During Discovery Days families will have the opportunity to see and learn about the former research chimpanzees living right here in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Come early and stay after your tour to visit the Discovery Zone booths and explore our new hiking trails! Food vendors will be onsite and you are welcome to bring your own picnic to enjoy by our scenic koi pond.

Closed-toed hiking shoes are strongly encouraged. The tour of the habitat consists of a moderate hike on a gravel road. Out of respect for the chimpanzees, please only carry water during the tour, they may get jealous of snacks or juices they see you enjoying which they can not! We will have bottled water for sale but encourage you to bring your reusable water bottle as we will also have a water refill station set up. In addition, we will have Project Chimps reusable water bottles for sale in our merchandise area that you can pick up while you are here!  

We have limited seating in carts available for those who reserved them in advance.

Upgrade to a VIP ticket for a more intimate tour (including exclusive locations), access to upfront parking, and the VIP lounge!

Discovery Days is rain or shine!

• Guided walking tours of the sanctuary!
• Expect 60 minutes of moderate hiking with rest stops.
• Limited to one tour per standard ticket. (VIPs have access to 2 tours!)
• Tickets are available from 10:30 am - 1:30 pm by reservation, exact tour time will be determined at Event Check-In. 

• Guided Walking Tour Details - Tour groups will be limited to ensure that both chimps and humans can enjoy the tour.
• Guests are encouraged to arrive 30 minutes before the start time of your tour window.
• You will be in a group with other guests. Want a private tour? Check out our VIP option! 
• Will We See Chimps on the Tour? - Chimpanzee sightings are very likely but are not guaranteed as the chimps have the option to be visible or to hide in the forested outdoor habitat.
• How Hard is the Walk around the Sanctuary? Please Read! - Expect a 60 minute, moderate hike on gravel roads with some steep inclines. The hike can be challenging for young children, less active adults and those with limited mobility.
  If you have guests in your group who may not be able to complete a moderate hike, PLEASE request mobility assistance when purchasing tickets. We regret that we may not be able to accommodate day-of-event requests for mobility assistance.

• Directions and Parking - Your ticket will include directions to the sanctuary and parking instructions.
  What if it Rains? - The event will occur rain or shine.
• Not feeling well? If you or anyone in your group has not been feeling well or has been around anyone who has been sick, we ask that you please reschedule your tour for another time.
• Refunds - We do not offer refunds. If you can not make the event, we will happily transfer your tickets into someone else's name or turn your tickets into a donation for the chimps.