Nestled along the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika in western Tanzania, Gombe Stream National Park is a compact 35-square-kilometer sanctuary, making it one of the country’s smallest national parks. Accessible only by boat, it lies within steep, forested hills and valleys, roughly 16 kilometers north of Kigoma town. Established in 1968, it gained global fame through Dr. Jane Goodall’s groundbreaking chimpanzee research.

Attractions:

The park’s star attraction is its chimpanzee population, offering intimate trekking experiences to observe these primates in their natural habitat—swinging through trees, grooming, and calling out in haunting hoots. Beyond chimps, visitors can spot red colobus monkeys, olive baboons, and over 200 bird species, including fish eagles and palm-nut vultures. The crystal-clear waters of Lake Tanganyika invite swimming and snorkeling, while waterfalls like Kakombe add scenic beauty to forest hikes.

Best Time to Visit:

July to October, the dry season, is ideal for chimpanzee trekking, with clearer trails and more active primates. The wet season (November to April) brings lush greenery and fewer crowds, though muddy paths can challenge hikers.