Tucked between the emerald ridges of western Tanzania and the glistening waters of Lake Tanganyika, Gombe Stream National Park is a place of quiet wonder and timeless discovery. Accessible only by boat, this narrow strip of ancient montane forest offers an experience that feels more like entering a secret world than a national park.
Though it may be Tanzania’s smallest park at just 35 km², Gombe holds a place of extraordinary importance. It was here that Dr. Jane Goodall arrived in 1960 to begin her groundbreaking work with wild chimpanzees. Today, the park continues to host the longest-running chimpanzee behavioral research program in the world, and its forests echo with the legacy of that work.
A Land of Steep Valleys and Great Apes
The terrain is rugged and dramatic—steep ridges, deep valleys, and fast-flowing streams carve through the dense forest, making every hike an adventure in itself. Chimpanzee tracking is done on foot, offering intimate encounters with these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat. Over 150 chimpanzees, many of whom are accustomed to human presence, call these forests home. Observing them interact—mothers grooming infants, playful youngsters tumbling through the undergrowth—is an experience that touches the soul.
But Gombe is more than chimpanzees. You might also glimpse vervet and colobus monkeys, olive baboons, small antelopes, bush pigs, and a colorful array of tropical birds flitting through the canopy.
Lake Tanganyika – A Shimmering Borderline
Gombe’s eastern edge is bordered by the legendary Lake Tanganyika—the world’s second-deepest and second-largest freshwater lake. Its waters are so clear, you can see fish darting beneath your boat. After a day of trekking, guests can swim, kayak, or simply float in its cool embrace as the sun sets over the Congo hills beyond.

Things to Do in Gombe:

Track chimpanzees through the forest (groups limited to 6 people for 1 hour; participants must be 15+).
Visit Jane Goodall’s old feeding station and research lookout, still echoing with stories of scientific milestones.
Hike to the refreshing Kakombe Waterfall.
Stroll along the lakeshore or go swimming, fishing, or kayaking in Lake Tanganyika.
Enjoy a boat safari for birdwatching and lakeside wildlife sightings.
Embark on a cultural tour to the Mwamgongo fishing village, where you’ll learn about traditional fishing, boat-making, and local crafts—and perhaps join in a Ha tribal dance at the chief’s palace.
Nearby: The Dr. Livingstone Museum, Ujiji
Just outside Gombe lies Ujiji, the oldest town in western Tanzania. Here, in 1871, explorer Henry Morton Stanley found Dr. David Livingstone, reportedly greeting him with the famous words: “Dr. Livingstone, I presume?” The Livingstone Museum honors this moment in history, while also shedding light on the East African slave trade, early Christian missions, and the spirit of exploration that shaped the region.
Travel Information:
Best time to visit:
Dry Season: May to October
Green Season: November to April (lush and vibrant, with fewer visitors)
Access: Only by boat from Kigoma
Size: 35 km²

Accommodation:

Rustic park bandas or nearby Kigoma lodges
Gombe Stream National Park is more than a destination—it’s a pilgrimage into the heart of nature, a place where science met wonder, and where the forest still whispers the stories of the great apes and the brave souls who followed them