Gombe National Park, Tanzanias smallest national park, is a narrow strip of chimpanzee habitat along Lake Tanganyika. These primates have adapted to human visitors, thanks to Jane Goodalls groundbreaking research that brought them global fame. "Fifi," the last surviving member of the original group, was just three years old when Goodall first entered the park. Visitors can still often spot this iconic chimpanzee today. Tracking these primates offers an unforgettable experience that keeps natures most fascinating creatures in the spotlight.
Youll likely witness them moving in small groups, grooming each others fur, bickering loudly, or leaping through the trees while gripping vines. The sight of a female chimpanzee with her cub is truly extraordinary. However, due to the remote location and relatively high costs at Gongbe National Park, visitor numbers remain consistently low each year.
Location: Located north of Kigoma along the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Visitors can typically reach the destination via Precision Air flights departing from Dar es Salaam (operating daily) or by charter flight from Arusha (available only on Tuesdays and Fridays). Alternatively, train travel from Dar es Salaam is an option, though this journey takes 2 to 3 days.
Things to do: Tracking chimpanzees, hiking, swimming/floating, night walks.
Time: At least 4 days (1 day for arrival, 1 day for return, at least 2 nights in the park).
Animals: Chimpanzees, baboons, red-tailed macaques and red-ruffed macaques, as well as more than 200 species of birds.
