Gombe National Park

About Gombe National Park

Located in the western part of Tanzania, the Gombe national park is known for its chimpanzees and also as the beautiful pristine forest which is located at the shore of Lake Tanganyika. One of the smallest national parks in Tanzania, the Gombe national park is very exclusive and is one of the best places if you are looking to have a peaceful vacation.

The main attraction of the Gombe National Park is the chimpanzees and olive baboons that live at the banks of the lakeshore. Indulge in many activities such as game drives, chimpanzee safari, chimpanzee trekking, and bird watching on your visit. Additionally, you can also enjoy many water activities at the lake like snorkeling, swimming, and interacting with the locals while fishing.

Gombe National Park Flora & Fauna

Flora

Located at the shore of Lake Tanganyika, the Gombe National Park has a lush forest with 13 streams that run down to the beautiful sandy beach. With steep valleys, the vegetation here ranges from grasslands to tropical rainforests. Moreover, you can find several indigenous plantations here, used in traditional therapy and methods.

Fauna

The Gombe National Park has a large population of Chimpanzees and you can look at over 100 of them in the park. You can go on a guided walk along with a professional expert who will take you through the forest trails to find these animals. Additionally, you can find a troop of olive baboons living at the lakeshore, red-tailed and red colobus monkeys among many others. The Gombe stream is also home to over 200 species of birds most of which are forest birds. One of the best places to spot these birds are at the lakeshore where you can look at fish eagles and palm nut vultures. You can also witness many migratory birds from November to April.

Gombe National Park Tour Packages

4-Day Explore Chimpanzees in Gombe National Park

One of the best tour packages if you are looking to track down chimpanzees, start your day by learning more about chimpanzee trekking and enjoy a beautiful sunset at lake Tanganyika. Embark on this journey to find chimpanzees on the second day and also visit many attractions such as akombe waterfalls, Jane's peak, and Dr. Livingstone Museum. Get close to the chimpanzees on your trekking and observe these amazing creatures.

  1. Inclusions
  • Park fees
  • Chimp permits
  • All activities
  • All accommodation
  • A professional driver/guide
  • All transportation
  • All Taxes/VAT
  • Roundtrip airport transfer
  • Meals
  • Drinking water
  1. Price: 1050 USD per person


Also Checkout: Tanzania Safari Holiday Packages

3-Day Gombe Chimpanzee Trekking

One of the most popular tour packages at the Gome National park heads out to explore chimpanzees and observe them in their natural habitat. You can go on a trek each day and also visit many attractions such as the Kakombe waterfalls, and beautiful landscapes. You can also choose to go on a private tour along with your family which can be customized as per your needs.

  1. Inclusions:
  • Park fees

  • Chimp permits

  • All activities

  • All accommodation

  • A professional driver/guide

  • All transportation

  • All flights during the tour

  • All Taxes/VAT

  • Roundtrip airport transfer

  • Meals

  • Drinking water

  1. Price: 900 USD per person
6-Day Gombe Stream & Mahale Chimpanzee Tracking

This tour starts with the Mahala National park where you can hike and get a chance to trak the local population of chimps. Head over to Lake Tanganyika where you can indulge in many water activities such as snorkeling, and swimming and also get a chance to interact with the locals and go for a fishing experience with them. The highlight of the trip is the local chimpanzees living in their natural habitats.

Inclusions:

  • Park fees

  • Chimp permits

  • All activities

  • All accommodation

  • A professional driver/guide

  • All transportation

  • All flights during the tour

  • All Taxes/VAT

  • Roundtrip airport transfer

  • Meals

  • Drinking water

Price: 3564 USD per person

8-Day Incredible Safari and Gombe Chimpanzee Trekking

Visit one of the most popular attractions in Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire National Parks in the north of Tanzania along with the Gombe national park. This is one of the most amazing trips if you are looking to cover most of the African wildlife and you can spot animals like the BIG5, wildebeest, Giraffe, and many more. You can also get a chance to spot the endangered black rhinoceros. Indulge in many activities like game drives, trekking to find chimpanzees, and many more on this trip.

