GOMBE STREAM NATIONAL PARK

Jane Goodall's Legacy: The park gained international fame through Jane Goodall's groundbreaking research on chimpanzee behavior, which began in 1960 and continues today. She revolutionized our understanding of primates by revealing their intelligence, complex social structures, tool-making abilities, and emotions.
Chimpanzee tracking: Gombe is one of only two places in Tanzania where you can trek to see wild chimpanzees. Guided forest walks lead visitors to communities of habituated chimps, providing a rare opportunity to observe these endangered primates in their natural habitat.
Other primates: Beyond the famous chimpanzees, the park is home to a diverse population of other primates, including olive baboons, red colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and blue monkeys.
Diverse ecosystems: Despite its small size, the park features a variety of habitats, including steep valleys, lush tropical rainforest, grasslands, and the white-sand beaches of Lake Tanganyika.
Rich birdlife: With over 200 recorded bird species, Gombe is also an excellent destination for birdwatchers.
Lake Tanganyika: The park's border with Lake Tanganyika offers opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and boat safaris to see the lake's rich aquatic life, including a high number of endemic cichlid fish.

Access by air: The most common way to get to Gombe is by flying from major cities like Dar es Salaam or Arusha to Kigoma.
Access by boat: From the town of Kigoma,
Gombe National Park is only accessible by boat via Lake Tanganyika. Visitors can arrange for private speedboats or take a scheduled "lake taxi".
Remote location: The park is located on Tanzania's remote western safari circuit, so a visit typically requires careful planning and multiple travel legs. Its remoteness means fewer crowds and a more intimate experience.

Dry Season (June–October): This is the best time for chimpanzee trekking, as the chimps tend to stay on the lower slopes and trails are drier and less slippery.
Wet Season (November–May): During the wetter months, the forest is lush and green, and the waterfalls are more impressive. This season is also ideal for birdwatching, though the trails can be muddy and the chimps may be harder to find.

World-famous Chimpanzee Trekking: Gombe is the home of the longest-running chimpanzee study in the world and offers unparalleled opportunities to see these human-like primates.
Unique Roadless Environment: The park has no roads, allowing for a more immersive, on-foot experience through dense tropical forests and steep valleys.
Beautiful Scenery: With stunning landscapes featuring lush forests, steep ridges, and the shores of Lake Tanganyika, Gombe provides a beautiful and serene environment for visitors.
Abundant Primate and Birdlife: Beyond chimpanzees, the park is home to various other monkey species, like red-tailed monkeys and blue monkeys, as well as a rich variety of bird species.
Historical and Scientific Significance: Gombe provides a unique connection to the groundbreaking work of Jane Goodall, allowing visitors to see the research site where she began her pioneering studies.
Lake Activities: Visitors can enjoy activities on Lake Tanganyika, such as swimming and snorkelling.

Challenging Terrain and Hiking: The park is dominated by steep valleys and rugged terrain, requiring significant physical effort to navigate.
Limited Wildlife Variety: Due to its small size (52 sq km), it's less diverse in terms of mammal species compared to other Tanzanian parks, with a stronger focus on primates.
Accessibility: Reaching Gombe requires travel to Kigoma town and then by boat, which can be a long journey.