Excursion Tchimpounga chimpanzee encounter tour at Pointe Noire

Cruise line: Silversea
Difficulty:

Embark on an unforgettable journey to Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Sanctuary, the largest chimpanzee sanctuary in Africa, located in the lush forest of the Republic of Congo. Managed by jane Goodall Institute, this sanctuary provides a safe haven for rescued and orphaned chimpanzees, offering them a second chance at life. Visit Tchimpounga’s expanded sanctuary islands on the Kouilou River, where some chimpanzees live in semi-wild conditions, preparing for possible reintroduction to the wild. Observe the chimpanzees up close in their naturalistic enclosures and learn about their individual stories and how they came to be at Tchimpounge. Participate in a supervised feeding session, watch as they eagerly enjoy their food, demonstrating their intelligence and social interactions.

Note

Please Note: This tour is very limited and operates on a first-come, first-served basis; a waitlist is not applicable. Republic of Congo is a very-low-income country with very basic infrastructure, and vastly different to the western culture mentality. Local conditions may be challenging; therefore, we urge flexibility and understanding as we visit unique and somewhat remote destinations. Coaches, guides, equipment, and services are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of those found on other excursions. Transfer times are approximately 95-120 minutes each way followed by a 45-minute boat ride into the National Park. The tour involves a minimal amount of easy walking over short distances, with a few steps to negotiate when getting on and off the coach and boat. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility.  The boats are local aluminum vessels with no shade or protection from the sun. Facilities are very basic, including portable toilets. We recommend wearing lightweight, comfortable clothing, flat closed-toe shoes, sun protection, insect repellant, and rain gear. Expect high temperatures and humidity; please stay hydrated by bringing your water bottle.