"Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Pristine Forest"
Gombe Stream National Park Tourism
Gombe Stream National Park is in Tanzania's Kigoma Region, and although it's one of the country's smallest parks at just 35 square kilometres, it's highly significant. This park is closely linked to the renowned primatologist Jane Goodall, whose groundbreaking research transformed our understanding of primates and wildlife conservation. The main highlight of the park is its population of wild chimpanzees,.
Gombe Stream National Park, situated on the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika, provides a special chance to see the Kasakela chimpanzee community. The park is also home to a lively primate population, including beachcomber olive baboons, red colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, and vervet monkeys, along with various other wildlife. Guided hikes through the lush forests offer a fantastic opportunity to observe these intelligent and social creatures in their natural environment.
Entry Fees to Gombe Stream National Park:
Park Entry Fee:
EAC: Adult – TSH 10,000, Child – TSH 2000
Resident: Adult – $50, Child - $10
Non-EAC: Adult - $100, Child - $20
Special Activities:
Walking Safaris:
Short walks for adults(1 to 2 hours): EAC – TSH 5000, Residents - $20, Non-EAC - $20
Short walks for children: EAC – TSH 2500, Residents: $10, Non-EAC - $10
Long Walks for adults (above 4 hours): EAC – TSH 10000, Residents - $25, Non-EAC - $25
Long Walks for children: EAC – 5000, Residents - $15, Non EAC - $15
Sport Fishing: (07:00 AM to 05:00 PM)
Adult: EAC – TSH 10,000, Residents - $25, Non-EAC - $25
Child: EAC – TSH 5,000, Residents - $10, Non-EAC - $10
Boating Safari: EAC – TSH 10,000, Residents - $20, Non-EAC - $20
Entrance Gates to Gombe Stream National Park:
Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania has only one main entrance gate:
Kigoma Gate: The Kigoma Gate is the primary entrance to Gombe Stream National Park. It is located in the town of Kigoma, which is the closest town to the park. This gate is accessible by boat from Kigoma town, which is situated on the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika.
The park gate is open throughout the year, but it's essential to check the accessibility and boat schedules, especially during the rainy season.
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Things to do in Gombe Stream National Park
1. Chimpanzee Tracking Safari
The main highlight of Gombe Stream National Park is the opportunity to track and observe wild chimpanzees. These safaris typically last for a few hours and are led by experienced guides who are famili (Read More)ar with the chimps' habits and locations. The tracking usually starts early in the morning, as this is when the chimpanzees are most active. The duration of the safari can vary, but it's recommended to set aside at least half a day for this unique and rewarding experience.
2. Nature Walks and Hiking Safaris
Apart from chimpanzees, Gombe Stream National Park boasts diverse flora and fauna. Guided nature walks and hiking safaris are available to explore the park's scenic landscapes, observing other primate (Read More) species like red colobus monkeys, olive baboons, and various bird species. These safaris can last for a few hours to a full day, depending on the chosen route and the interests of the visitors.
3. Boat Safaris
The park's location along the shores of Lake Tanganyika offers the opportunity for boat safaris, providing picturesque views of the lake and its surroundings. Boat safaris are ideal for birdwatching, (Read More)spotting aquatic life, and appreciating the stunning landscapes of the region. These safaris usually last for a few hours, and visitors can enjoy the calming experience of being on the water.
4. Snorkelling and Diving in Lake Tanganyika
Located along the park's lakefront areas, visitors can access these activities through guided hikes or boat rides from the main entrance or accommodations. Snorkelling allows the exploration of colour (Read More)ful fish species and aquatic life, while diving offers a more extensive underwater experience. The best time for these activities is during the morning or early afternoon when the waters are calm and visibility is optimal. It's recommended to arrange these activities with authorized tour operators or knowledgeable guides in advance.
5. Kakombe Waterfall
Located on Kakombe Stream, Kakombe Waterfall is accessible by guided hiking trails from the park's main entrance or nearby accommodations. Visitors can hike through the lush forest to reach the pictur (Read More)esque Kakombe Waterfall, which cascades down a rocky cliff into a refreshing pool. Swimming is allowed in designated areas. The hike to Kakombe Waterfall and back can take around 2 to 3 hours, depending on the pace and duration spent at the waterfall. Morning or early afternoon is ideal for a visit to enjoy the waterfall and the surrounding scenery.
