GOMBE NATIONAL PARK

Situated in the western reaches of Tanzania, Gombe National Park may be small in size, occupying a modest 52 square miles, but it’s vast in diversity. Esteemed for its thick forest vegetation, diverse fauna, and breath-taking vistas of Lake Tanganyika, the park is remarkably appealing. It gained worldwide recognition as the base for Jane Goodall’s pioneering study of chimpanzees. Today, guests can witness these majestic primates thriving in their natural environment, along with a broad range of other wildlife species nestled within the park boundaries.

Gombe National Park captivates visitors primarily with its chimpanzee populace, but a wealth of other wildlife species reside here as well. Olive baboons, vervet monkeys, red colobus monkeys and blue monkeys can often be seen engaging in acrobatic stunts amongst the tree canopy. The park also provides a habitat for bushbucks, duikers, and many other petite mammals. Reptile enthusiasts are in for a treat, as Gombe is a host to a broad array of species from snakes to turtles and lizards.

With a host of over 210 bird species, Gombe National Park is a sanctuary for avid bird watchers. Visitors have the chance to catch a glimpse of vibrant bird species like the African fish eagles, hornbills, kingfishers, and an array of sunbirds. The park’s varied environments, from lush forests to sprawling grasslands, serve as a thriving ecosystem for a broad spectrum of avian species.

Visiting Gombe National Park between June to October, typically the dry season, is highly recommended. The less dense vegetation during this period increases the chances of spotting wildlife. The milder climate also ensures comfort for hiking and park exploration. However, one should be aware that the rainy season, which starts from November and lasts till May, could lead to muddy and slippery trails and potentially impact wildlife visibility due to the resultant mist.

Bathed in a tropical climate, Gombe National Park enjoys a consistent warmth all year round, with average daily temperatures fluctuating between 75°F (24°C) and 86°F (30°C). The majority of the park’s rainfall occurs from November to April, while the rest of the year remains comparably dry. Cooler temperatures can be experienced during evening and early morning hours, thus packing warm layers is advised. Find more suggestions on our Tanzania packing list.

Gombe National Park can be reached by initially flying into Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro International Airport. Subsequent to that, a local flight to Kikoma Airport can be arranged. The final leg of the journey involves a boat trip across the beautiful Lake Tanganyika to arrive at the park. Keep in mind that the boat ride could span several hours. Hence, visitors should anticipate allocating a full day for travel. Gombe National Park safari could also be paired with visits to other Tanzanian parks, such as Mikumi, Nyerere, Udzungwa, Katavi, Serengeti, Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Lake Natron, Manyara, and even Zanzibar.

Given its location in Tanzania, guests visiting Gombe National Park should remain vigilant against possible malaria exposure. Malaria prevention measures such as consuming antimalarial drugs, applying mosquito repellents, and donning long-sleeved attire and trousers during early mornings and evenings are advisable. Sticking to the designated paths and trails within the park limits encounters with potentially hazardous wildlife. It is also crucial to heed the advice of seasoned guides and rangers, to guarantee a secure and pleasurable trip. Learn more about previous visitor experiences by reading our TripAdvisor reviews.