Quick Facts
About Gombe Stream National Park
Peak Time
June - October
Best Time To Go
Year-round
Famous For
Chimpanzee research by Jane Goodall
Home Of
Chimpanzees, baboons, and over 200 bird species
Overview
Gombe is the smallest of Tanzania’s national parks: a fragile strip of chimpanzee habitat straddling the steep slopes and river valleys that hem in the sandy northern shore of Lake Tanganyika. Its chimpanzees – habituated to human visitors – were made famous by the pioneering work of Jane Goodall, who in 1960 founded a behavioural research program that now stands as the longest-running study of its kind in the world. The matriarch Fifi, the last surviving member of the original community, only three-years old when Goodall first set foot in Gombe, is still regularly seen by visitors.
Wildlife
Chimpanzees share about 98% of their genes with humans, and no scientific expertise is required to distinguish between the individual repertoires of pants, hoots and screams that define the celebrities, the power brokers, and the supporting characters. Perhaps you will see a flicker of understanding when you look into a chimp’s eyes, assessing you in return – a look of apparent recognition across the narrowest of species barriers.
Chimpanzee Tracking
The most visible of Gombe’s other mammals are also primates. A troop of beachcomber olive baboons, under study since the 1960s, is exceptionally habituated, while red-tailed and red colobus monkeys – the latter regularly hunted by chimps – stick to the forest canopy.
Scenic Landscapes
Chimpanzees share about 98% of their genes with humans, and no scientific expertise is required to distinguish between the individual repertoires of pants, hoots and screams that define the celebrities, the power brokers, and the supporting characters. Perhaps you will see a flicker of understanding when you look into a chimp’s eyes, assessing you in return – a look of apparent recognition across the narrowest of species barriers.
Activities
- Chimpanzee trekking Most people visit Gombe primarily to see Goodall’s famous chimpanzees. To make sure you see the chimpanzees, allow at least two days – the chimpanzees roam freely throughout the park so you can’t always predict where they will be.
- Hiking,
- Swimming and Snorkeling in Lake Tanganyika can also be arranged.
- Visit the site of Henry Stanley’s famous “Dr Livingstone I presume” at Ujiji near Kigoma, and watch the renowned dhow builders at work.
- Village visits are recommended.
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Best Time to Visit
The most visible of Gombe’s other mammals are also primates. A troop of beachcomber olive baboons, under study since the 1960s, is exceptionally habituated, while red-tailed and red colobus monkeys – the latter regularly hunted by chimps – stick to the forest canopy.
Accommodation
Lodging options in Gombe Stream National Park are scarce but varied, ranging from basic guesthouses to sustainable eco-lodges. Most are situated close to Lake Tanganyika, offering breathtaking views and convenient park access. These lodges provide a tranquil and private setting, ideal for unwinding after a day spent discovering the park’s wildlife and scenery.
Why Visit Gombe Stream National Park
Gombe Stream National Park holds worldwide importance due to Jane Goodall’s pioneering research and its vibrant community of wild chimpanzees. Observing these clever, sociable animals in their natural habitat is a unique and deeply moving opportunity. With its striking rugged landscapes, serene location along Lake Tanganyika, and diverse ecosystem, the park is a perfect spot for those craving adventure, wildlife encounters, and scenic splendor. For anyone passionate about primates, conservation, or simply discovering one of Tanzania’s most distinctive parks, Gombe delivers a truly memorable experience.