Gombe National Park

Amazing Tanzania Experience

Walk in the Footsteps of Jane Goodall and the Wild Chimpanzees of Tanzania

General Information

Gombe National Park

Gombe National Park is a small yet world-famous national park located along the northeastern shore of Lake Tanganyika, in western Tanzania. Covering only about 52 square kilometers, Gombe is Tanzania’s smallest national park — but its global significance lies in its population of wild chimpanzees and the pioneering research of Dr. Jane Goodall, who began her groundbreaking study of chimpanzee behavior here in 1960.

The park is a lush, forested terrain of steep valleys, streams, and dense vegetation. Its beauty and intimacy make it unlike any other wildlife destination in Tanzania. Gombe is ideal for those seeking a more off-the-beaten-path, immersive experience in nature.

Facts About Gombe National Park

  • Gombe was established in 1968, becoming the second national park in Tanzania.

  • Home to the longest-running chimpanzee research program in the world.

  • Made famous by Dr. Jane Goodall, who first observed tool use and complex social behaviors in chimpanzees here.

  • Located near the town of Kigoma on the shores of Lake Tanganyika.

  • The park is only accessible on foot and by boat — no roads exist inside.

Excursions and Activities

Gombe offers unique, low-impact activities that bring visitors up close with nature:

  • Chimpanzee Trekking: The park’s highlight. Hike into the forest with experienced guides to track and observe wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat.

  • Guided Forest Walks: Discover other primates, forest birds, and medicinal plants while walking through tropical vegetation.

  • Birdwatching: Over 200 bird species including palm-nut vultures, fish eagles, and trumpeter hornbills.

  • Waterfall Hike: Visit Kakombe Waterfall, a scenic and peaceful trail within the park.

  • Swimming & Snorkeling: Enjoy the clear waters of Lake Tanganyika, one of the world’s deepest and oldest lakes.

Best Time to Visit

Gombe National Park can be visited year-round, but different seasons offer different experiences:

  • Dry Season (July to October):

    • Best time for chimpanzee trekking.

    • Trails are drier and hiking is easier.

    • Chimps stay closer to the lower slopes.

  • Green Season (November to April):

    • Forest is lush and beautiful.

    • Excellent birdwatching due to migratory birds.

    • Chimpanzees may range farther into the forest, making trekking slightly more challenging.

Note: May and November can be rainy and are generally quieter with fewer tourists.

Most Common Animals in the Gombe National Park

Although small in size, Gombe is rich in wildlife, particularly primates:

Primates:

  • Chimpanzees (main attraction)

  • Olive baboons (often seen along the lakeshore)

  • Red-tailed monkeys

  • Vervet monkeys

  • Blue monkeys

  • Colobus monkeys

Other Wildlife:

  • Bushbucks

  • Forest pigs

  • Small antelope

Birdlife:

  • African fish eagle

  • Hornbills

  • Palm-nut vulture

  • Peter’s twinspot

  • Kingfishers and sunbirds

Aquatic life:Lake Tanganyika hosts more than 350 species of fish, many endemic to the lake — making it a paradise for snorkeling enthusiasts.

Travel Time and Accessibility

Gombe is remote and uniquely accessed, which adds to its exclusivity and charm:

By Air:

  • Fly from Dar es Salaam or Arusha to Kigoma Airport (about 2 to 3 hours).

By Boat:

  • From Kigoma, take a boat ride (1 to 2 hours) to reach Gombe. Options include public boats or private speedboats.

Tip: Combine Gombe with visits to Mahale Mountains National Park or Katavi National Park for a complete western Tanzania experience.

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