Created in 1968, Gombe Stream National Park is one of Tanzania’s smallest national parks, covering an area of 13.5 square miles (35 km2). The park is located in the Kigoma district of the Kigoma region in Tanzania and is 16 km north of the capital of the region, Kigoma.
The park takes its name from the Gombe River, which flows through the park. The park is located along the hills on the east shore of Lake Tanganyika, which is about 10 miles (16 km) from Kigoma, Gombe National Park is best known for being the place where Jane Goodall did her pioneering work on the behaviour of common chimps.
You can only get there by boat, and the park is home to the Kasakela chimp community, which has been featured in books and documentaries. The terrain is made up of steep valleys, with vegetation ranging from grassy grassland to woodland and tropical rainforest.
While many destinations across the continent offer remarkable encounters with wildlife, Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania stands out as a unique gem. This remote and picturesque haven, located on the banks of Tanganyika Lake, is more than just a safari experience, it's an adventure.
In our travel article this week, we're taking you on a trip to Gombe on safari! You'll get to see all the amazing wildlife, meet some of the primates, and just soak up all the natural beauty of this amazing park.
The Call of the Wild:
As the sun rises above Lake Tanganyika and illuminates the park’s lush hills with a warm golden glow, the call of nature beckons. Although Gombe Stream National Park covers a mere 20 square miles, within this compact pocket lies a world full of life. It all starts with a boat ride over the lake, where you can take in the breathtaking views and prepare yourself for the magical experiences that are to come.
Chimpanzee Encounters
The name “Gombe” has become synonymous with the field of chimp research, owing to the groundbreaking work of the renowned scientist Dr Jane Goodall.
There are several habituated chimp families in the park, so visitors can get up close and personal with these amazing creatures. Led by experienced trackers, we make our way deep into the forest to find our primate cousins.
As we make our way through the trees, the excitement builds. All of a sudden, we hear a noise in the trees and see a bunch of chimps jumping from one branch to the next. It's an amazing sight, and it's a reminder that we have a lot in common with these amazing creatures. We can see them grooming each other, having fun, and searching for food. We can also get a better understanding of how they socialize and what they do.
Unlike other parks that are full of tourists, Gombe gives you the chance to get up close and personal with the chimps. Chimpanzee tracking through the thick forest is an exciting experience. You’ll see how chimpanzees interact with each other, how young ones jump from vine to vine, and all the amazing behaviours that were so well documented by Jane Goodall.
The privilege of encountering these incredible beings is an experience that lingers in the hearts and minds of travellers.
Scenic Hiking Trails
Gombe is not only renowned for its wildlife but also for its scenic hiking trails that traverse a diverse range of habitats. You'll make your way through the thick jungle, over winding streams, and along Lake Tanganyika's beautiful shoreline.
Our hike starts at the top of the Kigoma Hill trail, where you can see Lake Tanganyika from above and all the surrounding scenery. As you go up the trail, the dense forest begins to open up and you can see the view for miles.
This trail is a great place to take pictures of the lake and its surrounding trees. It is also a great place for bird watching, so make sure you bring your binoculars.
If you’re looking for the best way to see Gombe’s famous chimps, then you’ve come to the right place. The Kasekela Chimps community trail is a must-see.
This trail leads you to the heart of Chimp country, where you may have the chance to see these amazing animals in their natural environment. Every step of the way is an adventure, and there are plenty of opportunities to see other animals and plants along the way.
Jane’s Peak Trail, named after the famous primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall, leads to the top of Jane’s Peak, the highest peak of Gombe Stream National Park. It's not the easiest thing to do, but the payoff is worth it.
From the top, you get a panoramic view of the park and Lake Tanganyika, as well as the beautiful forests all around. This place is meant to be a place of contemplation and a reminder of Dr. Goodall's groundbreaking work in this field.
Gombe has a few short forest paths that are great for taking a chill stroll and checking out the sights. These trails run through the thickest forest, where you'll see colobus monkeys roaming around, a wide variety of birds, and the peace and tranquillity of nature at its best.
Birding Paradise
Tanzania's Gombe Stream National Park is famous for its amazing research on chimps, but there's something else you might not know about this amazing park - it's a birding paradise! Gombe is home to over 200 bird species, both resident and migratory, making it the perfect place for bird lovers to get lost in a world of colourful plumage, melodic calls, and bird diversity, Meet us on a birding adventure in Gombe National Park, where every step reveals a new birding spectacle.
Start your birding journey at Lake Tanganyika which is the second deepest lake in the world. The water, wetlands and surrounding woodlands combine to create a habitat rich in bird life. Watch for the elegant African Fish Eagle and the majestic Goliath Heron as they hunt for fish in the shallows of the lake’s edge, and don’t forget to look out for the beautiful African pied wagtail you may also observe cormorant, kingfisher and jacana fishing for fish in the water.
Go deep into Gombe’s lush forests, where the trees hum with the song of forest birds. Among the thicket of trees, you will see the beautiful African paradise flycatcher, White-cheeks Turaco and the beautiful Green-headed oriole. Gombe’s forests provide the perfect backdrop to explore a plethora of forest species, each with its unique charm.
Gombe’s varied topography makes it an ideal hunting ground for vultures. Watch the Verreaux’s Eagle soar high above the park’s rolling hills and valleys, as well as the fast-flying Augur buzzard and the fast-flying African harrier-hawk. Seeing these predators in their natural environment is an exciting sight for any bird enthusiast.
Gombe National Park is home to a wide variety of bird species, making it an ideal destination for bird lovers all year round. During the migration period, you will also find species such as the European Bee Eater, Wood Warbler and Yellow wagtail you can easily see why the park is so important to the avian community as we observe these flying migrants on their epic journey.
The Mahale Mountains
Gombe Stream National Park is located on the other side of the lake, while Mahale Mountains National Park is another popular destination for wildlife lovers you can also go on an arduous trek to see wild chimps in their natural environment. Leopards, bushbuck, and a variety of birds are also found in the Mahale Mountains.
Cultural Immersion
Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania isn't just great for wildlife and nature, but it's also a great place to experience the culture of the local people. Enjoy the park’s picturesque forests, picturesque coastlines, and abundant wildlife, and get to know the people who live and work in this area.
Take a cultural tour of the villages in the vicinity of Gombe National Park. These villages are populated by different tribes, including Wapere and Waholoholo. By getting to know the locals, you can get a glimpse into their everyday lives, customs, and traditions. You could join in on traditional dances, see craft-making workshops, or even try out some of the local cuisine.
Music and dance are integral parts of the local culture in the Gombe region, Tap your feet to the beat of the traditional drum and feel the energy of the local dance performance. The rhythm of the drumming and the vibrant colours of the costumes combine to create an experience that leaves you with a strong sense of the region’s cultural heritage.
Eco-Tourism and Conservation
Tanzania’s Gombe Stream National Park isn’t just a stunning natural wonder it also stands as a shining example of how ecotourism and conservation can work together. The park’s unique combination of untouched wilderness and innovative conservation efforts has set it apart as a benchmark for sustainable tourism and conservation.
Gombe Stream National Park is home to one of the most unique and complex ecosystems in the world. With its thick forests, rugged terrain and lush valleys, Gombe Stream is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including great apes such as chimps and colobus monkeys as well as forest buffalos and a wide variety of birds. However, this fragile equilibrium is constantly threatened by human activity, land degradation and climate change.
Gombe Stream National Park’s conservation efforts work in tandem with eco-tourism initiatives to ensure the long-term health of its unique ecosystem.
Chimpanzee research and monitoring: The park’s population of chimps is closely monitored for behavioural, health and population trends. The results inform conservation measures and support the conservation of this endangered species.
Prevention of poaching: The park’s wildlife is protected from both illegal hunting and wildlife trafficking. Anti-poaching operations are carried out regularly and have resulted in a significant decrease in poaching in recent years.
Community Engagement: Partnering with local communities to promote sustainable farming, alternative income, and education to reduce conflicts between humans and wildlife and promote community stewardship of the park.
Scientific research and education; Gombe is a center for scientific research. Scientists from all over the world research the park’s wildlife and ecosystems. This helps us better understand biodiversity and conservation.
Not only do you get to experience Gombe like never before, but you also support the conservation efforts that keep this unique wilderness alive.
Practical Tips for Your Gombe Safari
Timing: The best time to visit Gombe is during the dry season, which runs from June to September. The trails are more accessible during this time, and you are more likely to see wildlife.
Accommodations: There are several guesthouses and cottages in the vicinity, but it is advisable to book ahead of time, particularly during peak travel times.
Guides; Local guides are the key to finding your way around the park’s trails and providing a safe and educational experience.
Gombe safari adventure is more than just a holiday, it is a journey of self-discovery. Whether you’re charmed by the chimps, mesmerized by the avian life, or overwhelmed by the natural beauty of Gombe Stream National Park, you’ll be left with a lasting impression.
While you’re on your safari, don’t forget that you’re not only going on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, but you’re also helping to protect a priceless natural asset.
Join us next week for an in-depth exploration of Africa's remarkable natural environments and wildlife. In the meantime, may your journeys be full of awe and adventure.