Gombe Streams National Park
Location, How to Get There, and Overview
Gombe Stream National Park is a narrow strip of protected forest along the northeastern shores of Lake Tanganyika, in western Tanzania. Covering just 52 square kilometers, it’s the smallest of Tanzania’s national parks — but globally famous as the place where Dr. Jane Goodall conducted her groundbreaking chimpanzee research beginning in 1960.
By Air:
The nearest airport is in Kigoma, which can be reached by scheduled flights from Dar es Salaam or Arusha. From Kigoma, visitors take a boat to the park.
By Boat:
A 1 to 2-hour boat ride from Kigoma across Lake Tanganyika is the only way to access the park. Options range from motorboats to traditional wooden dhows.
By Road:
You can also reach Kigoma by overland travel, though the journey from Dar es Salaam can take multiple days.
Gombe’s intimate size, beautiful landscapes, and remarkable chimpanzee encounters make it a truly special destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
Tourist Attractions
Chimpanzee Trekking – Gombe is home to a famous, habituated chimpanzee community that can be observed on guided forest hikes.
Jane Goodall Research Site – Visit the place where Jane Goodall began her pioneering primate studies, which forever changed how we understand great apes.
Kakombe and Mkenke Waterfalls – Short hikes through the lush forest lead to these beautiful waterfalls.
Lake Tanganyika Shoreline – Crystal-clear waters offer great swimming, kayaking, and lakeside relaxing after trekking.
Forest Wildlife – Besides chimps, Gombe hosts olive baboons, red-tailed and blue monkeys, bushpigs, and small antelope.
Fun Facts
Gombe is home to the world’s longest-running chimpanzee research project, started by Jane Goodall in 1960.
Many chimpanzees here are descendants of individuals studied by Goodall, and are still tracked by researchers today.
The park’s steep valleys and forested hills create an incredibly scenic, immersive environment.
Though tiny, Gombe holds a dense concentration of biodiversity, including over 200 bird species and rare butterflies.
Best Time to Visit
July to October (Dry Season): Best for chimpanzee tracking; trails are drier and chimps stay closer to the lower slopes.
November to May (Green Season): Lush and vibrant forest conditions, great for photography and birding, though trails may be slippery.
Activities
Chimpanzee Trekking – Hike with expert guides to find and observe wild chimpanzees up close in their natural habitat.
Forest Hiking – Explore the park’s rugged terrain, hidden valleys, and waterfalls on foot.
Birdwatching – Spot forest species like trumpeter hornbills, palm-nut vultures, and the rare African broadbill.
Swimming and Kayaking – Enjoy the cool, clear waters of Lake Tanganyika after your trek.
Cultural Tours in Kigoma – Combine your visit with a tour of this historic lakeside town, once a hub of explorers and traders.
Why Visit Gombe Stream National Park?
Gombe is a sacred site for wildlife lovers and primate researchers alike. It’s where the story of human-chimp connection began and continues to this day. With up-close chimp encounters, no roads, and an enchanting forest setting on the lake, Gombe offers a safari experience unlike any other — intimate, educational, and emotionally powerful.
