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
The experience was exceptional. We enjoyed walking to the different two camps and was surprised about the knowledge of the tour guide. She knew each Chimp, and also engaged with us with regards to all questions or queries. She explained to us the different types of behavior, and it was very interesting to know why the one family had a different behavior to the other. We will defenately visit again. The only downfall was that there is no restaurant, other than the one at the Guest farm closeby. We would have loved to have a sit down meal on the premisis watching the Chimps. - Jan
Great experience but I believe that a separate type of tour should be created for smaller kids that's both educational and keeps them occupied. - Miss
It was fantastic was hoping to see small little babies and help feeding them etc. - Lynn
It was informative and eye opening to the suffering of these animals... most of the chimps are old and tired looking My personal opinion is that they should have been rehabilitated and then set free. - Belinda
Thoroughly enjoyed the experience with my two daughters. I was skeptical that they would be kept engaged for over an hour with the chimpanzees, but we were all held captivated by the stories and dynamics in the families, be it the jealousy of Charles or the posturing and rock flinging of Cozy. - Jessica
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