Gombe Stream National Park
Tanzania's Chimpanzee Sanctuary - Where Jane Goodall Made History
Overview
Gombe Stream National Park is world-renowned as the site of Dr. Jane Goodall's pioneering chimpanzee research, which began in the 1960s. This lush, narrow strip of forest offers a deeply personal and emotional connection to nature — where visitors can walk among wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Located on the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika near Kigoma in western Tanzania, Gombe is Tanzania's smallest national park at just 52 square kilometers.
Location
Eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika, near Kigoma in western Tanzania.
Size
Approximately 52 sq km, Tanzania's smallest national park.
Access
Only reachable by boat from Kigoma, adding to its remote allure.
Jane Goodall's Research Site
The park gained international fame as the birthplace of long-term chimpanzee studies. Visiting Gombe feels like stepping into living scientific history. Dr. Jane Goodall began her groundbreaking research here in 1960, revolutionizing our understanding of chimpanzees and redefining the relationship between humans and animals.
Goodall's work at Gombe revealed that chimpanzees make and use tools, have complex social structures, and exhibit emotions and personalities - discoveries that challenged scientific conventions of the time. Today, the research continues through the Jane Goodall Institute, making Gombe one of the longest-running field studies of wild animals in the world.
The park maintains an intimate, scientific atmosphere where visitors can witness ongoing research and experience the same forests that yielded these revolutionary discoveries about our closest living relatives.
Park Highlights
Chimpanzee Tracking
Trek through tropical forest trails to observe wild chimpanzees in their natural environment. Watching them feed, play, groom, and interact up close is an unforgettable experience. Guided by experienced trackers, you'll have the opportunity to witness the complex social dynamics of chimpanzee families that have been studied for generations.
Lake Tanganyika
The world's second-deepest lake provides a stunning backdrop to Gombe's forests. Its crystal-clear waters offer refreshing swimming opportunities and beautiful views. The lake is home to hundreds of endemic fish species and creates a microclimate that supports the park's rich biodiversity. Sunset over Lake Tanganyika is a spectacular sight not to be missed.
Waterfalls & Hiking
Hike through verdant forest to discover Kakombe and Mkenke waterfalls, where you can cool off in natural pools. The park's network of trails winds through diverse habitats, offering varying levels of challenge. Each trail provides opportunities to encounter wildlife and enjoy breathtaking viewpoints of the forest canopy and Lake Tanganyika below.
Diverse Wildlife
While chimpanzees are Gombe's main attraction, the park supports a rich diversity of other primates and wildlife. The forest ecosystem along Lake Tanganyika creates a unique habitat that supports numerous species, many of which have been studied for decades by researchers.
Chimpanzees
Approximately 100 individuals in three communities
Olive Baboons
Large troops roaming the forests and lakeshore
Red Colobus Monkeys
Vibrant monkeys frequently seen in the canopy
Red-tailed Monkeys
Agile primates with distinctive red tails
Atmosphere & Experience
Intimate, immersive, and profoundly moving — Gombe Stream National Park offers a wildlife experience unlike any other in Africa. The park's small size creates an intimate atmosphere where visitors can form deep connections with the natural world and its inhabitants.
Walking through Gombe's forests feels like stepping into a living laboratory where groundbreaking discoveries about animal behavior continue to unfold. The sounds of chimpanzee calls echoing through the valleys, the sight of these intelligent creatures using tools, and the knowledge that you're walking in the footsteps of scientific pioneers creates an unforgettable, emotionally resonant experience.
Ideal For: Primatologists, nature lovers, and those drawn to intimate wildlife encounters and natural history. Perfect for visitors seeking meaningful connections with wildlife rather than just sightings, and those interested in conservation and scientific research.
Best Time to Visit
The optimal time to visit Gombe Stream National Park is during the dry season from July to October. During these months, forest trails are drier and more accessible, and chimpanzees are easier to locate as they tend to stay closer to the lakeshore and lower valleys.
The dry season offers the best conditions for chimpanzee tracking, with less rainfall and lower humidity making hiking more comfortable. Wildlife viewing is generally better as animals congregate around reliable water sources, and the reduced vegetation improves visibility in the forest.
The wet season (November to May) transforms the park into an exceptionally lush, green landscape with flowing waterfalls, but heavy rains can make trails muddy and challenging. Chimpanzee tracking may be more difficult as the apes range higher in the mountains where food is more abundant.
Activities
Chimpanzee Tracking
Embark on guided treks through the forest to observe wild chimpanzee families. These intimate encounters allow you to witness feeding, grooming, playing, and social interactions up close. Tracking experiences are limited to small groups to minimize disturbance, ensuring a personal and respectful wildlife encounter.
Forest Hiking
Explore Gombe's network of trails that wind through diverse forest habitats. Hike to Kakombe and Mkenke waterfalls, where you can swim in refreshing natural pools. The trails vary in difficulty, offering options for all fitness levels, and provide opportunities to encounter other wildlife besides chimpanzees.
Lake Activities
Enjoy the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tanganyika with swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing on the beaches. The lake is home to hundreds of endemic cichlid fish species, making it a fascinating destination for snorkeling. Sunset views over the lake are particularly spectacular.
Birdwatching
With over 200 bird species recorded, Gombe offers excellent birding opportunities. Look for the iconic African fish eagle, colorful turacos, and the rare palm-nut vulture. The forest edge along the lake shore is particularly productive for bird watching, with many species attracted to the fruit trees.