Gombe Stream National Park, tucked away on the eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika in western Tanzania, is one of Africa’s most legendary wildlife destinations. Although small in size just 52 square kilometers Gombe holds global significance as the site where Dr. Jane Goodall began her groundbreaking chimpanzee research in 1960, making it the birthplace of modern primatology. Today, it remains one of the best places in the world to observe wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat, drawing researchers, conservationists, and adventurous travelers alike.
The park is best known for its chimpanzee trekking experiences, where guided hikes through the lush montane and tropical forests bring you face toface with one of our closest genetic relatives. The chimpanzee families in Gombe are habituated to human presence, allowing for incredible, upclose encounters as they play, groom, feed, and communicate. Watching these intelligent and emotionally expressive primates in the wild is both humbling and unforgettable a highlight of any visit to Tanzania.
But Gombe offers more than just chimpanzees. The forest is also home to olive baboons, redtailed monkeys, vervet monkeys, and a variety of forest dwelling mammals. For bird lovers, the park is a hidden treasure, boasting over 200 bird species, including fish eagles, palm nut vultures, and Peter’s twinspots. Visitors can also enjoy guided forest walks, waterfall hikes, and kayaking or boat trips on Lake Tanganyika, one of the world’s oldest and deepest lakes, known for its crystal clear waters and endemic fish species.
Unlike more traditional safari parks, Gombe is entirely roadless. The only way to access the park is by boat from the town of Kigoma, which adds to its remote and exclusive appeal. Lodging is limited to a few eco-lodges and park-run camps, creating a quiet, intimate environment perfect for those seeking a deeper connection with nature and conservation history.
For travelers looking for a unique, immersive, and meaningful wildlife experience, Gombe Stream National Park offers a rare opportunity to walk in the footsteps of Jane Goodall and witness one of Africa’s most extraordinary species in one of its most pristine corners.