Chimp Eden: A Sanctuary for Chimpanzees
Experience the magic of Chimp Eden, a wildlife sanctuary dedicated to the conservation and rehabilitation of chimpanzees in Mbombela, South Africa.
Nestled in the scenic landscapes of Mbombela, Chimp Eden offers a unique opportunity to witness the beauty and complexity of chimpanzees up-close. This sanctuary, founded to provide refuge for orphaned and abused chimpanzees, allows visitors to observe these fascinating creatures in a safe and nurturing environment. As you explore the expansive grounds, you’ll learn about the individual stories of the chimps, their behaviors, and the ongoing conservation efforts aimed at protecting their species. Guided tours are available, providing insights into the daily lives of these primates and the challenges they face in the wild. The knowledgeable staff are passionate about their work and eager to share their experiences, making your visit both educational and inspiring. The sanctuary is designed to mimic the chimps' natural habitat as closely as possible, allowing them to climb, swing, and play as they would in the wild. Chimp Eden is not just a place to observe wildlife; it’s a call to action for conservation. Visitors are encouraged to support the sanctuary through donations and participation in awareness programs, helping to ensure a brighter future for these incredible animals. With its welcoming atmosphere and commitment to animal welfare, Chimp Eden is a must-visit for anyone traveling to the area.
Local tips
- Plan your visit during weekdays for a quieter experience.
- Arrive early to enjoy the morning feeding sessions for a more engaging experience.
- Bring a camera, but remember to respect the wildlife by not using flash.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as the terrain can be uneven.
- Check the feeding schedule to catch the chimps at their most active times.
A brief summary to Chimp Eden
- 47 R40, Mbombela, 1201, ZA
- +27797771514
- Visit website
- Monday 9:45 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 9:45 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 9:45 am-4 pm
- Thursday 9:45 am-4 pm
- Friday 9:45 am-4 pm
- Saturday 9:45 am-4 pm
- Sunday 9:45 am-4 pm
Getting There
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Public Bus
Start at the Nelspruit Bus Station. Catch the bus heading towards Mbombela. Make sure to inform the bus driver that you want to get off at 'R40', which is the main road leading to Chimp Eden. The bus ride will take approximately 30 minutes. Once you get off, you will be at a bus stop on the R40 highway. From there, you will need to walk approximately 2 kilometers down the R40 road towards Mbombela. Keep an eye out for the sign for Chimp Eden on your left-hand side.
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Taxi (Metered or Ride-Hailing Service)
If you prefer a more direct route, you can use a local taxi or a ride-hailing service like Uber. Simply request a ride to 'Chimp Eden, 47 R40, Mbombela, 1201'. The driver will take you directly to the entrance of Chimp Eden, which is approximately 12 kilometers from the center of Nelspruit. The journey should take around 20 minutes, depending on traffic.
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Walking
If you are feeling adventurous and enjoy walking, you can walk from the center of Nelspruit to Chimp Eden. Start from the Nelspruit Botanical Gardens and head east on the Van Wijk Street. Turn right onto the R40 highway. Continue along the R40 until you reach Chimp Eden, which will be on your left after approximately 7 kilometers. This walk will take you around 1.5 to 2 hours, so ensure you have enough time and water.
Attractions Nearby to Chimp Eden
- Riverwild
- Paragliding
- Kaapsehoop Timeless Trails Tourism
- Friendship Park
- Steiltes nature reserve
- Pumbaa Wildlife Park & Accommodation
- Soccer Ball Steiltes
- Wild Photo Africa Safaris
- The Cross Nelspruit
- Nelspruit Private Nature Reserve
- CRC Conservancy
- Nelspruit Kruger Game Drives & Safari's
- Nature Park
- Nelspruit Nature Reserve
- Village Park
Landmarks nearby to Chimp Eden
- DAKOTA RANCH AND ADVENTURE PARK
- Tomjachu Bush Retreat
- Leaves Lodge and Spa
- Mozambik Nelspruit
- Matumi Golf Estate
- Aqua Stone guest house
- Nelspruit Lodge
- Global Village Guest House
- Hadens Guesthouse
- Pam Golding Properties Nelspruit
- Ons Hoofkantoor Pub & Grill
- Escape Hour ZA
- Urban House
- Sheba Rock Guesthouse
- Cicada