Gombe Stream National Park, At a Glance

Spanning just over 14 square miles on the eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika, Gombe Stream is Tanzania's smallest national park.

It is one of three places where you can see chimpanzees in Tanzania.

The park's diverse topography comprises vast grasslands, dense woodland areas and tropical rain forest, bisected by steep valleys, rivers and streams of water.

Famously, this is the site where Jane Goodall completed most of her pioneering chimpanzee research.

The resident primatologist spent many years in Gombe observing the behaviour of Chimpanzees, an endangered species.

Thanks to Jane Goodall, Many of the chimpanzee troops here are habituated (used to humans), meaning you can trek to see them up-close in their natural forest habitat. 

Gombe is home to many rare primates alongside chimpanzees. There are olive baboons, red colobus, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, and vervet monkeys.

Birds, butterflies, and a wide variety of rare forest flora can be spotted during forest walks and chimpanzee treks. There are no large predators in Gombe Stream, apart from the occasional leopard sighting.  

Gombe Stream National Park

Where does Gombe Stream National Park Fit Into Your Tanzanian Adventure?

Gombe Stream sits on Tanzania's remote western safari circuit, with Lake Tanganyika, Katavi National Park and the Mahale Mountains National Park. 

This circuit is seldom visited due to its remote location and access by flight or boat only.

However, visitors are rewarded by untouched wilderness, great wildlife densities and a secluded safari experience away from some of Tanzania's busier parks. 

Gombe Stream National Park

The Western Safari Circuit

Bordering four countries, Lake Tanganyika is the longest freshwater lake in the world.

When standing on the lake's sandy beaches - staring across the glassy blue waters to the horizon - this great expanse of water appears more like an ocean than a freshwater lake.

Perfect for a beach holiday after trekking through the forest, as Gombe Stream only has one accommodation option, you will likely stay in Lake Tanganyika.

Katavi National Park is just over 4,000-sq-km of pristine wilderness and is known for its high density of large mammals, including hippo, elephant, and lion.

Bordering Lake Tanganyika, the Mahale Mountains National Park is a primate paradise. The park is home to just under 1,000 chimpanzees, the rare Red and Angola colobuses, and the red and blue-tailed monkeys. They are the main attractions while you trek through the forest. 

Gombe Stream National Park

Things to Do

Chimpanzee Trekking

Head out on a guided forest walk to catch a glimpse of our closest relative, as well as up to 82 other wildlife species that call the parks home.

Approximately 150 chimpanzees live in the park.

A chimp sighting is never guaranteed. However, with experienced guides, the chance is good. Once you have located the troop, you will have up to one hour to observe them.

You will need a permit for chimpanzee tracking, and at the time of writing, a chimpanzee permit for Gombe National park is the cheaper option at $100.

Gombe Stream National Park

Sundowners on Lake Tanganyika

One of the most popular evening activities is climbing aboard a dhow (traditional boat) and joining the crowd of lantern-laden dug-out canoes heading out to fish for the evening

Onboard, you can enjoy romantic sundowners and watch the sunset over the lake on a 1.5-hour tour.

Gombe Stream National Park

Snorkelling and Diving

Lake Tanganyika is a great spot for diving and snorkelling.

The water is a consistent 25 degrees Celsius year-round, and visibility in the dry season goes as deep as 20 m.

The lake is teeming with vibrant and colourful cichlids. 98% of the 250 known cichlid species are present in this lake. 

Most diving takes place close to the shores, so it is great for beginners and intermediate divers.

You'll be with a local expert. It's important to note that there are crocodiles, hippos and Bilharzia in some areas of the lake, so going with a local professional is essential.

Several other water sports activities may be available through your accommodation, including kayaking, wakeboarding, and water-skiing.

Get up close and personal with the breath-taking marine life.

Get up close and personal with the breath-taking marine life.

Where To Stay

Mbale Mbale Gombe Camp

Nestled under the canopy of ancient mango trees lies Gombe's only tented camp. Mbali Mbali Gombe Camp is a luxurious and intimate safari camp with a maximum of fourteen guests.

The seven tents are protected under thatched roofs, offering shade over the private deck, perfect for unwinding, away from the afternoon heat.

Each tent is perfectly situated to ensure solitude, with a strip of forest between each tent.

Four-poster beds with mosquito nets ensure a great night's sleep, and every tent includes a flush toilet and hot showers.

Set on the sandy shores of Lake Tanganyika, there is a  spacious communal lounge that includes a library, bar, dining room and jetty leading to the lake. 

Gombe Stream National Park

Lake Shore Lodge

Lake Shore Lodge sits on the golden sandy bay close to Gombe Stream. This serene, privately owned lodge has a range of accommodation on offer that caters to all budgets

You can drift off to the crashing in your luxury beach front chalet or set up your DIY camp surrounded by the ancient mango trees.

The varying accommodation is suited to a range of people. You can bond as a family by camping or romantically escape to the lodge's honeymoon suite. This features a private dining deck, a sunken bath, and twin showers. 

Gombe Stream National Park

The luxury chalets are all en-suite and open right out onto the beach, providing an unobstructed view of the azure blue waters.

Lawn bandas are an excellent option for those who wish to spend a little less. They offer the same exclusive views of the mountains and lakes. However, they have shared bathroom facilities.

Unwind in the jacuzzi, wake up with an early morning yoga class or take an afternoon in the spa.

Gombe Stream National Park

Lupita Island

Nestled in a cluster of small islands on Lake Tanganyika, Lupita Island is a remote, untouched private island on 110 acres of uninhabited space.

The lodge is perched atop a hill and boasts panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.

The resort offers luxurious, comfortable and secluded accommodation in the form of 10 beautiful cottages.

The lodge offers a good range of facilities and amenities, including fine dining, a spa, a swimming pool, a games room, a bar & lounge, and a gym. 

Gombe Stream National Park

When to Go

The best time to visit Gombe Stream National Park is from June to September, during the dry season.  Trekking through the forest is easier at this time of year, and the likelihood of seeing the chimps increases.

Gombe has one continuous wet season from November to April, and we advise you to avoid this time, as nature walks are less enjoyable in the mud and rain and likely lead to cancellation.

Gombe Stream National Park

Getting There

From Dar es Salaam the best way to get to Gombe Stream National park is by domestic flight to Kigoma.  There are daily scheduled flights, and they take approximately 2 hours.

From Arusha, only shared charter flights are available, and they operate twice a week.

Driving is not recommended due to the rough terrain and long distances. 

Trains and buses are also available but can take up to 2 days if travelling from Dar es Salaam and are not recommended for people who like the luxury and comfort of travelling in business class. 

Gombe Stream National Park

Once you have arrived in Kigoma, lake taxi's and private boats are the only way to reach Gombe Stream National Park.

Lake Taxi's take approximately 4 hours from Kibrizi beach, just north of Kigoma.

This takes approximately costs 10,000tsh ($5), but don't be afraid to haggle within reason.

Private charters are the most comfortable way to travel, and you won't be confined to times that the lake taxis/ferry runs, However they can cost upwards of $200. 

For something a bit different, The MV Liemba, a 100-year-old 'indestructible warship', travels between Tanzania and Zambia as a passenger ferry ever other Wednesday on a five-day trip, and stops at Gombe.

Gombe Stream National Park

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