Visit Chimpanzees in the Mountains
Animal experience hosted by Kathryn
2 hoursHosted in English
Committed to safety
This host committed to Airbnb’s COVID-19 safety guidelines.
Up to 10 people
Includes drinks, transportation, and equipment
What you'll do
Get a behind the scenes look at chimpanzees living in sanctuary in the Blue Ridge Mountains!
This is a unique opportunity to see some of the chimpanzees and learn about their unique life in sanctuary. Because we aren't a zoo, you'll see the chimps in a relaxed, peaceful setting, unlike anything you've experienced before. The chimps have access to a 6-acre forest and, while chimp sightings are never guaranteed, they usually like to see who has come to visit!
The walking tour lasts about one hour. You'll also spend time with our sanctuary team and learn more about the amazing lives of chimpanzees!
Tours are limited to ten people and chimps love children (under 5 are free)! Having very little exposure to children in their former lives, they are absolutely fascinated by the smallest visitors. Service animals are also welcome, but the tour may need to be modified for the chimps' comfort.
Walking tours are on gravel roads with a decent incline, so expect a moderate hike. We have golf carts available, as needed. We'll also provide bottled water. Strollers are not recommended.
Please dress for the weather and wear closed-toe shoes. There is no contact between humans and chimps, but you will have the opportunity to see them up close and personal for a once in a lifetime experience.
Other things to note
You will not have direct contact with the chimpanzees. Experiences are held rain or shine, we do not reschedule unless there is a weather advisory that impacts travel. Chimps have the option to retreat to their villas out of sight at any time. Chimp sightings are very likely but can't be guaranteed.
This is a unique opportunity to see some of the chimpanzees and learn about their unique life in sanctuary. Because we aren't a zoo, you'll see the chimps in a relaxed, peaceful setting, unlike anything you've experienced before. The chimps have access to a 6-acre forest and, while chimp sightings are never guaranteed, they usually like to see who has come to visit!
The walking tour lasts about one hour. You'll also spend time with our sanctuary team and learn more about the amazing lives of chimpanzees!
Tours are limited to ten people and chimps love children (under 5 are free)! Having very little exposure to children in their former lives, they are absolutely fascinated by the smallest visitors. Service animals are also welcome, but the tour may need to be modified for the chimps' comfort.
Walking tours are on gravel roads with a decent incline, so expect a moderate hike. We have golf carts available, as needed. We'll also provide bottled water. Strollers are not recommended.
Please dress for the weather and wear closed-toe shoes. There is no contact between humans and chimps, but you will have the opportunity to see them up close and personal for a once in a lifetime experience.
Other things to note
You will not have direct contact with the chimpanzees. Experiences are held rain or shine, we do not reschedule unless there is a weather advisory that impacts travel. Chimps have the option to retreat to their villas out of sight at any time. Chimp sightings are very likely but can't be guaranteed.
Get a behind the scenes look at chimpanzees living in sanctuary in the Blue Ridge Mountains!
This is a unique opportunity to see some of the chimpanzees and learn about their unique life in sanctuary. Because we aren't a zoo, you'll see the chimps in a relaxed, peaceful setting, unlike anything you've experienced before. The chimps have access to a 6-acre forest and, while chimp sightings are never guaranteed, they usually like to see…
This is a unique opportunity to see some of the chimpanzees and learn about their unique life in sanctuary. Because we aren't a zoo, you'll see the chimps in a relaxed, peaceful setting, unlike anything you've experienced before. The chimps have access to a 6-acre forest and, while chimp sightings are never guaranteed, they usually like to see…
Guidelines created with World Animal ProtectionLearn more
What's included
- DrinksBottled water for the walking tour.
- TransportationGolf carts for guests who need mobility assistance. Just notify us in advan...
- EquipmentItems to construct puzzles, toys and treats for the chimps.