6. Jane's Peak
Located on the Northeastern part of Gombe Stream National Park, Jane's Peak is reached by hiking trails from the park's main area. Visitors can hike to the top of Jane's Peak, named in honour of Jane (Read More)Goodall, to enjoy panoramic views of Lake Tanganyika and the park's landscape. The hike to Jane's Peak usually takes around 1 to 2 hours, depending on the starting point and fitness level. Morning or late afternoon offers pleasant temperatures and excellent lighting for the views.
7. Palm Beach
Located on the Southern shore of Lake Tanganyika, Palm Beach is accessible by boat from Kigoma town, followed by a short hike from the boat landing site. Palm Beach is a serene location for relaxation (Read More) and swimming in the clear waters of Lake Tanganyika. Visitors can spend a few hours to half a day enjoying the beach and the lakeside ambience. Anytime during the day, though early morning or late afternoon can offer more solitude and cooler temperatures.
8. Mwamgongo Village
Located near Gombe Stream National Park in the Kigoma Region of Tanzania, the village offers visitors a chance to experience local Tanzanian culture and interact with the friendly community. Accessibl (Read More)e by a short boat ride from Kigoma town, activities may include guided tours of the village, meeting residents, and learning about their daily life, customs, and traditions. A visit to Mwamgongo Village can last a few hours to half a day.
9. Birdwatching
Birdwatching opportunities are available along various walking trails and boat safaris in the park. It can be done throughout the day, but early mornings and late afternoons are best for observing act (Read More)ive bird activity. Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best birdwatching experiences when bird activity is at its peak.
10. Fishing
Fishing can be done with guides at Lake Tanganyika. Accessible by boat from Kigoma town, the best time for fishing is usually during the early morning or late afternoon when fish are most active (Read More).
Must Know Before You Travel to Gombe Stream National Park
- Timings: The park gate typically opens early in the morning, around 6:00 AM, and closes in the evening, around 6:00 PM.
- Commute by Foot: Within Gombe Stream National Park, visitors typically commute on foot.
- Access by Boat Only: Reach Gombe Stream via a local lake taxi (boat) from Kigoma. Boats depart from Kigoma at 12 PM, taking about 3 hours, with return trips from Gombe around 7 AM.
- Limited Daily Visitors: Book in advance as the park may limit daily visitors during certain seasons.
- Age Requirement: Trek participants must be at least 15 years old.
- Fitness for Trekking: Chimpanzee trekking requires decent fitness as guides lead hikes through steep valleys and up mountains to track chimpanzees.
- Guides: Guides are available on-site for hiking excursions in Gombe. You'll need to pay around $20 per group for each hike, and tipping is optional but appreciated.
- Transportation Consideration for Return: If you opt for the public boat from Kigoma, plan to spend 2 nights in the park to work around the limited boat departure times. However, private boats can wait for you for up to 24 hours.
- Private Boat Return Trip: Private return transfers by fishermen's boats can be arranged, but negotiating without local assistance might be challenging. Prices could start from $250. Some private boats provided by tour operators may charge around $350 or even more for a return trip, especially for faster boats that complete the journey in less than 1 hour.
- ATMs: As there are no ATMs in the park, it's advisable to ensure you have enough cash with you before entering the park. The closest ATM can be found in Kigoma town.
- Pet Policy: Pets are not allowed in the park.
- Vaccinations: Ensure you have recommended vaccinations for yellow fever, tetanus, typhoid, polio, and hepatitis, and consider taking anti-malaria prophylactics.
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Wildlife in Gombe Stream National Park
Gombe Stream National Park is most renowned for its population of wild chimpanzees, with about 100 chimps living in the small park, notably the famous Kasakela chimpanzee community, which has been featured in various books and documentaries. Besides chimpanzees, the park is home to a variety of primates, including beachcomber olive baboons, red colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, and vervet monkeys. Interestingly, red-tailed monkeys and blue monkeys have been known to hybridize in the area.
