GOMBE NATIONAL PARK
Gombe National Park: A Complete Guide to Tanzania’s Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Gombe National Park is one of Tanzania’s smallest but most famous national parks, known globally for its population of wild chimpanzees and the groundbreaking research conducted by Dr. Jane Goodall. Located on the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika in western Tanzania, Gombe covers just 52 square kilometers – making it the smallest national park in Tanzania.
Despite its size, Gombe’s significance lies in its rich primate population and dense tropical forest ecosystem. The park is home to a habituated group of chimpanzees that have been studied continuously since 1960, when Jane Goodall first arrived to begin her pioneering research on chimpanzee behavior and social structure.
Gombe also features a variety of other primates, including red-tailed monkeys, olive baboons, and blue monkeys. Its lush forests and proximity to Lake Tanganyika create a unique and diverse environment where visitors can experience primates, birdlife, and aquatic species in one location.
This guide will cover everything you need to know about Gombe National Park, including the best time to visit, top things to do, and expert tips for chimpanzee tracking.
Overview of What We’ll Cover:
Why Gombe National Park is unique
Best time to visit for chimpanzee tracking and wildlife
Top things to do and see in the park
Wildlife highlights – including primates and bird species
Practical travel and safari tips
Why Gombe National Park is Unique
Gombe National Park stands out as the birthplace of modern primatology and one of the few places in the world where you can see wild chimpanzees up close.
Key features that make Gombe unique:
Jane Goodall’s research site – Gombe is where Jane Goodall conducted her groundbreaking research on chimpanzee behavior, including the discovery that chimpanzees use tools.
Habituated chimpanzee groups – The park’s chimpanzee population has been studied for over 60 years, making them comfortable with human presence.
Dense forest and lake environment – The park’s combination of forested hills and the clear waters of Lake Tanganyika creates a rich and diverse ecosystem.
Rare and intimate experience – Gombe’s small size and low visitor numbers ensure a more personal and private wildlife experience.
Unlike larger parks in Tanzania, Gombe is only accessible by boat, adding to the sense of adventure and exclusivity.
Best Time to Visit Gombe National Park
Chimpanzee tracking and wildlife viewing in Gombe are possible year-round, but certain seasons offer better conditions.
July to October – Dry Season
Best time for chimpanzee tracking as the forest is less dense.
Chimpanzees are easier to spot since they tend to gather closer to the trails.
Clear skies and pleasant temperatures make hiking more comfortable.
November to June – Wet Season
Best time for birdwatching as migratory birds arrive.
The forest is lush and green, creating beautiful photography opportunities.
Chimpanzees may be harder to find due to thicker vegetation.
Pro Tip: The dry season between July and October is the best time for chimpanzee tracking and general wildlife viewing.
Top Things to Do and See in Gombe National Park
1. Chimpanzee Tracking
Chimpanzee tracking is the main reason to visit Gombe. The park is home to over 100 chimpanzees, and the habituated groups are accustomed to human presence.
Tracking is led by experienced guides who follow the sounds of the chimps’ calls and movements.
Once found, you’ll spend up to an hour observing the chimpanzees as they groom, play, and forage.
Seeing a mother chimpanzee interact with her offspring or watching young chimps practice climbing is a rare and unforgettable experience.
2. Visit the Jane Goodall Research Center
Gombe is where Jane Goodall first observed chimpanzees using tools – a discovery that changed how we understand primate and human behavior.
The research center provides historical insights into Goodall’s work and the ongoing conservation efforts in Gombe.
Visitors can see old field notes, photos, and equipment used during the early research years.
3. Hiking and Nature Walks
Gombe’s terrain includes steep hills and forested valleys, making it ideal for hiking.
The Kakombe Waterfall is a popular destination, offering a cool and refreshing stop after a long hike.
Forest trails are lined with towering fig trees and mahogany, creating a shady and peaceful atmosphere.
4. Birdwatching
Gombe is home to over 200 bird species. Notable species include:
African fish eagle
Palm-nut vulture
Crowned eagle
Peters’s twinspot
Trumpeter hornbill
The combination of forest, lake, and open sky attracts a rich variety of both water and forest birds.
5. Swimming and Snorkeling in Lake Tanganyika
Lake Tanganyika, one of the deepest and oldest lakes in the world, borders Gombe National Park.
The lake’s clear waters are ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
Colorful cichlid fish are abundant in the lake, offering excellent underwater viewing opportunities.
6. Boat Trips
Boat trips along the shores of Lake Tanganyika offer a scenic way to experience the park’s unique landscape.
Hippos and crocodiles are occasionally seen in the shallow waters near the park’s boundary.
Sunset boat rides provide spectacular views of the lake and forested hills.
Wildlife Highlights – What to Look For
Chimpanzees
Chimpanzees are the park’s main attraction. Watching them communicate, use tools, and care for each other provides a profound insight into primate behavior.
Olive Baboons
Gombe has a large population of olive baboons, often seen foraging along the trails.
Red-Tailed and Blue Monkeys
These smaller primates are commonly spotted in the forest canopy.
Bush Pigs and Forest Antelopes
While more elusive, bush pigs and small antelopes like the dik-dik are occasionally seen in the forest.
Hippos and Crocodiles
Although not as common as in other Tanzanian parks, hippos and crocodiles inhabit the shores of Lake Tanganyika.
Travel and Safari Tips
1. Getting There
Gombe is accessible only by boat from Kigoma (approximately a 2-hour trip).
Kigoma can be reached by domestic flights from Dar es Salaam or Arusha.
2. Pack Smart
Light, breathable clothing for hot weather.
Sturdy hiking shoes for forest trails.
Insect repellent and sunscreen are essential.
Binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens for chimpanzee viewing.
3. Respect Wildlife
Keep a safe distance from chimpanzees and other wildlife.
Follow your guide’s instructions at all times.
Do not feed or touch the animals.
Interesting Facts About Gombe National Park
Gombe was established as a national park in 1968.
Jane Goodall’s research began in 1960.
The park’s chimpanzee research is the longest-running study of wild chimpanzees in the world.
Lake Tanganyika is the second deepest lake in the world, after Lake Baikal in Russia.
