Overview

Gombe Stream National Park is Tanzania’s smallest national park, located along the forested shores of Lake Tanganyika in the western part of the country. Despite its size, Gombe holds global significance as the site of Dr. Jane Goodall’s pioneering chimpanzee research, which began in the 1960s and continues to this day.

Accessible only by boat, Gombe offers raw, untouched beauty, with lush rainforests, steep valleys, and crystal-clear streams that cascade into Africa’s deepest lake. It’s a destination for those seeking intimate wildlife encounters, far from the beaten path.

Wildlife & Scenery

The park is most famous for its habituated chimpanzees, giving you a rare opportunity to hike into the forest and observe our closest living relatives in the wild. Other wildlife includes:

• Olive baboons, red colobus, vervet monkeys, and blue monkeys.

• Over 200 species of birds including fish eagles, palm-nut vultures, and hornbills.

• Butterflies, forest antelope, and sometimes leopards or snakes.

The backdrop is stunning: dense tropical forest, waterfalls, and views of Lake Tanganyika with its turquoise-blue waters and distant Congolese mountains.

Activities & Experiences

• Chimpanzee Trekking: The highlight of any visit. Follow expert guides through steep forest trails to meet a wild troop.

• Hiking and Birdwatching: Trails lead to Jane’s Peak, Kakombe Waterfall, and other scenic forest points.

• Snorkeling and Swimming: Lake Tanganyika’s clear waters offer refreshing swims and unique freshwater biodiversity.

• Historical Insight: Visit Dr. Jane Goodall’s research station and learn about decades of behavioral science and conservation.