Pan troglodytes
Our closest living relative — sharing 98.7% of our DNA and remarkable intelligence
Habitat
Tropical rainforests, montane forests, and savanna woodlands across central and West Africa
Diet
Omnivorous
Lifespan
40–50 years
Weight
Males: 40–60 kg, Females: 27–50 kg
Chimpanzees are our closest living relatives, sharing approximately 98.7% of our DNA. These highly intelligent great apes live in complex social communities of 20–150 individuals in the tropical forests of central and West Africa. They use tools (sticks for termite fishing, stones for nut cracking), hunt cooperatively, have distinct cultural traditions that vary between communities, and can learn sign language. Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, or Tanzania is one of East Africa's most profound wildlife experiences.
Habitat
Tropical rainforests, montane forests, and savanna woodlands across central and West Africa
Diet
Omnivorous — fruits, leaves, seeds, insects, honey, and occasionally meat (colobus monkeys)
Lifespan
40–50 years
Weight
Males: 40–60 kg, Females: 27–50 kg
Chimps share 98.7% of our DNA — more closely related to us than to gorillas
They use over 60 different tools for different tasks — one of the most sophisticated tool users in the animal kingdom
Chimps can learn sign language and understand over 300 words
They wage wars — territorial conflicts between communities can last years
Each community has distinct cultural traditions passed from generation to generation
Multi-day, all-inclusive safari packages that include the best chimpanzee viewing destinations.
Entebbe, Murchison Falls
From $7,990
Arusha, Tarangire
From $11,990
Arusha, Serengeti National Park
From $5,990
Kigali, Volcanoes National Park
From $9,500
Our expert safari consultants will craft your perfect chimpanzee encounter — from choosing the ideal reserve to selecting the best season and lodge.
Big Five game drives, walking safaris & more
Luxury accommodation in prime wildlife areas
Kruger, Sabi Sands, Masai Mara & beyond
Plan your trip around peak wildlife seasons
Honest pricing guide for every budget
How your safari protects African wildlife
African Elephant
The Gentle Giants of the African Bush
African Lion
The King of the African Savanna
African Leopard
The Elusive Ghost of the Bush
Cape Buffalo
Africa's Most Dangerous Bovine
White Rhinoceros
Guardians of the Grassland
Cheetah
The Fastest Animal on Land
African Wild Dog
Africa's Most Efficient Predator
South African Giraffe
The Tallest Animal on Earth
