gombe-stream-national-park - Lango Expeditions

A small park with a remarkable story

Discover Gombe Stream National Park

On the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika in western Tanzania, Gombe Stream National Park protects about 35 km² of steep valleys, grassland and tropical forest. It is one of Tanzania’s smallest national parks and is known for guided chimpanzee treks in a remote lakeside setting.

Established as a national park in 1968, Gombe lies around 20 km north of Kigoma and is reached by boat. Its trails lead through forested hills where chimpanzees, several other primates and rich birdlife live. The length and difficulty of a trek depend on where the chimpanzee community is that day.

Set expectations: Chimpanzees are wild and move freely. A sighting is not guaranteed, and hikes can be steep, humid and physically demanding.

Forest, wildlife and lakeshore

Gombe highlights

Chimpanzees in the wild

Join a guided forest trek to look for chimpanzees in their natural habitat. The group’s location changes daily, so time on the trail can vary.

Steep forested valleys

Gombe’s hills run down to Lake Tanganyika, with trails crossing woodland, tropical forest and open patches of grassland.

Lake Tanganyika

The lakeshore is part of the park’s distinctive setting. Boat access, forest walks and time by the water make this a very different safari from a vehicle-based circuit.

Long-running field research

Gombe is internationally known for Jane Goodall’s groundbreaking research into chimpanzee behavior and one of the longest-running studies of wild chimpanzees.

A landmark in primate research

Jane Goodall’s research in Gombe

Jane Goodall first came to Tanzania in 1960 to study wild chimpanzees. Her patient observations in Gombe helped reveal the animals’ complex social lives and individual behavior, reshaping how researchers understand our closest living relatives.

The Gombe Stream Research Center was established in 1967 to coordinate ongoing work. Research has continued for decades, supported by trained Tanzanian researchers and field teams. Visitors should follow guide instructions and keep the required distance from chimpanzees to help protect both people and wildlife.

Guided experiences

Things to do in Gombe

Chimpanzee trekking

Walk with park guides to look for chimpanzees and learn about their habitat. Expect variable trek times, uneven ground and possible steep climbs.

Forest walks and birding

Take a guided walk to notice other primates, forest birds and the park’s varied vegetation. Ask your guide about trail conditions and available routes.

Jane’s Peak and forest trails

Explore the park on guided forest hikes and look for birds and other primates along the way. Confirm route availability and trail conditions with your guide.

Respect wildlife: Follow park rules and your guide’s instructions around chimpanzees. Do not approach, feed or touch wildlife.

Access, seasons and accommodation

Plan your Gombe visit

Gombe is reached from Kigoma by boat; there is no road access into the park. Arrange park permits, boat transfers and accommodation together, and allow flexibility for weather and transport changes.

Getting thereTravel to Kigoma, then continue by boat. The park is approximately 20 km north of town; journey time depends on the boat and conditions.

When to visitChimpanzee trekking is possible through much of the year. June to October is often drier, but trails and sightings vary with conditions.

How long to stayAllow around two days for a visit, plus time for travel to and from Kigoma. Consider an extra buffer for remote boat connections.

What to prepareBring sturdy walking shoes, water and weather-appropriate clothing. Confirm current permit, age, health and fitness requirements with the park or operator.

Where to stay

Mbali Mbali Gombe Forest LodgeA remote lodge on the Lake Tanganyika shore within the park. Confirm lodge availability, boat transfers, meals and permit arrangements together.

Kigoma staysHotels in Kigoma can work as a mainland base before or after a park visit. Check boat departure logistics and allow enough time for connections.

Ask Lango Expeditions to plan your visit