The sanctuary is located on a 1,000-hectare game reserve.
Each chimpanzee at the sanctuary has a unique rescue story, ranging from circus abandonment to rescue from poachers.
The facility uses a social integration process to help chimps form stable family groups after years of isolation.
The sanctuary is one of only a few accredited facilities of its kind in Africa managed by the Jane Goodall Institute.
The chimps are fed a specialized diet to manage health conditions stemming from their previous captive lives.
Chimp Eden is the Jane Goodall Institute South Africa’s chimpanzee sanctuary, located within the Umhloti Nature Reserve near Mbombela. It provides a permanent home for chimpanzees that have been rescued from traumatic backgrounds, including the illegal pet trade and circuses. The sanctuary operates as a multi-camp facility where chimpanzees are housed in large, naturalistic social groups. These enclosures are designed to simulate their natural environment while ensuring the safety of both the primates and human visitors. The facility focuses on rehabilitation, research, and education regarding the conservation status of chimpanzees. Visitors observe the chimps from elevated viewing decks to minimize direct human-wildlife contact. The sanctuary is part of a larger global network dedicated to the welfare of great apes.
The main wooden viewing deck overlooking the primary enclosure.
Bring binoculars for better views of the chimpanzees in their large enclosures.
Wear a hat and sunscreen, as the viewing areas offer limited shade.
Do not bring food into the viewing areas, as it can agitate the animals.
Do not attempt to make eye contact or vocalize towards the chimpanzees, as they perceive these as aggressive gestures.
Open daily, but guided tours are subject to specific daily scheduling.
Maintain silence near the enclosures to avoid stressing the animals; maintain strict physical distance.
