Gombe National Park

• Area: 35 km² (14 sq. Mi)
• Established: 1968
• Location: Kigoma Region, Tanzania

How to get there

We recommend using Charter a flight from Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, or Arusha. 

Park Attractions

Gombe wilderness is worth a year-round visit; enabling you to cruise along part of the historical inquisitiveness way back in the 19th century when Livingstone and Stanley searched the source of the River Nile. The rainy season is the best chimpanzee sporting while the green vegetation blooms providing an astonishing scenic view and waterfalls are at the best (November to Mid- May) while the dry season provides a chance for the best photo-taking, short and long hikes (May to October).

Wild Animals

Gombe has abundant and diverse wildlife animals. Habitat preferences and seasonal food cycles determine in a general sense where a particular animal may be at a particular time (esp chimpanzee). Although Gombe chimpanzees are a favorite among wildlife watchers that come to the Park, there are several notable animals.

Reptiles and Amphibians

Gombe is attractive to herpetologists and other scholars as it harbors provides dozens of reptilian and amphibian species, some of which are endemic to the Park.

Kakombe and Mkenke waterfall

Besides the incredible wildlife experience, you can head out to the Kakombe trail and Mkenke valley and explore the gorgeous natural Kakombe and Mkenke waterfalls.

Lake Tanganyika

African great Lake is one of the attractions in Gombe National Park. This is the longest and deepest lake in Africa and the second deepest lake in the world.

Bird’s Life

Gombe is also home to numerous birds. Over 200 bird species fly around, varying from the iconic fish eagle, three kinds of kingfishers, and the bright Peters twinspots. Another remarkable character is the palm vulture, a near vegetarian common to Lake Tanganyika that prefers fruits over carcasses. They usually stay in their blotch of forest since food is abundant throughout the year and occasionally venture into an open area. 

Activities

Gombe National Park is a place to capture lots of memorable experiences, ranging from getting a view of the clear waters of Lake Tanganyika to exploring the dense tropical rainforests. You can take a trail for a deep forest hike with great chances of bird watching, butterfly gazing and sightseeing at Jane’s peak, mountain hiking to the waterfalls and large populations of the shy, social African great apes make Gombe National Park a popular destination for exciting moments of chimp trekking. Furthermore, the Lake offers an expansive area for sports fishing, snorkeling, kayaking, and swimming.

Chimpanzee trekking

The chimpanzee’s trekking is the main activity at Gombe National Park. These remarkable mammals, habituated to human visitors, were made famous by the pioneering work of Jane Goodall, who in 1960 founded a research program that now stands as the longest-running study of its kind in the world.

Boat cruise

Tourists hire a tourist boat and just move about in Lake Tanganyika to view its tourist attractions and leisure-taking activities. A boat cruise is an amazing experience—you can choose a luxury boat or an ordinary speedboat, depending on your budget—for it allows you to feel Lake Tanganyika’s breeze while savoring a view of the Great Rift Valley escarpment.

Walking Safari

Short walks along the shores of Lake Tanganyika or to Waterfalls.

Mountain hiking

There are magnificent views of the mountains of the Rift escarpment falling westwards into the lake. The undulating terrain, valleys and the mosaic forest, woodland, and grassland provide visitors with a varied attractive landscape.

Butterfly gazing

Butterflies are the most colorful, striking, and silent beauty of the forest among the smaller creatures in the Gombe forest. The estimated total butterfly of Gombe is 400-500 species.

Filming

Gombe is a hotspot for filming. 

Kayaking

Kayaking is one of the water sports activities conducted in Gombe National Park.

Sport Fishing

This activity is done for pleasure also known as a catch and release; it is done when the Lake weather is Calm. The crew is experienced in all disciplines of fishing. Well-equipped sports fishing boats and informed crews will ensure your absolute enjoyment out on Lake Tanganyika water.

Snorkeling and diving

Gombe National Park has a tranquil beach. Water sports activities such as snorkeling and diving will add value to your visit. Lake Tanganyika offers a whole other world to explore under the water. Gombe is a remarkable place for snorkeling and diving. Shielded by hills, the waters here are calm, clear, and rich with colorful life that leaves a lasting impression.

This activity is conducted for 3hours within the lake.