Additionally, Gombe Stream National Park is inhabited by bushpigs, various species of snakes, and occasionally, sightings of hippopotami and African leopards occur. The park also supports a rich avian population, with over 200 bird species recorded, including the African fish eagle, African paradise flycatcher, Livingstone's turaco, Palm-nut vulture, Peters's twinspot, and many others.
Additionally, Gombe Stream National Park is inhabited by bushpigs, various species of snakes, and occasionally, sightings of hippopotami and African leopards occur. The park also supports a rich avian population, with over 200 bird species recorded, including the African fish eagle, African paradise flycatcher, Livingstone's turaco, Palm-nut vulture, Peters's twinspot, and many others.
Travel Tips for Gombe National Park
- Tour Operator: It is recommended to choose a reputable tour operator to handle your trip and safari experience. They can also arrange your domestic flights and boat transfers to the park.
- Carry Umbrella for the Journey: Bring an umbrella for shade during the boat ride, as it can be hot or rainy.
- Hiking Tip: Wear long trousers and hiking boots for a humid hike. Bring lots of water to stay hydrated.
- Guide Tipping: Tip guides $10 per person per day.
Best Time to Visit Gombe Stream National Park
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How to Reach Gombe Stream National Park
How to Reach Overview
To reach Gombe Stream National Park, travellers usually arrive in Tanzania through Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam. From there, they can take a domestic flight to Kigoma Airport, which is the nearest airport to the park. The flight duration from Dar es Salaam to Kigoma is approximately 2 hours, while from Kilimanjaro, it takes around 4 - 4.5 hours.
Another option is a direct train from Dar es Salaam to Kigoma, taking approximately 40 hours. Additionally, road travel to Kigoma is possible but less preferred due to the long travel time. From Dar es Salaam, it takes around 20 - 22 hours to cover the distance of 1240 kilometres to reach Kigoma, while from Arusha, it takes around 16 - 17 hours for a distance of 1070 kilometres.
However, the only way to access the park is by boat from Kigoma town, with options for a public ferry departing daily at 1 pm or a private boat taking about 1.5 hours.
Another option is a direct train from Dar es Salaam to Kigoma, taking approximately 40 hours. Additionally, road travel to Kigoma is possible but less preferred due to the long travel time. From Dar es Salaam, it takes around 20 - 22 hours to cover the distance of 1240 kilometres to reach Kigoma, while from Arusha, it takes around 16 - 17 hours for a distance of 1070 kilometres.
However, the only way to access the park is by boat from Kigoma town, with options for a public ferry departing daily at 1 pm or a private boat taking about 1.5 hours.
How to reach Gombe Stream National Park by flight
Travellers typically arrive in Tanzania through Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam. From there, they can take a domestic flight to Kigoma Airport, which is the nearest airport to Gombe Stream National Park. The flight duration from Dar es Salaam to Kigoma is approximately 2 hours and can cost around $200 a round-trip per person. From Kilimanjaro, the direct flight takes around 4 – 4.5 hours and costs approximately $400 for a round-trip per person.
You can book your flights to Tanzania through Skyscanner. Domestic flights to Kigoma can be booked through Air Tanzania.
From Kigoma Airport, visitors can proceed to the park and the only way to access the park is by boat.
You can book your flights to Tanzania through Skyscanner. Domestic flights to Kigoma can be booked through Air Tanzania.
From Kigoma Airport, visitors can proceed to the park and the only way to access the park is by boat.
How to reach Gombe Stream National Park by road
Kigomi town can also be reached by road but it is less preferred due to the long travel time. From Dar es Salam, it takes around 20 – 22 hours to cover the distance of 1240 kilometres to reach the town. Arusha town is at a distance of 1070 kilometres from the town and takes around 16 – 17 hours to reach Kigomi. From Kigomi, the only way to access the park is by boat.
How to reach Gombe Stream National Park by train
There is a direct train available from Dar es Salaam to Kigoma. However, the train journey is much longer, taking approximately 40 hours to reach Kigoma from Dar es Salaam. You can book it through Tanzania Railways Corporation.
How to reach Gombe Stream National Park by bus
Once in Kigoma, local transports like minibuses, taxis, or motorbikes ("bodabodas") can be used to reach the boat departure point for Gombe Stream National Park. The cost of local transport can vary, but a taxi or minibus ride may range from $5 to $20, depending on the distance.
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