Western Circuit • Tanzania

Gombe National Park

Afrika's smallest national park and its most famous — where Jane Goodall began her legendary chimpanzee research in 1960 on the remote shores of Lake Tanganyika.
35 km²
Park Area
5
Primate Species
200+
Bird Species
Jun – Oct
Peak Season
← Western Circuit
Gombe National Park

Birthplace of Chimpanzee Science

Gombe Stream National Park is located in Tanzania's westernmost region, along the shores of Lake Tanganyika. This small yet remarkable park covers about 35 square kilometres and features a diverse landscape of grasslands, woodlands, steep valleys, and tropical rainforests. It is best known for its population of chimpanzees, which have been extensively studied since Jane Goodall began her groundbreaking research here in 1960.
In addition to chimpanzees, visitors can encounter a remarkable variety of primates, including blue monkeys, olive baboons, red colobus monkeys, and vervet monkeys — making Gombe home to one of Afrika's richest primate concentrations.
The park is also home to around 200 bird species, as well as diverse wildlife including bush pigs, hippopotamuses, leopards, and other small mammals. Visitors can enjoy chimpanzee trekking, hiking, and guided walks along the stunning lakeshore or through the verdant forest.
Western-Circuit-Experience-Gombe-Chimp
What to See

Wildlife & Highlights

  • Chimpanzees — habituated groups offering close, intimate encounters in the forest
  • Lake Tanganyika — the world's second-deepest freshwater lake on the park's doorstep
  • Other primates: blue monkeys, olive baboons, red colobus monkeys, and vervet monkeys
  • Other mammals including bushbuck and elephant shrew
  • Scenic mountains, steep valleys, and waterfalls
  • Over 200 bird species in forest and lakeshore habitats
Activities

Safari Experiences

  • Chimpanzee trekking
  • Boat cruise on Lake Tanganyika
  • Walking safaris along lakeshore and forest trails
  • Mountain and forest hiking
  • Kayaking and canoeing
  • Sport fishing
  • Snorkelling and diving in Lake Tanganyika
  • Bird watching
  • Cultural visits including Ujiji historical town, Livingstone Memorial Museum, MV Liemba, Old German Railway Station, and Lake Tanganyika port
When to Visit

Best Time to Go

The best time to visit Gombe is from June to October. During this dry period, the weather is clear and chimpanzees tend to stay on the lower slopes of the hills where food is more abundant — making them easier to locate and observe.
How to Get There

Getting to the Park

By Air & Boat: Approximately 2-hour flight from Dar es Salaam (DAR) to Kigoma Airport (TKQ), followed by a 20-minute drive to the shores of Lake Tanganyika. From there, a 1.5-hour boat ride brings you directly to the park's registration gate.
Through the Lens

Gombe National Park in Images

Western-Circuit-Packages-Gombe
Gombe-National-Park-Blue-Monkey
Western-Circuit-Experience-Gombe-Chimp
Western Circuit

More Parks to Explore

Gombe-National-Park-Mahale

Mahale Mountains National Park

Explore →
LILY FOR WEBSITE

Katavi National Park

Explore →
Start Planning

Ready to Visit Gombe?

Our team will build a custom itinerary around this park within 24 hours. No obligation, completely free.