Gombe National Park

Gombe Stream National Park, located on the western border of Tanzania along the shores of Lake Tanganyika, is Tanzania’s smallest national park but one of its most globally significant. It gained international fame through the groundbreaking research of Dr. Jane Goodall, who began her chimpanzee behavioral studies here in 1960. Today, it remains a vital site for primate research and ecotourism, offering an unparalleled opportunity for chimpanzee trekking.

Gombe Stream National Park is primarily famous for:

• Chimpanzee Research & Tracking: It’s the site of Dr. Jane Goodall’s pioneering chimpanzee research, which has been ongoing for over 60 years. Visitors have the unique opportunity to go chimpanzee trekking and observe these incredible primates in their natural habitat.
• Dr. Jane Goodall: The park’s legacy is inextricably linked to her work, which revolutionized our understanding of chimpanzee behavior and conservation.
• Smallest National Park: It is Tanzania’s smallest national park, covering only 52 square kilometers (20 square miles).
• Lake Tanganyika: Its location on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, the world’s second-deepest freshwater lake, adds to its beauty and offers additional activities like swimming and snorkeling.

While chimpanzees are the main attraction, Gombe Stream National Park is also home to other primates and diverse wildlife:

• Chimpanzees: The star residents. Visitors join guided treks to observe habituated chimpanzee communities.
• Other Primates: You can also spot olive baboons (which Dr. Goodall also studied extensively), red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, and red colobus monkeys (which are often hunted by chimps).
• Mammals: Although rarer, you might glimpse bushbucks, bushpigs, civets, and various small carnivores. Leopards are present but extremely elusive.
• Birds: Over 200 bird species have been recorded, including various forest birds, water birds along the lake, and raptors.
• Fish: The waters of Lake Tanganyika boast an incredible diversity of cichlid fish, many of which are endemic to the lake.

The park can be visited year-round, but specific times offer different advantages:

• Dry Season (May to October): This is generally considered the best time for chimpanzee trekking. The forest is less dense, making it easier to spot and follow the chimps, and the trails are less slippery. Chimpanzees tend to stay closer to the lower slopes and lake shore where food sources are more concentrated.
• Wet Season (November to April): The vegetation is lush and green, making for beautiful scenery. Chimpanzees may be more dispersed and higher up the slopes as food is abundant, potentially leading to longer treks. However, this is also when the chimps’ coats are shiniest, and the opportunities for photography are excellent. Birdwatching is also at its peak during this period due to the presence of migratory birds.

A minimum of 2 to 3 nights is recommended. This allows for at least two full days of chimpanzee trekking, increasing your chances of multiple good sightings and observing different behaviors, especially since the chimps’ movements can be unpredictable. It also allows time for other activities like forest walks or lake activities.

Access to Gombe Stream National Park is unique as it’s primarily by boat:

• By Air: The most common way is to fly from Dar es Salaam or Arusha to Kigoma Airport (TKQ). Several domestic airlines (e.g., Precision Air, Coastal Aviation) offer flights.
• From Kigoma: From Kigoma town, you take a dhow (traditional sailing boat) or a motorboat across Lake Tanganyika to the park. The boat trip typically takes about 2-3 hours, offering scenic views of the lake and coastline. You cannot access the park by road.

• Chimpanzee Tracking (Trekking): This is the main attraction. Accompanied by experienced park rangers, you trek through the forest to locate and observe the habituated chimpanzee communities. Permits are required.
• Forest Walks: Explore the park’s diverse forest trails, learning about the flora and fauna, and perhaps spotting other primates or birds.
• Swimming & Snorkeling: Enjoy the clear waters of Lake Tanganyika. The lake is known for its endemic cichlid fish, and snorkeling can offer fascinating underwater views.
• Visiting Jane Goodall’s Research Site: Learn more about the history of the research at the Kasekela research station.
• Hiking to Kakombe Waterfalls: A scenic hike to beautiful waterfalls within the park.
• Birdwatching: Spot various forest and water bird species.

Entry fees are set by the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) and are subject to change. As of July 2025, the approximate fees (excluding 18% VAT, which is usually added) are:

• Non-resident Adults (16+ years): Approximately $100 USD per person per 24 hours.
• Non-resident Children (5-15 years): Approximately $20 USD per person per 24 hours.
• Chimpanzee Tracking Permit: This is a separate and mandatory fee, typically around $100 USD per person per day (non-resident adult), excluding VAT. This permit covers the actual activity of tracking.
• Concession Fees: If staying at a lodge inside Gombe Stream National Park, there’s an additional concession fee (around $30 USD per adult per night) excluding VAT.
• Ranger Fee: A mandatory fee for an armed ranger accompanying you on treks, usually included in the permit or paid locally.

It’s crucial to confirm the latest official TANAPA tariffs or consult your tour operator for the most current and accurate pricing for your visit to Gombe Stream National Park.

• Comfortable hiking shoes or boots: Essential for navigating uneven and potentially slippery forest trails.
• Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts: To protect against scratches, insect bites, and sun.
• Rain gear: Especially during the wet season, as showers can be unpredictable.
• Insect repellent: Crucial for mosquito and tsetse fly protection.
• Hat and sunscreen: For sun protection.
• Small backpack: To carry water, snacks, camera, and other essentials.
• Camera: With good zoom lens, but avoid using flash near chimps.
• Binoculars: For spotting chimps high in the trees or other wildlife.
• Plenty of water: Staying hydrated is key during treks.

Strict rules are in place to protect the chimpanzees and visitors:

• Maintain Distance: A minimum distance (usually 7-10 meters) must be kept from the chimps.
• Masks: Wearing a face mask may be required to prevent disease transmission to the chimps.
• No Food or Drink: Do not eat or drink near the chimps.
• No Flash Photography: Flash photography is strictly prohibited.
• Health: If you are feeling unwell (e.g., flu, cold), you may not be allowed to trek to protect the chimps.
• Limited Viewing Time: Time spent with the chimps is often limited (e.g., one hour per encounter) to minimize disturbance.

Visiting Gombe Stream National Park offers a profound and unique wildlife experience, connecting you with our closest living relatives in their natural home.