Discovery Days

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! You are welcome to bring your own picnic and enjoy it 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 as they may get jealous of snacks or drinks they see you enjoying which they cannot! 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 gift shop that you can pick up while you are here!  

We have limited seating in carts available. Please do not select a cart tour slot unless you're dependent on a cart to tour the sanctuary.

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! This is a fundraising event for the sanctuary so please understand that no refunds will be give due to unfavorable weather.

• Guided walking tours of the sanctuary!
• Expect 60 minutes of moderate hiking with rest stops.
• While there are port-o-potties prior to your tour, there are no restrooms on the tour itself. Please plan accordingly.
• Limited to one tour per standard ticket.
• Tickets are available from 10:30 am - 1:30 pm by reservation but your 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 safely.
• Guests are encouraged to arrive 30 minutes prior to your chosen tour slot.
• You will be in a group with other guests. Want a private tour? Check out our VIP option! 
• Chimpanzee sightings are highly 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 choose CART TOUR 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. This event is a fundraiser for the sanctuary and there will not be refunds due to unfavorable weather.
• 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. Not only would you put our guests, staff and volunteers at risk but the chimpanzees as well. Safety is our priority. Please make it yours as well.
• 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.