In western Tanzania, a small yet renowned protected area spans about 20 square kilometers. It gained fame as the site of Jane Goodall’s pioneering chimpanzee behavior research. Established in 1968, the park provides a distinctive opportunity for visitors to observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat.
How to Get to Gombe National Park
To reach Gombe National Park in Tanzania, you will need to travel by air and boat. The nearest major airport is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in Arusha, Tanzania. From there, you can take a domestic flight to Kigoma Airport, which is the closest airport to. Once you arrive in Kigoma, you will need to take a boat ride across Lake Tanganyika to reach the park. The boat journey typically takes about 2-3 hours, depending on the weather conditions.
Best Things to Do in Gombe National Park
Chimpanzee Trekking
The primary attraction of Gombe National Park is the opportunity to trek and observe wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Accompanied by experienced guides, visitors can embark on guided hikes to locate and spend time with these fascinating primates.
Nature Walks and Hiking
Apart from chimpanzee trekking, Gombe National Park offers scenic nature walks and hiking trails through its lush forests. You can explore the diverse flora and fauna of the park, encounter other primate species like red colobus monkeys and baboons, and enjoy the beautiful landscapes.
Birdwatching
Gombe National Park is home to a variety of bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatching enthusiasts. You can spot numerous colorful and endemic bird species, including African fish eagles, palm-nut vultures, and kingfishers.
Boat Safaris
Exploring the shores of Lake Tanganyika by boat is a popular activity in Gombe National Park. The lake is teeming with diverse aquatic life, and you may even encounter hippos and crocodiles while enjoying a boat safari.