Prepare to embark on an extraordinary journey as we delve into the wonders of Gombe Stream National Park. Located in Tanzania, this park offers a truly unique experience, especially for primate enthusiasts. Join us at Licaon Tours & Safaris as we explore the enchanting world of the Gombe Stream National Park.
Discover the allure of Gombe Stream National Park, a pristine wonderland tucked away in western Tanzania. This remote gem, although Tanzania’s smallest park, offers an unparalleled experience for nature enthusiasts. Join us at Licaon Tours & Safaris and explore the enchantment of Gombe Stream.
At the heart of Gombe Stream National Park lies a captivating world of wildlife. While chimpanzees take centre stage, this park is home to a diverse array of creatures. Join us on an adventure to meet our closest genetic relatives and discover the remarkable individuals that make up this unique ecosystem.
Gombe Stream National Park is more than just chimpanzees. It boasts an intriguing mix of landscapes, each with its own charm and diversity. From the classic savannah of Southern/Central (Seronera Valley) to the lush forests and dense bush of the Western Corridor, and the less-travelled but equally captivating North (Lobo Area) bordering Lake Tanganyika, Gombe promises a spectrum of experiences.
Gombe’s fame is largely attributed to the pioneering work of Jane Goodall. In 1960, she founded a behavioural research program in Gombe that now stands as the longest-running study of its kind in the world. Even today, visitors to the park have the chance to see Fifi, the matriarch and last surviving member of the original chimpanzee community, who was just three years old when Goodall first set foot in Gombe. Make an inquiry Book your private, custom tour of a lifetime with 100% confidence Arrival Departure Number of people Please select 1 Person 2 People 3 People 4 People 5 People 6 People 7 People More than 7 people Tell us more about your inquiry Please type the characters * This helps us prevent spam, thank you. Send This field should be left blank
Fly to Kigoma on a scheduled flight from Dar es Salaam or Arusha.
From Kigoma, a motorboat takes you about 16 km north along Lake Tanganyika to the park, a trip of around one hour. There are no roads into Gombe.
Explore popular animals that easy found on this world-class destinations
Pan troglodytes
Papio anubis
Piliocolobus kirkii
Cercopithecus mitis
Follow experienced guides up the forested valleys to find the chimpanzee families made famous by Jane Goodall's research, and spend up to an hour watching them feed, groom and play.
A forest walk leads to the Kakombe Waterfall, a peaceful spot in the Kakombe Valley where baboons, red-tailed monkeys and forest birds are often seen along the way.
Hike to the viewpoint where Jane Goodall sat to watch the chimpanzees, with sweeping views over the forest and Lake Tanganyika.
Relax on the pebble beach, swim in the clear water of one of the world's deepest and oldest lakes, or take a boat trip along the shoreline at sunset.
Trails are drier and easier to walk, and the season is good for photography and hiking. The chimpanzees may range higher up the valleys, so treks can be longer.
The forest is lush and the chimpanzees often stay lower down the valleys, making them easier to find. Expect rain and slippery paths, especially from February to May.
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Gombe is in far western Tanzania, on the shore of Lake Tanganyika. First fly to Kigoma on a scheduled flight from Dar es Salaam or Arusha, then take a motorboat about 16 km north along the lake to the park, a trip of around an hour. There are no roads into Gombe, so arriving by boat, with the forested hills rising from the water, is part of the experience.
Once the trackers find the chimpanzees, visitors can usually spend up to one hour with them. The limit protects the chimps from disturbance and from human illnesses, to which they are very vulnerable. An hour is plenty of time to watch them feed, groom, play and interact, and to take photographs of this unforgettable encounter.
Yes, and they are important for the chimpanzees' welfare. Keep a distance of several metres, speak quietly, never eat or drink near them, and wear a face mask if your guide asks. If you are unwell, even with a cold, you shouldn't trek, as chimpanzees can easily catch human diseases. Age limits also apply for trekking, so please ask us when planning a family trip.
A reasonable level of fitness is needed. The forest trails in Gombe are steep and can be slippery, especially in the wet season, and treks may last from under an hour to several hours depending on where the chimpanzees are. Good walking shoes, long trousers and a small backpack with water are recommended, and your guide will set a comfortable pace.
Gombe is where Dr Jane Goodall began her pioneering study of wild chimpanzees in 1960. Her discoveries, including chimps making and using tools, transformed our understanding of our closest relatives. It is now the longest-running study of any wild animal population in the world, and many of Gombe's chimpanzees are descendants of the families she first observed.
