Chimpanzee Tours In Gombe Stream National Park, Tourist Attractions And Activities In Gombe Stream National Park, Tanzania Wildlife and Cultural Safaris
Gombe Stream National Park is one of the best places in Africa to track chimpanzees. First researched in the 60's by Jane Goodall, the primates are remarkably habituated. The project now ranks as the world's longest-running study of any wild animal population. The experience is one that you are unlikely to forget.
The Gombe Stream National Park is located on the western border of Tanzania,16 km (10 mi) north of Kigoma, the capital of the Kigoma Region. Established in 1968, it is one of the smallest National Parks in Tanzania, with only 35 km2 (13.5 sq mi) of protected land along the hills of the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika. The terrain is distinguished by steep valleys, and the vegetation ranges from grassland to woodland to tropical rainforest.
Gombe Stream sits on Tanzania's remote western safari circuit, with Lake Tanganyika, and forms a great combination with Katavi National Park, and the Mahale Mountains National Park. This circuit is seldom visited due to its remote location and access by flight or boat only. However, visitors are rewarded with untouched wilderness, great wildlife densities, and a secluded safari experience away from some of Tanzania's busier parks.
Accessible only by boat, the park is most famous as the location where Jane Goodall pioneered her behavioral research on the common chimpanzee. The resident primatologist spent many years in Gombe observing the behavior of Chimpanzees, an endangered species.
Thanks to Jane Goodall, Many of the chimpanzee troops here are habituated (used to humans), meaning you can trek to see them up close in their natural forest habitat.
The Park is a famous place for those who want to see chimpanzees off the beaten track in their natural habitats. Guided hikes take visitors into the forest to see chimpanzees in the wild. Step in the footsteps of Jane Goodall and experience the chimpanzees from up close! The scenery of Gombe is stunning with most of the 16 major valleys containing swift steams, which flow all year.
The main attraction of Gombe Stream is its population of habituated chimpanzees. There are about 100 chimps in the small park. Your guide will take you, on foot, along the forest trails to find them. Once found, you can observe them for one hour, whether they're feeding, resting, or walking (usually resulting in a challenging pursuit).
Other wildlife:
Aside from the chimps, other primates are often encountered. A troop of olive baboon, also under study since the 1960s, is exceptionally habituated, while red-tailed and red colobus monkeys – the latter regularly hunted by chimps – stick to the forest canopy. One of the more secretive inhabitants of the forest is the bushpig. There are also many species of snakes, and occasional hippos and African leopards.
The park is also home to over 200 bird species. Bird species in the park include palm nut vulture, Peter's twinspot, African fish eagle, crowned eagle, Ross's turaco, double-toothed barbet, and African broadbill among others.
Activities to enjoy at Gombe Stream National Park:
Chimpanzee Tracking:
Head out on a guided forest walk to catch a glimpse of our closest relative, as well as up to 82 other wildlife species that call the parks home. Approximately 150 chimpanzees live in the park. With experienced guides, the chances of chimpanzee sightings are good. Once you have located the troop, you will have up to one hour to observe them.
Bird Watching:
With over 200 bird species, the Park is best for bird lovers. Bird species in the park include palm nut vulture, Peter's twinspot, African fish eagle, crowned eagle, Ross's turaco, double-toothed barbet, and African broadbill among others.
Nature Walks:
Visitors can take on guided nature walks, where one can experience the rich diversity of the flora and fauna of this park in proximity. Led by a guide you will also visit the Goodall Foundation station where you will have a tour of the place to appreciate her remarkable research on chimp behavior and chimpanzee conservation works that she began several years ago. It is in this very place in 1871 where Dr. David Livingstone met Henry Morton Stanley.
Snorkeling and Diving:
The lake is teeming with vibrant and colorful cichlids. 98% of the 250 known cichlid species are present in this lake. You'll be with a local expert. It's important to note that there are crocodiles, hippos, and Bilharzia in some areas of the lake, so going with a local professional is essential. Several other water sports activities may be available as well including kayaking, wakeboarding, and water skiing.
Lake Tanganyika Boat safaris:
One of the most popular evening activities is climbing aboard a dhow (traditional boat) and joining the crowd of lantern-laden dug-out canoes heading out to fish for the evening
Onboard, you can enjoy romantic sundowners and watch the sunset over Lake Tanganyika on a 1.5-hour tour.
Swimming:
This National Park lies close to the Tanganyika lake with its clear waters meeting the shore area of the park. In the afternoon, you may decide to go for a swim in this lake to relax.
Fishing tour:
It's one of the best lake activities, however, the park requires that all persons interested in this activity should get a fishing permit to engage in it. During the fishing tours, you will be able to catch various types of fish, especially the tilapia fish.
Hiking:
The green highlands and equatorial forests within the Park are perfect for hiking. As you take your hike, you will be able to get an up-close view of the park’s vegetation. You will be able to see many unique bird species, flora, and fauna.
Best time to visit:
The Dry season (from May to October) is the best time for trekking chimpanzees. At this time, the chimps tend to stay close to the lakeshore and are easier to find. The park stays open throughout the year but, in heavy rain, the trails might be difficult to walk.
Access to Gombe Stream National Park:
By Air:
From Dar es Salaam the best way to get to Gombe Stream National Park is by domestic flight to Kigoma. There are daily scheduled flights, and they take approximately 2 hours. From Arusha, only shared charter flights are available, and they operate twice a week.
By Road:
You can take a drive through the rough terrain and cover long distances.
Trains and buses are available but can take up to 2 days if traveling from Dar es Salaam and are not recommended for people who like the luxury and comfort of traveling in business class.
Accommodation in Gombe Stream National Park:
Where to stay ranges from basic to luxury and the places include;
Mbali Mbali Gombe Camp:
Situated under the canopy of ancient mango trees lies Gombe's only tented camp. Mbali Mbali Gombe Camp is a luxurious and intimate safari camp with a maximum of fourteen guests. The seven tents are protected under thatched roofs, offering shade over the private deck, perfect for unwinding, away from the afternoon heat.
Each tent is perfectly situated to ensure solitude, with a strip of forest between each tent. Set on the sandy shores of Lake Tanganyika, there is a spacious communal lounge that includes a library, bar, dining room, and jetty leading to the lake.
Lupita Island:
Located in a cluster of small islands on Lake Tanganyika, Lupita Island is a remote, untouched private island on 110 acres of uninhabited space.
The lodge is perched atop a hill and boasts panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. The resort offers luxurious, comfortable, and secluded accommodation in the form of 10 beautiful cottages. The lodge offers a good range of facilities and amenities, including fine dining, a spa, a swimming pool, a games room, a bar & and lounge, and a gym.
Lake Shore Lodge:
Lake Shore Lodge sits on the golden sandy bay close to Gombe Stream. This serene, privately owned lodge has a range of accommodations on offer that cater to all budgets. You can drift off to the crashing in your luxury beachfront chalet or set up your camp surrounded by the ancient mango trees. The varying accommodation is suited to a range of people. You can bond as a family by camping or romantically escaping to the lodge's honeymoon suite. This features a private dining deck, a sunken bath, and twin showers.
Arrange and Book with Ultimate Wild Safaris for the Gombe Stream National Park safari tour in Tanzania.
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