Chimpanzees live in large communities of up to 150 that split into smaller groups to feed. Jane Goodall began her long study of them at Gombe in 1960. Mahale is home to one of the biggest communities, and both parks offer guided treks.
Primates
Chimpanzee
Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii
Our closest living relative, found in the forests of western Tanzania.
Size
30-60 kg
Lifespan
35-40 years in the wild
Diet
Fruit, leaves, insects and occasionally meat.
Habitat
Rainforest and woodland.
About the chimpanzee
Did you know?
01
They use tools, such as sticks to fish for termites.
02
Each community has its own traditions.
03
Only a couple of thousand remain in Tanzania.
When to see it
Gold months are usually the easiest time to find it.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Where to see it in Tanzania
Trips that go there
Where to meet the chimpanzee
More wildlife to discover
Endemic
EN
Primates
Zanzibar Red Colobus
Piliocolobus kirkii
A rare monkey found only on Zanzibar, easy to see at Jozani Forest.
Jozani Forest, Zanzibar Stone Town +1 more
Primates
Olive Baboon
Papio anubis
A big, bold monkey that lives in large troops and eats almost anything.
Lake Manyara, Mikumi +5 more
Primates
Vervet Monkey
Chlorocebus pygerythrus
A small grey monkey with a black face and sky-blue skin.
Tarangire, Lake Manyara +4 more
Primates
Blue Monkey
Cercopithecus mitis
A dark, forest-dwelling monkey that eats fruit high in the canopy.
Arusha, Lake Manyara +4 more
Start Planning
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