Gombe Stream National Park
A narrow strip of steep forested valleys on the shore of Lake Tanganyika, where Jane Goodall began her study of wild chimpanzees in 1960. It is the longest-running study of its kind in the world.
At a glance
- Getting there
- An early Air Tanzania flight from Dar es Salaam to Kigoma (about 2 hours), then a boat north along the lake
- Best for
- Chimpanzee trekking, forest walks, the lake
- Best time
- June to October is usually best for trekking
- Minimum age
- 15 for chimpanzee trekking
Why go
Gombe is one of Tanzania’s smallest national parks, but few places on Earth are as important to our understanding of chimpanzees. You trek into the forest with a park guide to find the Kasakela community, the chimps Jane Goodall first studied, and their descendants. The forest is also home to red colobus, red-tailed and blue monkeys and many birds, and you can walk to the Kakombe Waterfall and Jane’s Peak.
Highlights
- Chimpanzee trekking with a park guide
- The forest where Jane Goodall’s research began
- Kakombe Waterfall and Jane’s Peak
- Red colobus, red-tailed and blue monkeys
- Swimming in Lake Tanganyika
The conservation story
Eastern chimpanzees are endangered, and Gombe’s chimps live on a small island of forest surrounded by farmland. Their future depends on the communities around the park, and on keeping forest corridors that let chimps move between Gombe and other forests. Visits are strictly limited and time with the chimps is kept short to protect them from stress and disease. Your trekking fees go straight to protecting them.
How your visit helps. Your park and chimpanzee trekking fees go to Tanzania National Parks, which protects Gombe. We hire local guides and boat crews and use locally owned suppliers wherever we can.
Trips that visit Gombe
From US$7,980 per person
Private trip
When to go
The dry season, roughly June to October, usually gives the easiest trekking. In the wet months the chimps may be closer to the lakeshore, but trails are muddy. Bring a face mask for your time with the chimps; park rules require it.
Where to stay
We choose your lodges and camps to suit your budget and travel style, from simple tented camps to luxury lodges, and name them in your personal itinerary and quote.
Combine with: Mahale Mountains · Katavi
Ready to plan your visit to Gombe?
Tell us your dates and how you like to travel, and we will send you a personal itinerary and quote. No obligation to book.
Adventure That Gives Back
Private safaris, treks and beach holidays across Tanzania, planned by a Tanzanian team.
Forest Hill, Kihimbwa St, Morogoro, Tanzania
Talk to us
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