Follow in the footsteps of primate expert, Jane Goodall

When a young woman named Jane Goodall, raised in the sedate seaside resort city of Bournemouth, first decided that she was ready for an adventure in Africa, she almost certainly couldn’t have imagined the life of groundbreaking primatology and ethology it would lead her to. Nevertheless, her many years spent living among and studying the chimpanzees of East Africa in their natural habitat would ultimately account for some of the most critical zoological discoveries in scientific history. Read on to follow in the footsteps of primate expert Jane Goodall by learning more about her incredible work and the areas of Africa where she conducted her research.

An inquisitive young mind: the early life of primate expert Jane Goodall

Born in London in 1934 and largely raised in Bournemouth, Goodall was fascinated by animals from an early age — it’s little surprise the world knows her today predominantly as “the primate expert Jane Goodall”. Particularly interested in exotic animals, she loved zoological books and spent much of her childhood hoping to see the varied and vibrant wildlife of Africa up close. She carried out her own studies of the flora that surrounded her in her world (birds and animals alike), complete with illustrations and detailed notes.

The lure of Africa

Jane was laser-focused on her goal of studying African animals in person. In the early 1950s, he quit school at age 18 after earning her certificates and first worked as a secretary for Oxford University. Then, in her early 20s, she began another job at a documentary production company in order to save up to go to Africa. A childhood friend was based in South Kinangop, Kenya, and once Jane had enough funds, she arranged the trip.

During that first journey to Kenya, Jane serendipitously met Louis Leakey, a famous anthropologist and paleontologist based in Nairobi. Though Leakey first hired her as a secretary, he soon realized how dedicated and capable she was, and before long, he invited her to get involved in his work. He was investigating the evolution of man, and needed people to assist him in his observations of primates.

This was one of the defining moments of Jane’s young life, as the opportunity — which involved examinations of pre-Homo sapiens humanoid fossils and a study of the vervet monkey — led her to discover her fascination with primatology.

The Tanzania years

After her stint in Kenya (and spending some time back in England working on a new animal documentary), July 1960 saw Jane Goodall bring her mother and a local cook to the Gombe Stream Reserve to begin her first major study of chimpanzees. Located just north of Kigoma, Tanzania, on the shore of Lake Tanganyika, the sanctuary known today as Gombe Stream National Park still boasts a rich and diverse animal population. Goodall’s work means chimpanzees are the park’s best-known inhabitants, but many other animals also call it home, including colobus, blue, and red-tailed monkeys, olive baboons, bushpigs, numerous snakes, and more than 200 bird species.

Patience was an essential asset while waiting for the chimps to become accustomed to her, and Jane spent many years observing the chimpanzee groups living at the Gombe sanctuary. In fact, her earliest attempts to study them at close range failed. Only after establishing a routine in which she’d show up near a chimp group’s feeding area at the same time each day — for nearly a year — would the primates allow her as close as 30 feet away. It took another year for the chimps to get over their fear and start seeking out Jane.

Goodall observed chimps eating meat and making simple tools (for effective use in hunting), both of which were previously undiscovered behaviors. She also determined that chimpanzees’ range of emotional expression, primarily through gestures like hugs and pats on the back (as well as aggressive actions in leadership and mating disputes), was far greater than ever previously believed.

These discoveries established Goodall as an undisputed pioneer in her field. Being recognized as an expert in primatology made her prominent in zoological and general scientific circles, but as the subject of many educational television programs and feature-length documentary films, Goodall became a well-known face around the globe. She’s effectively a household name: people might not specifically think about primate expert Jane Goodall much of the time, but if they hear or see the name, they’ll likely have a basic idea of who she is.

In conjunction with her groundbreaking studies of chimpanzee behavior, Jane Goodall completed her formal education, eventually earning a PhD in ethology (the study of non-human animal behavior) from Cambridge University in 1966. By 1977, she’d launched the Jane Goodall Institute, which promotes the protection of animals and their habitats and remains active today.

A traveling inspiration

Even today, Dame Jane Goodall spends much of her time traveling the world in support of her many interests and good causes. She has had a huge impact in the fields of science and activism, and has used her voice to influence tourism legislation and practices in Africa. She is a truly inspirational force for good, and holds many accolades as a result of her work. Not only is she a UN Messenger of Peace, but she has also been awarded the Kyoto Prize, a UNESCO Gold Medal Award, Dame of the British Empire and France’s Légion d’Honneur (Legion of Honour).

Follow in her footsteps

If spending time with a chimpanzee group to experience a taste of Dame Goodall’s observations is your priority, Tanzania is a great option. As well as Gombe Stream, where Goodall’s studies took place, the Mahale mountains are a great area for chimp treks. Rangers — either from independent conservation groups or the Tanzania National Parks Authority — accompany you as you search for one of the habituated groups and spend a magical hour in their company, ensuring that both you and the animals remain safe and comfortable.

Uganda, one of Africa’s most biodiverse nations, is another great destination for primate enthusiasts, as it’s home to about 20 species of these remarkable animals. Notable chimpanzee communities can be found at Kibale National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park, both in southwestern Uganda.

Kenya is worth visiting for many reasons, especially its wildlife, but those seeking it out due to interest in Goodall should note that chimpanzees aren’t native to the nation. Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, at Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Laikipia County, is the only Kenyan facility where they can be seen.

Make it happen

Feeling inspired by the biography of primate expert Jane Goodall and the beautiful areas where she did her work? Get in touch with the wonderful local experts who oversee trips to our African destinations.

Our in-country experts are truly knowledgeable about the wildlife in their lands. They also care deeply about preserving biodiversity for future generations to enjoy, and will readily put together exciting itineraries based on your own preferences. Have a look at some of the itinerary ideas for Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda to get inspired!