Track Chimpanzees in the Mahale Mountains

You will set off on foot from Greystoke Camp with your guide and will head up the steep forested slopes of the Mahale Mountains in search of primates. Six species of primates live in the mountains, but the main excitement for most visitors are the chimpanzees. A group of 60 chimpanzees live in the region surrounding the camp and have been habituated to visits from tourists, but please note that sightings are not guaranteed. The duration of the trek can range from an hour to several hours, depending on how far the chimps have ranged from the camp. In the Audley team we've done everything from a 15-minute walk on the flat, to an eight-hour hike up and down the mountain, hacking through the bush as we went.

You often hear the chimpanzees hooting and crashing through the trees before you actually catch sight of them. You are allowed to spend an hour with these fascinating creatures before you return back down the mountain to the camp. The trek itself can be fairly strenuous, passing over slippery, muddy slopes and making your way through thick vegetation, so lightweight long trousers and a lightweight long-sleeved shirt are recommended. Due to the risks of passing on human colds or other illnesses to the chimpanzees, it's essential that you are in good health if you want to take part in this excursion.