The JGI SA Chimpanzee Eden is within the 1000 hectare Umhloti Nature Reserve, and is a home to chimpanzees that have been misplaced from their natural habitats in Central Africa. The world renowned Jane Goodall Institute has made this tranquil venue their South African sanctuary and is committed to the rescue and care of chimpanzees in need of refuge. Being the first and only chimpanzee sanctuary in South Africa, this brings the world of chimpanzees closer to humanity through education and tourism. Entering the reserve, a mere 15 km from the bustling city of Nelspruit, visitors are captivated by the beautiful bush surroundings with plains game species free roaming. The reserve is located in a low risk malaria area
The goal of the JGI SA Sanctuary is to rescue some of the chimpanzees that have survived the bush meat trade; others have been orphaned and are traded in the illegal pet trade to zoos, circuses and medical research facilities. These chimps are the lucky ones, living out their lives in a risk free environment and provided with the necessary attention to recover from the trauma that they have experienced.
Visitors have a unique opportunity to see chimpanzees in semi-wild surroundings that are close to their natural habitat. The chimps now show normal social interaction and behavioral patterns. The enclosures also have viewpoints overlooking the forest and ‘foraging areas’ These areas provide the chimps with endless hours of fun and are essential for keeping boredom at bay, they also help to positively reinforce natural behaviour. Chimps, like other great apes such as gorillas and orangutans, are a constant source of interest and amusement to the general public. Viewing platforms provide visitors with a great opportunity to view at our closest relatives!
The Jane Goodall Institute South Africa
While I support the work of your facility I feel you should make it clear on your website that the visit is mostly stories about how the rescued chimps were abused and provides little education as to their lives in the wild and even less about the work of Jane Goodall. We did not feel that this visit was particularly interesting for experienced travellers. - Diane
What an amazing experience to just stand and take such a close look into these two wonderful Chimpanzee Families! ouw guide was such a great man with so much detailed information. We loved all the stories about all the individual monkeys. And how much the are like us humans! We highly recommend visiting the Chimpanzee Tour and make sure to bring devises to make short movies and great pictures, we still watch them weekly! - Jitra
Our family had a lovely time and learned so much! It is wonderful to support good in the world and this institute is doing just that!! - Rebecca
We had a lovely experience. Apparently the two guides had been only 2 weeks on duty, but they were very comfortable answering all the questions from the group. They kept on warning us about the chimp who throws stones, so we felt save. I took some photos, but will email them to you if you want to use them. - Louise
Absolutely wonderful experience. Ive been wanting to visit for many years and followed the birth of Thabu on facebook a few years back. The guide was exceptionally knowledgeable. It was a pity that some of the chimps were not seen as there was a health inspection that day. I would have liked to see more. They have the most wonderful life with you. I also was sad to see that the building was looking very derelict and am aware that you are funded mostly on donations however feel that the Jane Goodall Trust could help with some maintenance. Its such a very important educational centre and a better image would bring it in line with the prestige of her life's work and dedication. Loved all the gifts on offer and helpfulness all around. Keep us the fantastic work. - CARRIE
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