Gombe Stream National Park
Forested valleys on the shore of Lake Tanganyika, home of the chimpanzees made famous by Jane Goodall.
- Size
- About 35 km²
- Best time
- Jun–Oct
- Known for
- Wild chimpanzees & Jane Goodall
- Getting there
- Flight to Kigoma, then boat
Discover Gombe Stream National Park
Gombe Stream National Park is Tanzania's smallest national park and one of its most extraordinary. A narrow strip of steep, forested valleys running down to the clear waters of Lake Tanganyika in the far west of the country, it is home to around a hundred wild chimpanzees, the communities Dr Jane Goodall began studying in 1960. Her research here, now the longest-running study of any wild animal population, changed how the world understands chimpanzees, and Gombe remains one of the best places in Africa to spend time with them.
Chimpanzee Trekking
Chimpanzee treks set out in the morning with a park ranger-guide, following the forest trails until a group is found. Once you reach them, you can spend up to an hour watching the chimpanzees feed, groom, play and rest, often at close range, as many individuals are used to the presence of researchers. Treks can last from one to several hours depending on where the chimpanzees are, and the slopes are steep, so a reasonable level of fitness helps.
More to Discover
Gombe is also home to olive baboons, red colobus, red-tailed and blue monkeys, and more than 200 bird species. Hike to the Kakombe waterfall, visit Jane Goodall's feeding station and her former house on the beach, and end the day swimming or snorkelling in Lake Tanganyika, the world's second-deepest lake, among colourful cichlid fish.
Getting There
Gombe lies about 16 km north of Kigoma on the shore of Lake Tanganyika and has no roads: the park is reached by boat from Kigoma, a ride of one to two hours. Kigoma has scheduled and charter flights from Arusha and Dar es Salaam, so Gombe combines well with a northern circuit safari or a stay on Zanzibar.
Where It Is
Gombe Stream National Park on the Map
Why Go
Highlights of Gombe Stream National Park
- Wild chimpanzeesTrek through the forest to spend time with habituated chimpanzee families.
- Jane Goodall's legacyThe site of the world's longest-running study of wild chimpanzees, begun in 1960.
- Lake TanganyikaSwim and snorkel in the clear waters of the world's second-deepest lake.
- Kakombe waterfallA forest hike to a waterfall in one of the park's steep valleys.
- Primates and birdsOlive baboons, red colobus, blue and red-tailed monkeys and over 200 bird species.
- Remote and intimateA small park reached only by boat, with few visitors.
Gallery
Gombe Stream National Park in Pictures
Good to Know
Gombe Stream National Park FAQs
When is the best time to visit Gombe? +
The dry season from June to October is best: trails are easier, and the chimpanzees often come down to the lower slopes. The park is open all year, and the wetter months from November to May are greener, with chimpanzees usually higher in the forest.
How do I get to Gombe Stream National Park? +
Fly to Kigoma from Arusha or Dar es Salaam, then take a boat north along Lake Tanganyika to the park, which takes one to two hours. There are no roads into Gombe.
How close can you get to the chimpanzees? +
Visitors keep a distance of at least ten metres and wear a face mask near the chimpanzees to protect them from human illness. Time with a group is limited to one hour, and children under 15 cannot join the treks.
How many days should I spend in Gombe? +
Two to three nights is ideal. It gives you at least two chances to trek to the chimpanzees, plus time for the waterfall hike and the lake.
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