Tourist activities to do in Gombe Stream National Park: Gombe Stream National Park is located in the western region in the Kigoma District of Kigoma Region in Tanzania, the national park was established in 1968, it is one of the smallest national parks in Tanzania covering an area of approximately 35 square kilometers of protected land along the hills of the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika. Gombe Stream National Park is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, characterized by steep dense forests, and vibrant waterways contributing to its unique ecosystem. The park is perhaps best known for its rich biodiversity, particularly its population of wild chimpanzees.
Gombe Stream National Park is among the last remaining habitats for these remarkable primates, drawing visitors and researchers in the world. Jane Goodall, a pioneering primatologist, famously conducted her groundbreaking research here, documenting the complex social behavior of chimpanzees and highlighting their remarkable intelligence. In addition to the chimpanzees, Gombe is home to an array of wildlife including beachcomber olive baboons, red colobus, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys and vervet monkeys. Red-tailed monkeys and blue monkeys have also been known to hybridize in the area.
The parks are also home to over 200 bird species such as Common Hoopoe, Speckled Mousebird, Crowned Hornbill, Common Barn Owl, African Fish Eagle, Long-crested Eagle, Crowned Eagle, Little Sparrowhawk and African Harrier Hawk among others. Wildlife enthusiasts can also spot various mammals such as bushbuck, wild pig, leopards, along with reptiles like Nile crocodiles and various species of snakes. The park’s diverse flora includes lush forests of mahogany and cedar trees, offering vital habitats for countless species. The article presents some of the Tourist activities to do in Gombe Stream National Park and they include;
Chimpanzee tracking
Chimpanzee tracking in Gombe Stream National Park is one of the most popular safari experiences that offers a rare glimpse into the lives of one of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom. As one of the few places in the world where wild chimpanzees can be observed in their natural habitat. Gombe Stream National Park provides an exceptional opportunity for visitors to connect with these intelligent primates. This amazing activity typically begins early morning with a briefing at the park headquarters where tourists are introduced to the chimps tracking procedures ad the expectations during the trek and their after you will be allocated an experienced guide who will take you through the park’s lush forest to hunt for these fascinating primates in their natural habitat.
This amazing activity includes walking on foot, through the lush, hilly terrains of the park where dense forest and steep slopes creates thrilling and adventurous experience. During the chimpanzee tracking safari, you will also have the chance to encounter with other forest dwellers such as beachcombers, olive baboon, Anubis baboon, red colobus, red-tailed monkey, blue monkey, vervet monkey, diadems, snakes, leopards, bushpigs and various colorful birds and flowering plants. Once these fascinating creatures area allocated, you will have the chance to observe how they do with their daily activities such as playing, grooming, foraging for food and playing among others. you will also have a chance to have captivating photographs and many more in the wild.
Birding
Birding in Gombe Stream National Park invites enthusiasts to experience a vibrant world of birdlife nestled within its biodiverse ecosystems. The park is home to over 200 bird species, the park offers an enchanting sanctuary for both casual bird lovers and dedicated ornithologists. The varied habitats including lush forest, open grasslands and riverine environments, provide a range of opportunities to observe resident and migratory birds. Birding tours are typically ideal in early morning and late afternoon as the drawing chorus of songs fills the air with melodies from colorful songbirds, During tour birding tours in the park, you will have the chance to spot a variety of colorful birds such as Pied Kingfisher, Common Hoopoe, Speckled Mousebird, Crowned Hornbill, Common Barn Owl, African Fish Eagle, Long-crested Eagle, Crowned Eagle, Little Sparrowhawk, African Harrier Hawk, Palm-nut Vulture, Osprey, White-winged Tern, Long-tailed Cormorant, African Darter, Great Cormorant, African Sacred Ibis, Striated Heron, Cattle Egret, Grey Heron, Yellow-billed Stork, Marabou, Red-eyed Dove, African Green Pigeon, Blue-spotted Wood Dove, African Palm Swift, Yellowbill, Jacobin Cuckoo, White-browed Scrub Robin, White-browed Robin Chat, Red-capped Robin Chat, Collared Palm Thrush and Willow Warbler among others.
Hiking Jane’s Peak
Hiking Jane’s Peak is a highlight of any visit to Gombe Stream National Park, offering a physically rewarding experience complemented by breathtaking views from its summit. Named after Jane Goodall, the renowned primatologist who pioneering research brought global attention to chimpanzees, Jane’s Peak serves as a tribute to the ongoing conservation efforts in the region. The hike itself is challenging, it takes hikers through dense rainforests and steep, rugged terrains, demanding both physical stamina and a sense of adventure.
The trail meanders through areas teeming with biodiversity, allowing hikers to connect intimately with nature. as you climb, immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the forest, the chatter of monkeys, the rustle of leaves, and the calls of various birds provide a lively soundtrack to your journey. Guides accompany hikers, sharing insights on the local flora and fauna as well as conservation efforts in place to protect the delicate ecosystems within Gombe. Upon reaching to the summit, you will be rewarded with awe-inspiring views the encompass the lush green landscape, the expansive waters of late Tanganyika and a glimpse of the forest that contains the chimpanzees. This perspective fosters a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of the ecosystems at play and highlights of the importance of preserving such natural treasures. Hiking Jane’s Peak is not just a physical accomplishment, its an invitation to reflect on the beauty of nature and the responsibility humans have to protect it.
Walking safaris
Walking safaris in Gombe Stream National Park provide an intimate and immersive way to connect with the natural world. Unlike traditional game drives, these guided walks allow visitors to experience the sights, sounds and scent of the park up close and personal. The experience is not just about observation, it is a sensory adventure that invites visitors to engage with their surroundings in a profound and meaningful way. Walking safaris typically offers the tourist the chance to navigate through varied landscapes including forests, riverbanks and grasslands. During your walking safari, you will have the chance to spot a variety of wildlife up close such as monkeys, birds, animals, butterflies as well as flowering plants and astonishing plants species among others. More so walking safari promotes a sense of awareness and mindfulness, encountering visitors to slow down and appreciate the beauty in the details among others
Getting to Gombe Stream National Park
Getting to Gombe Stream National Park begins with a journey to Tanzania, primarily through Dar es salaam, where most international flights land. From Dar-es-salaam, you can take a domestic flight to Kigoma, the nearest town, with airlines such as Precision Air offering regular flights that last approximately 1/30 minutes. Alternatively, for those seeking adventure, long-distance buses provide an overland option, although the journey can take up to 24 hours.
Upon reaching Kigoma, the popular means to reach to Gombe National Park is by boat, typically a short 30 45- to 45-minute ride across Lake Tanganyika. Local dhows and motorboats operate regular services to the park, offering scenic views along the way. It is advisable to arrange your boat transfers in advance and to ensure you have your park entrance permits ready. With stunning landscapes and rich wildlife, reaching Gombe Stream National Park is a rewarding experience.
Accommodation facilities at Gombe Stream National Park
The park has a variety of accommodation facilities which includes self-catering accommodations and lodging to luxury lodges and hotels such as Mbali Mbali Gombe Lodge, Lake Tanganyika Hotel, Coast View Resort, Mwitongo Garden Hotel, Janda Lodge, Sunset Vista Hotel, One Point Lodge, Gombe Executive Lodge, Nzimano Hotel, Triple J Resort, Zanzibar Lodge, Malagarasi Hotel, Mwanga Lodge and Kigoma Hilltop Hotel among others.
Contact our trusted tour operators for more information about Tourist activities to do in Gombe Stream National Park and then Book with our tours and travel companies such as; Focus East Africa Tours who offer the best tour packages while on your safari in Tanzania.
