Into the Forest
Primate Discovery & Chimp Trekking
Journey to the remote western borders to trek through ancient forests alongside our closest living relatives. This is one of the most exclusive and physically rewarding experiences in Africa.
- Where
- Mahale, Rubondo
- Best time
- July–October, when chimpanzees are often lower on the slopes
- Length
- 3–4 nights recommended
- Ideal for
- Adventurous travellers and primate lovers
Overview
The experience
Journey to the remote western borders to trek through ancient forests alongside our closest living relatives. This is one of the most exclusive and physically rewarding experiences in Africa. The Mahale Mountains rise 8,000 feet directly from the crystal-clear shores of Lake Tanganyika. There are no roads here—access is only by boat, and the tracking is done on foot through the lush, primary rainforest.
What to expect
- Guided treks through mountain forest
- Up to an hour with a habituated chimp community
- Beach afternoons on Lake Tanganyika
At a glance
- Where
- Mahale, Rubondo
- Best time
- July–October, when chimpanzees are often lower on the slopes.
- Length
- 3–4 nights recommended
- Ideal for
- Adventurous travellers and primate lovers
How it works
What it looks like on the ground
- Day 1-2
Arrival at the Rim of the World
A long charter flight lands you on a remote strip. A 90-minute dhow boat ride takes you to our camp on the edge of the rainforest.
- Day 3-5
Tracking the M-Group
Daily treks to find the habituated chimpanzee community. Spend a precious hour observing their complex social interactions and human-like behaviors.
- Day 6-8
Lake Tanganyika Sunsets
Relax after the treks. Snorkel with unique cichlid fish, kayak on the lake, or take a sunset dhow cruise to look for hippos along the shore.
What to bring
- Sturdy walking shoes
- Long trousers and sleeves
- Rain jacket
- Face mask (required near chimps)
Good to know
- Treks can be steep and last several hours.
- A minimum age, usually 12–15, applies for chimp treks.
- Mahale pairs naturally with Katavi.
Where
Where you can do this
Read our in-depth guides to the parks where this experience happens.
Photos: Kilimanjaro guereza (black-and-white colobus), Arusha National Park by Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 4.0, resized.
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