Gombe Stream National Park unfolds its wild landscape around Lake Tanganyika, roughly 16 km from the town of Kigoma. It is one of Tanzania's smallest national parks, spanning just 56 km². Yet it holds no shortage of charm for travelers. Its lush vegetation provides habitat for diverse wildlife, including numerous primate species.

History

Established in 1968, Gombe Stream National Park was a wildlife reserve where British primatologist and anthropologist Jane Goodall conducted her pioneering studies on chimpanzees. Research continues there today, notably through the chimpanzee research center.

Visiting Gombe Stream National Park

Gombe Stream National Park owes its renown to Jane Goodall, the renowned primatologist who conducted the most important behavioral study of chimpanzees there. Though considered Tanzania's smallest national park, Gombe nonetheless attracts considerable numbers of travelers, eager to witness chimpanzees with their own eyes—species now protected. Accustomed to human presence, the animals are relatively easy to approach, though touching them remains strictly forbidden. Your guide will brief you on proper conduct rules to ensure everyone's safety.

The park stretches north of Lake Tanganyika and reveals itself through a fragile band of forest and mountains. It encompasses roughly fifteen valleys with rivers. Beyond chimpanzees, Gombe hosts many other primates including baboons, red colobus monkeys, and blue monkeys. The park is also home to over 200 bird species, delighting ornithologists.

Various snake species and a number of hippopotamuses inhabit the park alongside leopards, harness-backed antelope, and Cape porcupines.

Its rich biodiversity makes Gombe Stream National Park a highly sought-after ecotourism destination. Various activities enhance your visit, including nature walks, swimming and diving in Lake Tanganyika, which hosts nearly 100 colorful cichlid fish species.

Best Time to Visit

Gombe Stream National Park is visitable year-round, but July through October represents the best period for observing wildlife, particularly chimpanzees.

How to Get There

To reach the park, you must take a boat departing from the town of Kigoma. Ferries make regular round trips across Lake Tanganyika, stopping at several coastal points. For your comfort, you can choose between first, second, or third class.

Kigoma has a small airport in its eastern suburbs. It is served by regular flights from Dar es Salaam and Mwanza. From the airport, take a bus or rent a taxi to reach the dock.

By rail, the German colonial train station in Kigoma is located downtown.

By road, Kigoma sits at the end of route B381. From there, you simply board a boat to reach Gombe Stream National Park.