  1. Inclusions
  • Park fees

  • Chimp permits

  • All activities

  • All accommodation

  • A professional driver/guide

  • All transportation

  • All flights during the tour

  • All Taxes/VAT

  • Roundtrip airport transfer

  • Meals

  • Drinks

  1. Price: 4,350 USD per person
11-Day Tanzania Safari to See Migration and Chimpanzee

Go on an 11-day trip to visit some of the most iconic attractions in the Gombe stream. Get a chance to look at the troops of chimpanzees that live in the forest and are protected by the park. Indulge in many activities such as guided walks and game drives. Head over to the Serengeti National Park to get a chance to see the most phenomenal nature treat, the great migration of the wildebeest that happens every year from May to June.

  1. Inclusions
  • Park fees
  • Chimp permits
  • All activities
  • All accommodation
  • Camping equipment
  • A professional driver/guide
  • All transportation
  • All Taxes/VAT
  • Roundtrip airport transfer
  • Meals
  • Drinks
  • Sleeping bag
  1. Price: 4,704 USD per person
9-Day Kilimanjaro Climbing & Chimp Trekking

This 9-day package is perfect for visitors who are looking to check both Kilimanjaro Climbing and Chimpanzee Trekking from their bucket list. start your tour from Kilimanjaro Climbing and once you complete your successful hiking, head over to the Gombe national park to experience and interact with a troop of chimpanzees you have never met before.

  1. Inclusions
  • Park fees
  • Chimp permits
  • All activities
  • All accommodation
  • A professional driver/guide
  • All transportation
  • All Taxes/VAT
  • Roundtrip airport transfer
  • Meals
  • Drinks
  1. Price: 3,380 USD per person

Things to Do at Gombe National Park

Chimpanzee Trekking

One of the top attractions of the Gombe national park, you can go on a day trip or multiple day trips to explore the national park and interact with the great apes. Also, get a chance to meet other primate species such as olive monkeys, vervet monkeys, and also red-tailed monkeys. The minimum age group to join the trek is 15 years and you will always have a professional expert along with you who will take you on this trip. Also, remember that you are not allowed to get closer to them and always have to keep a distance of 32 feet from the chimps.


Also Read: Things to Do in Tanzania

Visit Lake Tanganyika

Lake Tanganyika is one of the longest and deepest lakes in Africa and is a must-see destination once you visit the Gombe national park. The lake is also the second deepest lake in the world and you can have a chance to tour around the great lake. Look at many reptiles and amphibians during your tour and take some amazing pictures. You can also interact with the locals and enjoy fishing with them.


Suggested Read: Places to See in Tanzania

Indulge in Water Activities

The Gombe national park is one of the best vacation spots if you're looking to indulge in water activities such as snorkeling and diving. One of the best ways to explore lake Tanganyika is to go kayaking and enjoy the thrilling water sports as you pass through the beautiful natural surroundings. All the water activities are performed at lake Tanganyika and you can take the help of professional instructors who will guide you with your activity.

Go on Nature Walks

One of the most popular activities at the Gombe national park is the nature walk along with a professional guide. Explore the beautiful national park and visit the Goodall foundation's old feeding station which was the place where the famous scientist Dr. Goodall carried out research and learnt the behaviors of the chimpanzees. Encounter many animals and birds during your nature walk such as kingfisher, trumpeter hornbill among many others.

Check Out Other Wildlife

Although the Gombe national park is known for its chimpanzees, there are other animals and wildlife you can enjoy. You can go hiking with a professional guide and look at animals such as red colobus, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, and also olive baboons. The Gombe national park is also one of the only places in the world where you can witness red-tailed monkeys and blue monkeys.

Kakombe and Mckenzie waterfall viewing

Apart from incredible animals, the Gombe national park has gorgeous landscapes and mountains. Some of the top attractions which are a must-visit at the national park are the Kakombe and Mkenke waterfalls. Explore the natural Kakombe and Mkenke waterfalls and also go on a hike to explore the Kakombe trail and Mckenzie valley and take some amazing pictures.

