Gombe Stream National Park, on the shore of Lake Tanganyika near Kigoma in western Tanzania, is where Jane Goodall began studying chimpanzees in 1960. It is Tanzania’s smallest national park and is reached by boat from Kigoma. Visitors trek through steep forest valleys to see the descendants of chimpanzees made famous by her research.
Key takeaways
- Where Jane Goodall began her research in 1960.
- Tanzania’s smallest national park.
- Reached by boat from Kigoma.
- Steep forest valleys above Lake Tanganyika.
In July 1960, a young Jane Goodall arrived at Gombe Stream to study chimpanzees. Her discoveries, including that chimps make and use tools, hunt and have complex social lives, transformed our understanding of animals and of ourselves. Her research there continues today, making it one of the longest-running wildlife studies in the world.
The park
Gombe is Tanzania’s smallest national park: a narrow strip of steep, forested valleys between the mountains and Lake Tanganyika. Streams run down to pebble beaches, and baboons, red colobus and red-tailed monkeys live alongside the chimps.
Chimp trekking
Treks start from the lakeshore and climb steep valleys to find the chimps. Encounters can be close and intimate, and guides share the stories of the chimp families made famous by decades of research.
Getting there
Fly to Kigoma in western Tanzania, then take a boat north along the lake to the park. The journey is part of the adventure, passing fishing villages and forested shores.
Gombe combines well with Mahale Mountains further south on Lake Tanganyika for a western Tanzania primate trip.
Who it suits
Primate enthusiasts, admirers of Jane Goodall’s work and travellers looking for an off-the-beaten-track experience. For more accessible chimp tracking, see chimpanzee tracking in Kibale.
Learn more
Read our chimpanzee guide and chimps of the Mahale Mountains. Ask us to plan a western Tanzania trip.
When to go
Gombe can be visited year-round. The dry season, roughly June to October, has easier trails, while the wet months bring lush forest and fewer visitors.
Good to know
- Fly to Kigoma, then travel by boat.
- Trails are steep: bring good boots.
- Respect research rules and distances.
- Combine with Mahale or Katavi.
Combine it with
Gombe pairs well with Mahale Mountains further south on Lake Tanganyika, and with Kigoma’s lakeside history, including the Livingstone memorial at nearby Ujiji where Stanley met Livingstone in 1871.
Who it suits
Gombe is Tanzania’s smallest national park at about 35 km², set on the shore of Lake Tanganyika. It is reached only by boat from Kigoma: about an hour by speedboat, or longer on the local water taxis. Visitors under 15 cannot track the chimps, and the trails are steep, so it suits fit adults who want to walk in Jane Goodall’s footsteps.
Jane Goodall’s legacy
In 1960, Jane Goodall arrived at Gombe to study chimpanzees. Her observations of chimps making and using tools, hunting and showing emotions changed how we see animals. Research at Gombe continues today, making it one of the longest-running wildlife studies in the world.
Tracking
Visitors trek with guides to find the chimps. Treks can be short or long and steep. Once found, you spend an hour with them. The minimum age set by Tanzania National Parks is 15.
Other activities
- Kakombe waterfall: a forest walk to a waterfall.
- Jane’s Peak: a viewpoint where Jane Goodall watched the chimps.
- Swimming in Lake Tanganyika.
- Snorkelling among colourful cichlid fish.
Getting there
Fly to Kigoma, then take a boat for about an hour by speedboat. Kigoma is also the gateway to Mahale and the historic town of Ujiji.
Where to stay
Accommodation in Gombe is simple, with a park rest house and a small tented camp. Kigoma has more choice for the night before and after.
When to go
Gombe is open year-round. The dry season, roughly June to October, has easier trails; the wet season brings lush forest and fewer visitors.
Who it suits
Gombe suits fit adults interested in chimpanzees and the history of primate research.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Gombe famous?
It is where Jane Goodall began her groundbreaking chimpanzee research in 1960.
How do I get to Gombe?
Fly to Kigoma, then take a boat along Lake Tanganyika to the park.
Is Gombe hard to trek?
The valleys are steep, so moderate fitness is needed.
Can I swim in Lake Tanganyika?
Swimming is possible in some areas; follow local guidance on safe spots.
Does Jane Goodall’s research continue at Gombe?
Yes. Research at Gombe continues today, building on decades of observations.
Can I meet Jane Goodall at Gombe?
No, but the Jane Goodall Institute continues her research and community work there.
What is the minimum age for Gombe?
15 years, as set by Tanzania National Parks.
How do I get to Gombe?
Fly to Kigoma, then take a boat for about an hour by speedboat.
How long should I stay?
Two nights allows one or two chimp treks and time to enjoy the lake, swim and walk to the Kakombe waterfall. Add a night in Kigoma on each side for flights.
Written by our Kampala-based planners and guides, who arrange these trips every season. Prices and rules are checked before every quote.
