Gombe Stream National Park Day Tour

Package Overview

Overview

Gombe Stream National Park is Tanzania's smallest national park — barely 52 square kilometres of steep montane forest tumbling down to the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika — and also its most scientifically significant . It was here that Jane Goodall began her groundbreaking chimpanzee research in 1960, and the study has continued unbroken ever since .

Gombe is home to a population of around 100 habituated chimpanzees, each with a name, family history, and behavioural record spanning generations . Spending time here is not just a wildlife encounter; it is a window into a longitudinal scientific study unlike anything else in Africa . The park's steep forested slopes, rising sheer from the clear waters of Lake Tanganyika, create a stunning backdrop for one of the most memorable wildlife experiences on the continent .

A day trip to Gombe offers a rare opportunity to observe these remarkable primates up close in their natural habitat, walking in the footsteps of the world's most famous primatologist.

Why Visit Gombe Stream?

Jane Goodall's Legacy – Gombe is where Jane Goodall conducted her pioneering research on wild chimpanzees starting in 1960. The study has continued for over six decades, making it the longest-running field study of any animal species .

Habituated Chimpanzees – Unlike many other parks, Gombe's chimpanzees are fully habituated to human presence. This means close, extended encounters — often an hour or more with a community on the move .

Stunning Lake Tanganyika – The park sits on the shore of Lake Tanganyika, the deepest lake in Africa and the second-largest by volume. Its crystal-clear waters offer stunning views and a tranquil setting .

Rich Biodiversity – Beyond chimpanzees, Gombe is home to red colobus monkeys, olive baboons, vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, and over 200 bird species, including the iconic fish eagle .

Waterfall Hikes – The park features beautiful waterfalls, including Kakombe Waterfall, which is a must-see during chimpanzee trekking .

What You'll See

Wildlife: Gombe's main attraction is its chimpanzees, which you can observe for up to an hour during your trek . Other wildlife includes olive baboons, red colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, and vervet monkeys . The park is also home to bushpigs, hippos, and occasionally leopards .

Birdlife: With over 200 recorded species, Gombe is excellent for birdwatching. Look out for the African fish eagle and other forest birds .

Flora: The park's dense tropical forest contains thousands of plant and flower species .

Itinerary