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
Great work being done at the institute. Congratulations. Excellent team working there with a huge love for the chimp family. - Luciana
Loved the tour. The guide was knowledgeable but also know each chimpanzee, where they came from and even what happened to them. Hope that more people can hear this to prevent such tragic stories to happen in future. - Michelle
Fantastic experience. If you are in the area a definite tour to put on your wish list. Thank you for making it a memorable experience - Stacey
Very good time spent with the guide despite our lack of English vocabulary! Very nice shop. Just missing a snack corner... perfect welcome! Thank you very much! - ENGUERRAND
We had a wonderful experience being shown around the Institute. Our delightful guide Odette was very knowledgable about the Chimpanzees & knew them all by name. It was so interesting to see all the different characters & how they interacted with each other. Odette was happy to answer all our questions & we learnt a lot. It was good to see that there was plenty of space for all the Chimps to wander around & we found it an interesting & uplifting visit. There was a lady doing some research on the Chimps who was also very happy to talk to us about her work. We would love to return. Thank you. - Matthew
© 2025 Tornado Tour Systems (Pty) Ltd ta Activitar.
