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What to See
Chimpanzee
[ Pan troglodytes ]
Clever, social, and wild — Africa’s forest genius thrives.
In the emerald depths of East Africa’s forests, the chimpanzee moves with purpose and intelligence, shaping its world with tools, teamwork, and quiet ingenuity. Here, among ancient trees and dappled light, we glimpse a creature whose behaviour mirrors our own — a reminder of the deep, shared story written into the fabric of life.
The African chimpanzee is one of our closest living relatives, sharing nearly 99% of our DNA. Adult males can weigh up to 70 kg (150 lbs) and stand about 1.2 metres (4 ft) tall when upright. These intelligent primates are native to the tropical forests and savannah woodlands of equatorial Africa, where they live in complex social groups and display remarkable tool use, communication, and emotional depth.
Chimpanzees are omnivorous, with a diet that includes fruits, leaves, seeds, insects, and occasionally small mammals. They spend much of their day foraging, grooming, and playing within their fission–fusion communities, which can number over 100 individuals. Nests are built high in the trees each night for sleeping, and their vocalisations — ranging from hoots to pant-hoots — echo through the forest, reinforcing bonds and alerting others to food or danger.
In East Africa, some of the best places to observe chimpanzees in the wild include Uganda’s Kibale National Park, home to over 1,500 individuals, and Tanzania’s Gombe Stream and Mahale Mountains National Parks, where Jane Goodall conducted her pioneering research. Luxury lodges like Kyambura Gorge Lodge, Greystoke Mahale, and Ndali Lodge offer immersive, high-end experiences for travellers seeking close encounters with these remarkable apes.
Do see our following guides for all the best parks, best camps & lodges and recommended safari trips to take in the Africa Chimpanzee.
Where to go in Africa
What are the best parks & regions for seeing African Chimpanzees in 2026/27?
A glance at some of the best hotels & lodges for Chimpanzee in 2026/27.
Don't miss our full Where to Go On Safari guide for a full details and ideas......
What are the Best Camps & Lodges for African Chimpanzees for 2026/27?
We highly recommend the following camps & lodges for Chimpanzee for 2026/27. These are all tried and tested by The Africa Specialists™ so don’t hesitate to call us with any queries over them or to check latest prices, excursions and availability for you to your schedule.
Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Volcanoes National Park
From $450 per person per night
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Don't miss our full Top Five Safari Hotels & Lodges in Africa guide for 2026/27
What are your best itineraries and tailormade trips to see African Chimpanzees in 2026/27?
A run through of some of the sample itineraries we have prepared over the years. Please note that we only tailor-make our safaris so these should be used as a guide for both the itinerary and pricing.
A Primate Adventure
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kibale Forest National Park
From $4,000 per person
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Adventure and adrenaline
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Entebbe, Jinja, Kibale Forest National Park, Murchison Falls National Park
From $7,500 per person
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A Tanzanian Odyssey
Arusha, Katavi National Park, Mahale Mountains National Park, Northern Tanzania, Nyerere National Park, Southern Tanzania, Western Tanzania
From $6,500 per person
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Rhinos, birds and monkeys
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Entebbe, Kibale Forest National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park
From $7,000 per person
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Rwanda in 8 days
Akagera National Park, Kigali, Nyungwe National Park, Volcanoes National Park
From $7,000 per person
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Highlights of Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Entebbe, Kibale Forest National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park
From $6,000 per person
See the Trip
Do visit our Africa Safari Finder page to find more trips and locations...
What are the “Big Six” safari animals you must see in 2026/27?
There’s every chance, with a little planning and help from The Africa Specialists™ that you can see every one of your favourite “Big Six” animals in 2026/27. Use our following wildlife guides to the Big Six to get started…
Why travel with The Africa Specialists™?
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100% tailormade
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Expert knowledge
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We have you covered!
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A trusted service
Please call us any time on USA +1-917-336-2937 or drop us a note via our contact us page.
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