Lodges and Camps in Serengeti National Park

Mbali Mbali Gombe

If you are looking for luxurious tents, head over to the Mbali Mbali Gombe which is located on the shores of the lake and has over 7 luxury tents. Each tent is built on a wooden platform and has a private washroom, furniture, and a private balcony which is perfect to spend your evenings. The camp will also help you organize many activities such as trekking, cruising, and Star Gazing

  1. Location: North Gombe National Park Gombe National Park, Tanzania
  2. Price: 650 USD per night
  3. Amenities:
  • Balcony / Deck
  • En-Suite
  • Laundry Service (Complimentary)
  • Lounge Area
  • Mosquito Nets
  • Pure Cotton Linen
  • Shower
  • Tea / Coffee
  • Verandah


Also Check: Tanzania Safari Lodges

Gombe National Park Bandas

Head over to the long sandy beach which is surrounded by lush forest and huge mountains to the Gombe National Park Bandas. One of the most beautiful places to stay in the national park, the lodge has a private balcony, private washroom, and a large bed. The lodge is well-spaced and is a budget-friendly option. You will have a private chef and other facilities.

  1. Location: Gombe national park.

  2. Price: 100 USD per night

  3. Amenities:

  • Wifi

  • Private room

  • Balcony

  • Chef

Lake Tanganyika Hotel

Located right next to Kigoma's train station, Lake Tanganyika Hotel has beautifully designed gardens that stretch down to Lake Tanganyika. The Hotel will also help you organize many excursions to the Gombe national park and treks to track chimps. You can enjoy the terrace swimming pool which has an amazing view of Tanganyika.

  1. Location: PO Box 1196, Kigoma, Tanzania

  2. Amenities

  • Pool

  • Lounge area

  • Restaurant

  • Balcony / Deck

  • En-Suite

  • Laundry Service

Kigoma Hilltop Hotel

Located on the green hilltop, the Kigoma hilltop hotel has an amazing view overlooking the lake and is one of the best places to leave all your worries back at home. The main city center is just a short drive away and you can enjoy the amazing restaurant at the hotel. The food at the hotel is made from local produce in the city.

  1. Location: Hilltop Hotel, TZ, Kigoma 1160, Tanzania

  2. Amenities:

  • Pool
  • Lounge area
  • restaurant
  • Balcony / Deck
  • En-Suite
  • Laundry Service

Plan Your Visit to Gombe National Park

Essential Information
What to Pack
Health and Safety Tips

How to reach

  • By Air: The nearest airport is Kigoma airport which is 21 km from the Gombe national park. Once you reach the airport, the park is accessible only by boat. You can hire a speed boat which will take you in 2 hours or a lake taxi which will take 4 hours to reach the destination.


Best time to visit

The Gombe national park can be visited throughout the years, however, the peak season starts from July to October. Even in the peak season, you will not find large crowds and you can enjoy the beautiful national park in peace.

  • Light-colored clothes (Khaki, brown white, and beige)

  • Long-sleeved clothes for game drives

  • Safari trousers for evenings and cooler days

  • Toiletries

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Mosquito repellent/Bug spray

  • Wet wipes

  • A piece of towel

  • Sunscreen

  • A pair of sunglasses and a hat

  • Jacket or a fleece

  • It is recommended to get your vaccinations before you leave for your trip.

  • Take precautions and vaccines against malaria

  • Do not forget to carry your first aid kit along with your personal medication.

  • It is always recommended to be cautious of the food you are having.

  • It is very essential to have travel insurance when you go on safari in Africa.

  • Be sure to drink only bottled water and not tap water.

FAQ's of Gombe National Park

What activities can we do at Gombe National Park camps?

There are many activities such as kayaking, swimming, trekking, snorkeling, and hiking with chimpanzees which can be done at the Gombe national park.

How many days do you need in Gombe National Park?

It is recommended to spend a minimum of 3 days at the Gombe national park. 3 days is enough time to explore the park and indulge in many activities.

What is the best time of year to visit the Gombe National Park?

The best time of year to visit the Gombe National Park is from July to October as the weather is pleasant. You will not find huge crowds at any time of the year and enjoy your vacation.

What facilities will I get in Gombe National Park camps?

There is only one camp at the Gombe National Park which is Mbali Mbali Gombe. You will find facilities such as a Balcony / Deck, En-SuiteLaundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mosquito Nets, Shower, Tea / Coffee and Verandah.

Which are the best places to visit in Gombe National Park?

Lake Tanganyika, Kakombe and Nkenke waterfalls are some of the best places to visit in Gombe National Park.

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