- 27 Reviews
- Identity verified
I'm Kathryn, the Volunteer Coordinator at Project Chimps, and I love introducing new guests to our sanctuary for chimpanzees retired from medical research. At Project Chimps, Volunteer Martin and I will guide you to see former research chimps up close in their 6-acre forested outdoor habitat. I started as a volunteer myself before the first chimpanzee arrived at this location and have been here ever since, working part time and now full time. We can't take care of these precious souls without folks like you coming to learn about them, meet them, and help us care for them. We look forward to meeting you!
I'm Kathryn, the Volunteer Coordinator at Project Chimps, and I love introducing new guests to our sanctuary for chimpanzees retired from medical research. At Project Chimps, Volunteer Martin and I will guide you to see former research chimps up close in their 6-acre forested outdoor habitat. I started as a volunteer myself before the first chimpanzee arrived at this location and have been here ever since, working part time and now full time. We can't take care of these precious souls without fo…
About the organization: Project Chimps
Project Chimps is the newest chimpanzee sanctuary in the United States and was founded to provide lifelong exemplary care to more than 200 former research chimpanzees at its sanctuary on 236 acres of forested land in the Blue Ridge Mountains of north Georgia. Project Chimps is entirely privately funded and supported by other non-profit organizations and caring individuals like you.
This is a social impact experience where 100% of what you pay for this experience goes to Project Chimps.
AIRBNB EXPERIENCES
Responsible interactions
All hosts must follow guidelines created with World Animal Protection.
Caring expert hosts
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Diverse animals
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Where you'll be
Our walking tour to see the chimps will be outside on gravel roads for a moderate level hike. The activity portion may be outside or inside depending on the weather and type of activity. After your experience concludes and before you depart, you're welcome to bring a snack or bagged lunch to enjoy, picnic style, near our beautiful Koi pond and historic homestead barn.
Rated 4.85 out of 5 from 27 reviews.
This experience was great! We saw one chimp up close and personal and while we wish we could have seen more, the experience was clear that the chimps are there to retire, not perform for us. Our tour guide, Debbie, was just great and I would recommend this experience highly. Bring binoculars!
This experience was great! We saw one chimp up close and personal and while we wish we could have seen more, the experience was clear that the chimps are there to retire, not perf…
what an awesome view into what these amazing people are doing for these amazing animals. our volunteer your guide fought us so much and really brought the spirit of the sanctuary alive. we saw 10+ chimps up close and personal (through a protective barrier)
what an awesome view into what these amazing people are doing for these amazing animals. our volunteer your guide fought us so much and really brought the spirit of the sanctuary a…
What an incredible experience! We are definitely coming back and bringing friends. They are doing incredible work to give these chimps a happy and healthy retirement. The whole staff is friendly and very knowledgeable. A special thanks to our guide Debby and to Kathryn and the whole team!
What an incredible experience! We are definitely coming back and bringing friends. They are doing incredible work to give these chimps a happy and healthy retirement. The whole…
Great for animal lovers everywhere. Very interesting story behind how the chimps got to the facility and how they are coping now. I would definitely like to donate more in the future, they need to finish a new facility to take in more chimps. As a vegan myself, I was very happy to hear that the chimps’ food is all plant based and healthy! The chimps looked very happy, and a few interacted with us through dramatic displays or even trying to scare us at the observation windows. This is a wonderful cause and far more enriching than a visit to the zoo because here.. it is clear to see that the chimps come first ..!! :)
Great for animal lovers everywhere. Very interesting story behind how the chimps got to the facility and how they are coping now. I would definitely like to donate more in the futu…
Activity advisory
Expert industry partners
Every adventure follows industry guidelines. We partnered with the Adventure Travel Trade Association, expert leaders in adventure travel, to define best practices and standards for safety.
Know your comfort level
Please note outdoor activities carry risks, and you may be exposed to dangerous situations as part of this experience. Make sure you can participate safely given your abilities and the conditions (such as location, weather, and equipment).
Things to know
Cancellation policy
Any experience can be canceled and fully refunded within 24 hours of purchase, or at least 7 days before the experience starts.
Guest requirements
Up to 10 guests of all ages can attend.
What to bring
Sunscreen, optional bug spray and close-toed shoes for walking on uneven ground/grass. Dress for the weather.