides.

Other Chimpanzee Tracking Destinations in Tanzania

While Mahale is the star, Tanzania has other spots for chimpanzee enthusiasts:

• • Gombe Stream National Park: Just north of Mahale on Lake Tanganyika, Gombe is famous for Jane Goodall’s groundbreaking research. It’s smaller but equally remote, with around 100 chimpanzees. Access is by boat from Kigoma, and treks are similar to Mahale’s, with habituated groups like the Kasakela community. Book our Gombe Chimpanzee Expedition for a deep dive into Goodall’s legacy.

• • Rubondo Island National Park: On Lake Victoria, this forested sanctuary hosts a small chimpanzee population (introduced in the 1960s). Tracking here is less common but offers solitude and boat safaris. Our Rubondo Wildlife Escape combines chimp trekking with birdwatching.

• Udzungwa Mountains National Park: While better known for hiking and rare monkeys, Udzungwa’s forests may harbor chimpanzees in remote areas. This is less developed for tracking but ideal for adventurous explorers—join our Udzungwa Explorer Package to explore.