Just 15km outside Nelspruit you can find some of the most interesting primates on earth, chimpanzees, as they play, relax and run around in their enclosures at Chimp Eden.
Jane Goodall Sanctuary Chimp Eden – photo by Marc Cronje
Life wasn’t always so enjoyable for these chimps who come from very dire backgrounds and were all rescued. Chimpanzees in Africa face a range of dangers that include the bush meat trade, illegal pet market and being used as entertainment in circuses, beach resorts and night clubs. At the rate their populations are declining it is estimated that they could be extinct within the next 10 to 20 years if nothing is done.
One person who has gone far and beyond to fight for the chimps is Jane Goodall. Following her pioneering research on chimpanzee behaviour, Jane Goodall founded the institute in 1977 and Chimp Eden opened its doors in 2006 to create a safe environment for these rescued animals to live in. Chimp Eden also gives visitors an opportunity to see these delightful animals that would normally only be found in remote parts of central Africa.
Tours
Chimp Eden is open seven days a week and has three tours daily. Tour times are 10h00, 12h00 and 14h00 and are conducted by knowledgeable guides who share interesting facts about chimpanzees and the history of the animals at the sanctuary. Tours take about one hour and include a short walk from the first enclosure to the second.
Jane Goodall Institute Chimp Eden is the only Chimpanzee sanctuary in South Africa and offers a unique opportunity for the public to see how chimps interact, socialise and play.
Tours are done every day of the year as weather permits and during thunderstorms presentations are done indoors which include talks and interesting video footage of the chimpanzees.
The chimp tour costs R185 per adult R80 per child and R145 per pensioner (2014)
Restaurant and Conference Venue
The Chimp Chow Café serves delicious breakfasts and meals from 08h00 – 16h00 Mondays to Sundays. Whether you have a quick snack before your tour or a scrumptious meal afterwards, you won’t be disappointed with the good value for money food.
The shop stocks a wide range of interesting locally sourced gifts and branded Jane Goodall chimp sanctuary merchandise. The proceeds from the shop, restaurant and tours all go towards the upkeep of the sanctuary. Even though there are many Jane Goodall sanctuaries around the world, each operates autonomously and is responsible for its own funding.
The institute also has a conference and function venue that is ideal for your small to medium function or corporate getaway. AV equipment and catering can all be arranged to make your conference or function a no hassle success.
Find out more
Jane Goodall Institute Chimp Eden is situated just off R40 towards Barberton, 15km outside Nelspruit. To find out more send them a mail or phone 079 777 1514.
The chimp tour costs R185 per adult R80 per child and R145 per pensioner (2014).
Jane Goodall Sanctuary Chimp Eden – photo by Marc Cronje
