Things to Do in Gombe National Park
Things to do in Gombe National Park: Gombe National Park, often referred to as Gombe Stream National Park, is renowned as the site where Jane Goodall commenced her behavioral research on the chimpanzee population. The park is located in the western Kigoma area of Tanzania, was established in 1968 and is managed by the Tanzania National Parks Authority, a governmental entity. Gombe Stream encompasses an area of approximately 35 square kilometers, extending along the hills of the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika. Its establishment aimed to safeguard wildlife species, particularly primates, including significant populations of chimpanzees, olive baboons, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, red colobus, and vervet monkeys. Additionally, it serves as an excellent birding destination, hosting over 200 bird species, such as African fish eagles, Kenya rufous sparrows, Livingstone’s turacos, palm-nut vultures, and African paradise flycatchers. Additional animal species to observe include hippos, leopards, and snakes. Furthermore, due to its proximity to Lake Tanganyika, which hosts over 100 vibrant Cichlid fish, swimming and snorkeling activities are available.
The following are the primary things to do in Gombe National Park:
Chimpanzee tracking: To partake in the chimpanzee trekking experience at the park, consider a day trip or an extended stay to adequately engage in the exploration of these great apes and other primate species, including red-tailed monkeys, olive baboons, vervet monkeys, and blue monkeys, among others. The minimum age requirement for chimpanzee trekking is 15 years. Chimpanzee trekking costs USD 100 per person per trek. Chimpanzee trekking is governed by stringent regulations; trekkers must be in excellent health, unwell individuals are prohibited from participating, and a distance of approximately 32 feet must be maintained from the chimps.
Game viewing: While on safari in Gombe National Park, visitors can engage in game viewing to observe wildlife species such as bush pigs, bushbucks, and reedbucks, frequently seen within the woodlands.
Scenery: During your stay, you can explore the park and marvel at the stunning landscape featuring diverse natural elements and plant species.
Exploring Lake Tanganyika During your visit to Gombe National Park, you will get an excellent opportunity to explore the African Great Lake, recognized as the longest and deepest lake in Africa and the second deepest lake globally.
Encounter reptiles and amphibians; while exploring the park, you will have opportunities to observe several types of reptiles and amphibians.
The park serves as an excellent site for observing both migratory and resident avian species, including the pied kingfisher, palm-nut vulture, trumpeter hornbill, red-capped robin-chat, Ross’s turaco, Livingstone’s turaco, double-toothed barbet, crowned eagle, black saw-wing, and African broadbill, among others. Birdwatching can occur during guided nature walks or while trekking for chimpanzees.
Sport fishing: Visitors can engage in fishing along Lake Tanganyika, benefiting from the assistance of a guide; nevertheless, a fishing permit is required.
Guided Nature Walks: During the nature walk, participants can visit an old feeding station established by the Goodall Foundation, where Dr. Goodall conducted studies on chimpanzee behavior. This location is also historically significant as the site where Henry Stanley encountered Dr. Livingstone in 1871.
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving Gombe National Park is an exquisite location for relaxation, offering opportunities to chill at the beach along Lake Tanganyika, as well as exceptional snorkeling and diving experiences.
Kayaking Participating in kayaking is a superior method to explore segments of the exhilarating Lake Tanganyika.
Filming, Gombe is an ideal location for filming, attracting numerous Tanzanian television crews and journalists interested in the unique species, the chimpanzee, and conservation efforts.
Cultural interaction: During a safari to Gombe, one can visit Mwamgongo village, situated near to the park, to see traditional dances and local art and crafts. Acquire skills in pottery, textiles, grass hat-making, and basketry with ancient methods and indigenous materials.
Additional activities available at Gombe National Park encompass snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, and boat cruises around Lake Tanganyika, as well as butterfly observation, filming, and cultural interactions among the Mwamgongo villages.
The best time to visit Gombe National Park is throughout the year, particularly during the peak seasons from June to October and December to February.
Gombe offers a diverse range of accommodation options, from campsites to luxurious lodgings, with prices varying according to the tourist’s budget. Included among the lodges are Mbali Mbali Gombe, Kigoma Hilltop Hotel, and Lake Tanganyika Hotel.
Accessing Gombe National Park
Gombe National Park is readily accessible by boat from Kigoma town, contingent upon your vacation schedule. Alternatively the park is accessible from Kigoma town, located about 16 kilometers away.
Alternatively, you may reach it by air by reserving an international flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in Arusha or Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam.