Location: Western Circuit, Kigoma Region
Area: 52 km²
Category: National Park

Overview

Gombe Stream National Park, nestled on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, is Tanzania’s smallest national park—just 52 square kilometers—but it holds immense global significance. Renowned for its chimpanzee population and as the site of Jane Goodall’s pioneering research in the 1960s, Gombe offers a uniquely intimate primate experience unlike anywhere else.

The park’s landscape features steep valleys, tropical forest, and 13 crystal-clear streams that cascade from the escarpment to the lake. Though trekking through the terrain requires effort, the reward of observing habituated chimpanzees in the wild makes it truly unforgettable. Early morning treks offer the best chances of close encounters.

Aside from chimpanzees, Gombe is home to a troop of habituated olive baboons and several monkey species, including red colobus and red-tailed monkeys. These species form part of a complex ecosystem where interactions like chimpanzee hunting behavior can sometimes be observed. Gombe is also a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 200 recorded species.

Highlights

• World-renowned chimpanzee trekking destination

• Site of Jane Goodall’s historic primate research

• Intimate forest experience along Lake Tanganyika

• Diverse birdlife and primate species

• Serene landscapes perfect for hiking and canoeing

Activities

• Chimpanzee Watching – Track and observe wild, habituated chimpanzees in their natural habitat.

• Bird Watching – Spot unique and rare forest and lakeside birds.

• Forest Walks – Explore lush trails leading to waterfalls and viewpoints.

• Canoeing & Kayaking – Paddle the calm waters of Lake Tanganyika.

• Snorkeling / Swimming – Relax and swim in the clear freshwater shoreline.

Wildlife

• Primates: Chimpanzees, olive baboons, red colobus, red-tailed monkeys

• Birds: African broadbill, Livingstone’s turaco, Crowned eagle, Ross’s turaco, Yellow-rumped tinkerbird, Double-toothed barbet, Palm-nut vulture, and more

Notable Spots Within the Park

• Jane’s Peak – A panoramic viewpoint honoring Dr. Jane Goodall’s legacy

• Kakombe Waterfall – A scenic natural feature accessible via forest trails

• Old Feeding Station – Historical site used during the early chimpanzee studies

FAQs

Best Time to Visit:
Dry season from July to October is best for trekking and chimpanzee sightings. The wet season (November to April) offers lush greenery and excellent birdwatching.

How to Get There:
Access is typically by boat from Kigoma town. Kigoma is reachable via domestic flights or overland travel from Dar es Salaam or Arusha.

Nearby Attractions

• Mahale Mountains National Park – Another remote primate haven along Lake Tanganyika

• Lake Tanganyika – One of the world’s deepest and oldest lakes with beautiful beach settings and aquatic activities

Are You Ready to Roam the Wild?
Start planning your Tanzanian wildlife safari today. Let African Giant Adventures guide you to the unforgettable.