What ages or group sizes are appropriate?

Programs are designed for groups ages 18 and under and accommodate 10–100 students; field trip groups must comprise at least 10 students.

Are lunches provided?

No. Project Chimps does not provide lunch; bring packed lunches, refillable water bottles, and picnic blankets. A refrigerator and microwave are available for limited special-needs use.

How do I reserve a date?

Request reservations at least one month in advance and confirm your head count seven days before the scheduled visit; payment is due at least seven days prior.

What is the cancellation or rescheduling policy?

Cancellations made seven days before the scheduled visit receive a full refund; rescheduling must be requested at least 14 days prior.

Is the walking tour accessible?

The walking tour is similar to a moderate hike on dirt roads; special accommodations may be possible by advance request—contact staff to discuss needs.

Can buses park onsite?

Yes. Bus drivers are permitted to park and up to five buses can park and turn around in the main parking lot.

School Field Trips at Project Chimps: Educational Chimp Encounters Near Morganton, GA

Adventure Brief

Bring your class to Project Chimps for a curriculum-aligned, instructor-led field trip that offers close observation of chimpanzee behavior in a sanctuary setting. Programs run 4–5 hours and are designed for groups of 10–100 students with clear logistics for schools and chaperones.

4–5 hours

moderate

From $12.77

Project Chimps’ School Field Trips are a four- to five-hour, instructor-led program at Project Chimps in Morganton, Georgia, that gives students hands-on exposure to chimpanzee behavior and sanctuary life. Located at 2031 Lowery Rd, Morganton, GA, the program centers on guided interpretation along dirt roads and accessible trails through the sanctuary’s forested enclosures and day yards, where chimps are most active in the morning. Designed to meet Georgia Board of Education standards, these inquiry-based lessons combine science, animal behavior, and conservation ethics into a field day that teachers can align with classroom curricula.

Groups of 10–100 students move at a steady educational pace: arrival, orientation, small-group rotations, a walking tour that resembles a moderate hike, and time to eat brought-from-home lunches on picnic blankets. Practical logistics are straightforward—programs typically run between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., fees are $10 per student with one chaperone per 10 students admitted free, and additional chaperones paying the regular adult fee of $35. Organizers ask for reservations at least a month in advance and a confirmed head count seven days before the visit so the staff can stage safe viewing and engagement.

The scene is quietly distinct: open day yards where chimpanzees climb and forage, shaded viewing points beside dirt road corridors, and a working sanctuary layout that foregrounds animal welfare. The terrain is primarily well-maintained dirt roads and gentle slopes rather than paved trails, so comfortable footwear matters. A refrigerator and microwave are available on-site for special needs, but groups should plan to bring lunches, refillable water bottles, and picnic blankets.

Project Chimps will sometimes request Wish List donations; these items directly support enrichment and care. Accessibility options exist with advance notice, and the staff will work with teachers to adapt programming when needed. Weather rarely cancels tours—programs run rain or shine unless Project Chimps must close for severe conditions, in which case refunds or rescheduling are offered.

This experience stands out in the local recreation landscape because it pairs ethical wildlife care with standard-aligned education in a rural setting. For schools in North Georgia looking to turn lessons about animal behavior and stewardship into an active field experience, these school field trips provide structured curriculum connections, clear logistics for larger groups, and the rare chance to observe chimpanzee social behavior outside a laboratory setting—all within a managed sanctuary environment where conservation and education coexist.

Bus drivers can park at Project Chimps; up to five buses can turn around in the main lot, which simplifies arrival and departure for larger groups. Payment is due at least seven days before the visit, and cancellations made seven days in advance receive full refunds; rescheduling needs 14 days’ notice. These policies keep large visits running smoothly.

About Project Chimps

Project Chimps in Troutdale, Virginia operates a sanctuary and education site where visitors meet and observe rescued chimpanzees.

The organization offers a range of guided experiences designed for families, schools, homeschool groups, scouts, and supporters. Tour options include short youth group tours, curriculum-based and homeschool programs aligned with STEM learning, scout badge workshops, and longer service projects for scout troops.

Supporter tours and private visits provide opportunities to watch chimpanzees roam, play, and rest in outdoor habitats. Discovery Days bring families to the Blue Ridge Mountains for guided hikes, a visit to the Discovery Zone, and a picnic by the koi pond. The Banana Bus Tour adds door-to-door transport and a snack at The Nest for a convenient group outing.

School field trips and curriculum-based tours emphasize inquiry-based lessons that meet educational standards and take place during prime morning viewing hours. Homeschool programs offer three to four hour visits with tailored STEM activities and flexible customization for teachers and students. Scout programs include two hour badge workshops and four to seven hour service projects that combine tours, hands-on activities, and habitat or garden work.

Every visit supports the ongoing care of the chimpanzees through small donations and participation. Booking options include private supporter tours, supporter tours with a lunch launch, and group-focused experiences that accommodate educational goals. Visitors can expect guided walking tours through outdoor habitats and multiple program lengths to fit schedules. Advance reservations are recommended to secure preferred dates and times for school groups, scouts, families, supporters, and community attendees.