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Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Sanctuary

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Animal habitat
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Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Sanctuary (Congo - Brazzaville)

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The Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Sanctuary (Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center) near Pointe-Noire is the largest chimpanzee refuge in Africa. It was founded in 1992 by the Jane Goodall Institute to provide a safe home for orphaned and confiscated chimpanzees, who were often victims of poaching or the illegal pet trade. The center is located within a vast nature reserve that encompasses various ecosystems, such as coastal forests, savannas, and mangroves. In recent years, Tchimpounga has been modernized through expansion onto three nearby islands in the Kouilou River, allowing the primates to live in semi-wild freedom and in natural social groups. Under the guidance of veterinarians and experts, the animals receive medical care and are prepared for potential reintroduction into the wild. The institute also conducts extensive educational work in surrounding villages to strengthen awareness of great ape protection. Tchimpounga stands today as a symbol of hope and dedicated protection for endangered species in Central Africa.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C262727272624232325262626
Rain mm1401341511327521214109188153

📋 Practical info

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Best season
The Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Sanctuary can be visited year-round, but the dry season from May to October has better sightings. During the rainy season, paths are muddy and chimpanzees are often more dispersed in the forest.
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Best time of day
Feeding times in the morning (around 9 am) and afternoon (around 3 pm) are the best opportunities to observe chimpanzees up close. During hot midday hours, the animals usually rest in the shade.
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Etiquette
Please do not touch the chimpanzees and always stay on designated visitor paths. Flash photography is prohibited as it may startle the animals.
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What to bring
Binoculars are not essential, but a camera without flash is useful for capturing memories. Comfortable shoes, light clothing, and insect repellent are recommended.
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Getting there
The sanctuary is located near Pointe-Noire in the Republic of Congo, reachable by car or organized tours. Advance booking is required as visitor numbers are limited.
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What to expect
The chimpanzees are habituated to humans, but they are unpredictable. Take your time to watch their social interactions and enjoy the insights into their behavior.

Geography

Coordinates
-4.50000, 11.90000

Facts

  • The largest chimpanzee sanctuary on the African continent.
  • Founded and managed by the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI).
  • Home to over 150 rescued chimpanzees.
  • Includes three islands in the Kouilou River (Tchindzoulou, Ngombe, and Tchibebe).
  • Located approximately 50 kilometers north of Pointe-Noire.
  • A key partner in the fight against illegal wildlife trafficking.
  • Uses innovative methods for the rehabilitation of traumatized primates.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Ma-Loango Royal PalaceMa-Loango Royal Palace15 km · WExplore →
Kouilou-Niari RiverKouilou-Niari River16 km · NEExplore →
Loango BayLoango Bay16 km · SWExplore →
Loango Slave Trade PortLoango Slave Trade Port19 km · SWExplore →
Mengo Potash MineMengo Potash Mine23 km · NWExplore →
Lake CayoLake Cayo24 km · NWExplore →
Pointe-Indienne Turtle Nesting SitesPointe-Indienne Turtle Nesting Sites24 km · SWExplore →
Total Tower Pointe-NoireTotal Tower Pointe-Noire31 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Sights in the town Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Sanctuary (1)

Sanctuaire de Tchimpounga🌳 park

Established in 1992, the Sanctuaire de Tchimpounga is a vital park and rehabilitation center primarily known for its chimpanzee conservation efforts.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is Tchimpounga?
A sanctuary run by the Jane Goodall Institute for rescued chimpanzees.
Can you visit the chimpanzees?
Visits are possible on a limited basis and often require prior appointment.
Where is the sanctuary located?
North of Pointe-Noire on the coast.
What do you learn there?
About primate protection and the fight against illegal wildlife trade.
Are there entrance fees?
Yes, fees go directly toward animal conservation.
Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Sanctuary: where is it located?
Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Sanctuary is located in Congo - Brazzaville.
Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Sanctuary: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Sanctuary: why is it worth visiting?
The Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Sanctuary (Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center) near Pointe-Noire is the largest chimpanzee refuge in Africa.
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Africa
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Nature

Kouilou-Niari River — Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Sanctuary (Congo - Brazzaville)
Kouilou-Niari River
The most significant river in southwestern Congo, flowing into the Atlantic.
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Lake Cayo
Lake Cayo is a small lake in south-western Congo.

More places

Ma-Loango Royal Palace — Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Sanctuary (Congo - Brazzaville)
Ma-Loango Royal Palace
The former seat of the kings of Loango in Diosso, now a museum dedicated to the history of the kingdom.
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Diosso Gorges
Spectacular red rock cliffs and erosion landscapes near the coast, often referred to as the Grand Canyon of the Congo.
Loango Bay — Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Sanctuary (Congo - Brazzaville)
Loango Bay
A historical bay on the Atlantic coast with great ecological significance.
Loango Slave Trade Port — Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Sanctuary (Congo - Brazzaville)
Loango Slave Trade Port
A historical site on the coast from which millions of people were shipped during the transatlantic slave trade.
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Mengo Potash Mine
A large deposit of potash salts in the coastal region, being developed for global fertilizer production.
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Atlantic Ocean
The Atlantic Ocean shapes Congo's western coast and port access.
Mayombe Banana Groves — Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Sanctuary (Congo - Brazzaville)
Mayombe Banana Groves
In the humid valleys of the Mayombe mountains, bananas and plantains thrive under ideal conditions.
Djeno Oil Terminal — Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Sanctuary (Congo - Brazzaville)
Djeno Oil Terminal
The largest oil terminal in the Republic of the Congo, located south of Pointe-Noire on the Atlantic coast.