Chimp Eden: The Jane Goodall Institute
47 R40, Mbombela
A safe haven for chimpanzees, the Jane Goodall Institute’s Chimp Eden is dedicated to providing natural spaces and rehabilitation for chimpanzees who have been rescued from captivity, mistreatment, and the African bushmeat trade. Set in the nearly 2,500-acre (1,000-hectare) Umhloti Nature Reserve, semi-wild enclosures provide foraging spaces, room for socializing, and viewpoints where visitors can observe without interrupting.
Visitors to Chimp Eden not only have the chance to see chimps interacting in their natural habitats, but can also get to know individual resident chimps on a guided tour. Offered three times a day, guided tours include the chance to experience feeding time as well as learn the backstory of the sanctuary and the individual stories of chimps who have been in a variety of traumatizing situations before being given a home at the reserve. You can also visit the sanctuary on a tour that includes the nearby Lowveld Botanical Gardens and time for lunch at the Chimp Eden restaurant.
- The sanctuary attracts wildlife and conservation enthusiasts.
- There is a small on-site restaurant and gift shop.
- Tours are wheelchair and stroller accessible.
- Bring a camera for a chance to take close-up photos of the chimps from viewing platforms.
Located just a 20-minute drive outside of Nelspruit (off Route 40), the sanctuary can be easily reached by car for those staying in Nelspruit or for travelers who fly from Johannesburg to the small Nelspruit airport. If you want to avoid the hassle of renting a car, book a tour that includes round-trip transportation to Chimp Eden and nearby attractions.
Guided tours of the sanctuary are held daily at 10am, 12pm, and 2pm. Feeding times are 10am and 2pm.
Set nearby the world-renowned Kruger National Park, the chimpanzee sanctuary is located in a wildlife heavy corner of South Africa. Nature lovers can pair their trip to Chip Eden with a safari in Kruger National Park, visiting Lowveld Botanical Gardens, and exploring the surrounding Umhloti Nature Reserve. The nearby Barberton Nature Reserve also offers self-guided game drive opportunities.
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