MORGANTON WILDLIFE FIELD GUIDE
Banana Bus, Close Chimps, and a Four-Wine Tasting: A Two-Hour Loop Through Project Chimps
A short, guided sanctuary circuit that brings you near free-choice chimpanzees, then moves offsite for a curated four-wine tasting at Kerith House—this guide explains what to expect and how to make the most of the day.
Banana Bus, Close Chimps, and a Four-Wine Tasting: A Two-Hour Loop Through Project Chimps.
At Project Chimps in Morganton you trade the predictable zoo viewing for something quieter and more intimate: a routed ride aboard the Banana Bus that loops the sanctuary so the residents can decide whether to come close, followed by a short drive to Kerith House for a custom tasting flight and a relaxed afternoon back on the grounds.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Close, Choice-Based Chimp Viewing
The bus tour circles the sanctuary twice—once in each direction—so visitors on either side get a shot at seeing chimps who may approach out of curiosity; it’s always the chimp’s choice whether to appear.
Banana Bus Guided Loop
Volunteer guides welcome you at the sanctuary main lot by the koi pond, give a brief safety talk, then pilot the Banana Bus on two loops of the grounds so you don’t miss resident groups from either side.
Custom Kerith House Wine Flight
A six-minute drive from the sanctuary brings the group to Kerith House for a custom tasting flight of four wines; additional drinks from the full menu are available, and the tour guide stays on hand for more Q&A.
What the day feels like
What the Two Hours Feel Like
The flow is deliberate and low-key: meet at the main lot by the koi pond, climb aboard the Banana Bus for two sanctuary loops that prioritize the chimps’ choices, then take a short drive to Kerith House for a focused four-wine tasting before returning to browse the gift shop or stretch out on the trails.
THE ANIMALS
Close, Choice-Based Chimp Viewing
The bus tour circles the sanctuary twice—once in each direction—so visitors on either side get a shot at seeing chimps who may approach out of curiosity; it’s always the chimp’s choice whether to appear.
THE RIDE
Banana Bus Guided Loop
Volunteer guides welcome you at the sanctuary main lot by the koi pond, give a brief safety talk, then pilot the Banana Bus on two loops of the grounds so you don’t miss resident groups from either side.
THE TASTE
Custom Kerith House Wine Flight
A six-minute drive from the sanctuary brings the group to Kerith House for a custom tasting flight of four wines; additional drinks from the full menu are available, and the tour guide stays on hand for more Q&A.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits—and what to consider before you book.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The full outing lasts approximately 2 hours.
Meet at 2031 Lowery Rd, Morganton, GA 30560—park in the sanctuary’s main lot by the koi pond and board the Banana Bus.
Prepare for walking after the tour: consider bringing comfortable shoes or boots if you plan to use the 6+ miles of trails; expect a brief safety briefing before departure.
A custom tasting flight of four wines is provided at Kerith House; additional drinks can be purchased from the full menu while on site.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Where do I meet the tour?
Meet at 2031 Lowery Rd, Morganton, GA 30560—park in the sanctuary’s main lot by the koi pond and board the Banana Bus.
How long does the Apes & Grapes Tour take?
The tour is approximately 2 hours in total.
Will I see the chimps?
The bus loops the sanctuary twice (once in each direction) to maximize viewing opportunities, but chimp appearances are at the animals’ discretion and are not guaranteed.
What happens at Kerith House?
You’ll take a roughly six-minute drive to Kerith House for a custom tasting flight of four wines; the full menu is available for extra purchases and the tour guide remains for additional Q&A.
What can I do after the tour returns to Project Chimps?
You can visit the sanctuary gift shop, stroll around the koi pond, or use the 6+ miles of complimentary hiking trails for the rest of the day.
Who leads the bus tour?
Your driver and guide will be one of Project Chimps’ experienced volunteers—Steve, Malcom, Vickie, or Brandon—who will provide a brief safety briefing before departure.