Chimpanzee Tour at Chimp Eden

About Chimpanzee Tour at Chimp Eden

Chimpanzees are believed to be the closest living relative to human beings, and are renowned for their intelligence. They are beautiful animals that enjoy a structured social system and interaction with one another. Chimp Eden is part of the international Jane Goodall Institute that was established to rescue, care for and rehabilitate chimpanzees.

In South Africa, this initiative is based in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. The chimp residents here were rescued from the bush meat trade, illegal pet trade, from beach resorts, circuses or night clubs where they were abused and neglected. Some may have been orphaned due to their parents having been victim to some of these activities, and have also been brought here to have a second chance at a wonderful life.

And life at Chimp Eden truly is wonderful. The animals are able to interact with one another, living as if they were wild and free. However, they have the added advantage of safety and a regular food supply, along with medical care. Many have been traumatised by the life that they were once forced to live, or by the horror of their capture. They need a tranquil, safe home that has plenty of support.

The Chimpanzee Tour is conducted three times a day, and gives visitors the opportunity to meet some of the institute's chimps, learn their story, and discover more about this conservation and preservation initiative. There are three different groups and semi-wild enclosures, as well as viewing points that overlook the forests and the areas in which the animals forage and interact with one another. These points make it possible for visitors to get a fantastic view of the animals without disturbing them. The tours are conducted at 10h00, 12h00 and 14h00.

Chimp Eden is situated inside the Umhloti Nature Reserve, which spans an impressive 1 000 hectares. This reserve is only 15 kilometres outside Nelspruit, which is situated along the Crocodile River and is popular for its 4 x 4 trails and the spectacular Sudwala Caves.