Gombe National Park
OVERVIEW
Gombe National Park is a protected area located in western Tanzania, East Africa. It is renowned for its significant population of wild chimpanzees and is perhaps best known for the groundbreaking research conducted by primatologist Jane Goodall. Here are some key details about Gombe National Park:
Location: Gombe National Park is situated on the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika, bordering the lake to the west and the mountainous terrain of the Great Rift Valley to the east. It is part of the Greater Mahale Ecosystem.
Size: The park covers a relatively small area of approximately 52 square kilometers (20 square miles).
Chimpanzee Habituation: Gombe is one of the few places in the world where you can witness chimpanzees in their natural habitat. The park is home to several groups of habituated chimpanzees, which means they are accustomed to the presence of humans, allowing for close observation by researchers and tourists.
Jane Goodall’s Research: Gombe gained international fame due to the pioneering research conducted by Jane Goodall. Her long-term study of chimpanzee behavior at Gombe, which began in the early 1960s, provided groundbreaking insights into chimpanzee social structures, tool use, and communication.
Biodiversity: In addition to chimpanzees, Gombe National Park is home to other wildlife species, including olive baboons, red colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and a variety of bird species. The park’s lush forests and the presence of Lake Tanganyika provide a rich ecosystem for these animals.
Activities: Visitors to Gombe National Park can engage in activities such as chimpanzee trekking, guided forest walks, birdwatching, and boat safaris on Lake Tanganyika. Chimpanzee trekking is the park’s main attraction, offering the opportunity to observe and learn about these remarkable primates.
Accommodation: The park offers a limited number of accommodation options, including basic lodges and campsites. Due to its remote location, it’s essential to plan accommodations and permits in advance.
Access: Gombe National Park is relatively remote and is accessed by boat from the town of Kigoma on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Kigoma is connected to other major Tanzanian cities, including Dar es Salaam, by air and road.
Conservation: Gombe National Park is dedicated to the conservation of chimpanzees and their habitat. It plays a crucial role in protecting these endangered primates.
Visitor Guidelines: To protect the chimpanzees and the park’s ecosystem, visitors are required to follow strict guidelines, such as maintaining a safe distance from the animals and not feeding them.
Gombe National Park offers a unique and enriching experience for those interested in primates, wildlife, and conservation. It remains an iconic destination for researchers, wildlife enthusiasts, and those seeking to connect with our closest living relatives in the animal kingdom.
Gombe National Park is located in western Tanzania, along the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika. It is situated near the town of Kigoma, which is the gateway to the park.
The main attraction of Gombe National Park is its population of wild chimpanzees. Visitors come to the park to engage in chimpanzee trekking and observe these primates in their natural habitat.
To go chimpanzee trekking in Gombe, you will need to obtain a permit, which can be arranged through the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) or tour operators. Guided treks led by park rangers take visitors into the forest to find and observe chimpanzee groups.
Yes, Gombe National Park is open year-round. However, the best time for chimpanzee trekking and wildlife viewing is during the dry season, which typically spans from June to October.
Yes, Gombe is home to a variety of other wildlife species, including olive baboons, red colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and a range of bird species. While the main focus is on chimpanzees, you may also encounter these animals during your visit.
Gombe offers basic accommodation options, including lodges and campsites. The accommodations are relatively limited, so it’s advisable to book in advance, especially during the high season.
To reach Gombe National Park, you typically fly into Kigoma, a town on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. From Kigoma, you’ll need to take a boat ride to the park, which is the primary mode of access.
Yes, visitors are required to follow strict guidelines to protect the chimpanzees and the park’s ecosystem. These guidelines include maintaining a safe distance from the chimpanzees, not feeding them, and following the instructions of park rangers.
Yes, there is a limit to the number of visitors allowed for chimpanzee trekking in Gombe National Park each day. This limit helps minimize human disturbance and stress on the chimpanzee groups.
- Best Price Guaranteed
- No Booking Fees
- Professional Local Guide
Need Help With Booking? Send Us A Message
- Transportation
Cruser 4x4
- Accommodation
Opt
- Maximum Altitude
4,566 meters (14,980 feet) above sea level.
- Best Season
This period is generally considered the best time to visit Gombe National Park.
The wet season in Gombe National Park corresponds with Tanzania’s long rains and short rains.