The Chimpanzee Visitor Camp is located 270 Km up-river in the Gambia River National Park, just downstream from Bird Safari Camp. It is managed by the Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Trust (CRT) - Africa's longest running and perhaps most successful project for rehabilitating chimpanzees to the wild.

The project was founded by Stella Marsden whose father, Eddie Brewer, was a forestry officer and a keen conservationist. He later became the first director of the Wildlife Department in The Gambia and was responsible for establishing the Abuko Nature Reserve.

For a long time completely off-limits to visitors, Stella decided in 2006 to offer chimp-watching trips to small groups of interested visitors in an effort to safeguard the project's financial future. Sadly Stella died in January 2008, yet the project she founded lives on thanks to her husband, David Marsden and a dedicated and professional staff. It’s a thrilling and rare opportunity to view habituated chimps in a pristine natural environment.

You can spend some nights at the chimpanzee project as an add-on to our Discover the River itineraries. Based on 2 people sharing, the price is an additional £100 pppn (or £110 pppn during the high season from 15th Dec - 31st Jan). Single occupancy is £135 pppn. All of this goes towards the work of the project and includes full board accommodation in one of four exclusive safari tents perched high up at tree level on wooded platforms overlooking the river, chimp viewing boat trip(s) and personal guiding by one of the Chimp Project staff. We also charge a nominal £30 pp for the boat transport down from Bird Safari Camp.

Note: In contrast to other operators whose transport arrangements from the coastal hotels involve crossing to the north bank by public ferry (which can often cause frustrating delays!) as well as long, arduous road journeys in both directions, our method of boat/vehicle transport is infinitely more interesting and enjoyable - and much better value for money!

For dates and prices, click here to plan your chimpanzee safari.