Gombe National Park also known as Gombe Stream National Park located in western Kigoma Region, Tanzania, 10 miles north of Kigoma, the capital of Kigoma region. It was established in 1968, Gombe is one of the smallest national parks in Tanzania, with only 13.5 square miles of protected land along the hills of the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika. The terrain is eminent by steep valleys, and the forest vegetation ranges from grassland to woodland to tropical rainforest. Accessible only by boat, the park is most famous as the location where Jane Goodall founded her behavioral research conducted on the chimpanzee populations. The Kasekala Chimpanzee community featured in several books and documentaries, lives in Gombe National park.

Gombe’s high levels of diversity makes it a popular tourist destination. Apart from chimpanzees, primates that live in Gombe include; beachcomber olive baboons, red colobus, red tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, and vervet monkeys. Red tailed monkeys and blue monkeys have also been known to hybridize in the area. The parks is home to over 200 bird species and bushpigs. There are also many species of snakes, and occasional hippos and leopards. The visitors to the park can trek into the forest to view the chimpanzees as well as swim and snorkel in Lake Tanganyika with almost 100 kinds of colorful cichlid fish.

How to reach Gombe stream Nation al Park

The scheduled flights connect Kigoma to Dar and Arusha and Dar es Salaam is connected to Mwanza by a unhurried rail services, there are dirty rough roads connecting to Mbeya, Mwanza, and Dar es Salaam and then a weekly ferry to Mpulungu found in Zambia.There are local taxis that will take you from Kigoma to Gombe, a 3 hours drive or opt to use the motorboats which will take less than an hour.

Chimpanzee trekking

An excited howl erupts from deep in the forest, boosted immediately by a dozen other voices, rising in volume . Venture into the world of the chimpanzee on this once in a lifetime experience. Head into the small park of Gombe stream National park, on the banks of Lake Tanganyika, to follow in the footsteps of primate extraordinaire, Jane goodall, where you can spend some invaluable time with troops of chimpanzees.

Snorkeling

Gombe stream National Park has got a great beach. Water sport activities like snorkeling and diving will add value to your Tanzania safari. Lake Tanganyika offers a whole other world to explore under the water. Gombe is a very great place for snorkeling and diving filled by hills, the waters here are calm and leave a lasting impression. The activity is conducted for 3 hours with in the lake.

Sport Fishing

The activity is done for pleasure and is known as a catch and release. It’s done when the weather is calm. The crew is so experienced at all disciplines of fishing. Well-equipped sports fishing boats and informed crew will ensure your absolute enjoyment out on Lake Tanganyika water.

Bird watching

Gombe national park is a paradise of bird lovers and attracts many ornithologists over 200 species of birds have been recorded and many more are yet to be discovered. These species range from the iconic fish eagle to the jewel like peters twin spots that hop tamely around the visitors center.

Boat Cruise

The tourists hire a tourist boat and move around on Lake Tanganyika to view its tourist attractions and leisure taking activities. A boat cruise is a great experience and you can choose a boat depending on your budget. You will enjoy Lake Tanganyika breeze while enjoying a view of the great rift valley escarpment.

Best Time to Visit Gombe stream National Park

During the wet season that starts in February to June and then from November to Mid-December. The chimps don’t move very far so tracking them is much easier, however better pictures can be taken during the dry season that starts in July to October also towards the end of December.