Gombe Stream National Park
Gombe Stream National Park – Travel Guide 2025
Gombe Stream National Park is a small but famous park in western Tanzania. It is best known for its chimpanzees, which were studied by Jane Goodall. The park sits along the shores of Lake Tanganyika, surrounded by green hills and forests. This place is perfect for nature lovers, researchers, and travelers looking for a quiet adventure.
If you want to see chimpanzees in the wild, Gombe is one of the best places in the world to visit. The park is peaceful, with no roads or vehicles, making it a true nature escape.
Where is Gombe Stream National Park?
Gombe Stream National Park is located in western Tanzania, near the town of Kigoma. It is one of the smallest national parks in Tanzania, covering only 52 square kilometers. The park can only be reached by boat from Kigoma.
Since there are no roads leading to Gombe, visitors must take a boat ride across Lake Tanganyika to reach the park. This makes the journey unique and adds to the adventure.
Safari Highlights in Gombe Stream National Park
- Witness the Big Five in their natural habitat.
- Marvel at the breathtaking panoramic views of the crater.
- Experience the unique coexistence of Maasai culture and wildlife.
- Spot rare bird species at Lake Magadi.
- Explore diverse ecosystems in a single location.
- Capture unforgettable moments in a world-renowned safari destination.












Why Visit Gombe Stream National Park?
Gombe is famous for chimpanzees, beautiful forests, and Lake Tanganyika. It is one of the best places to see wild chimpanzees up close.
Chimpanzee Trekking 🐵
Hike through the forest to find chimpanzees in their natural home. Watch them play, eat, and groom each other. The best time to visit is during the dry season.
Birdwatching & Wildlife 🦜🐒
See kingfishers, fish eagles, and hornbills. Other animals include baboons, red colobus monkeys, and forest snakes.
Hiking & Views ⛰️
Walk to Jane’s Peak for a stunning view of the park and Lake Tanganyika. Explore waterfalls and forest trails.
History & Culture 🏛️
Visit Jane Goodall’s research center and learn about her work with chimpanzees. See local fishing villages near the lake.
Best Time to Visit Gombe Stream National Park
The Ngorongoro Crater is a year-round destination, but your experience can vary depending on the time of year:
July to October (Dry Season)
The best time for chimpanzee trekking. The chimps stay in lower areas, making them easier to find. Trails are dry and easy to walk on.
November to April (Wet Season)
The forest is lush and green, but trekking is more difficult due to muddy trails. This season is also great for birdwatching because migratory birds arrive.
If you want the best chance to see chimpanzees easily, visit during the dry season. However, if you enjoy rich green scenery and fewer crowds, the wet season can also be a good choice. Learn more about the best time to visit Tanzania for a safari
map of Gombe National Park
Interesting Facts about Gombe Stream National Park
Gombe Stream National Park is world-famous for its connection to Dr. Jane Goodall, who began her chimpanzee research here in 1960. Her work changed how we understand primates and their behavior.
The park is one of the smallest in Tanzania, but it is home to some of the most detailed wildlife studies ever done. The chimpanzees in Gombe have been studied for over 60 years, making this one of the longest-running animal research projects in the world.
Gombe is also unique because it has no roads, and all travel inside the park is done on foot. This allows visitors to experience nature in its purest form.
The park sits along the shores of Lake Tanganyika, the second deepest lake in the world. Visitors can enjoy both forest trekking and relaxing boat rides on the lake, making it a truly special destination.
Gombe Stream National Park Photography
Accommodation Options in Ngorongoro Crater
Luxury Lodges
Enjoy top-tier amenities and stunning views from lodges perched on the crater’s rim.
Mid-Range Options
Comfortable and affordable accommodations are available for travelers seeking a balance between cost and convenience.
Camping
Feature Travel Tips
See Our Basic Tanzania Travel Info
Popular questions about Gombe Stream National Park
The dry season (June to October) offers the best wildlife viewing, while the wet season (November to May) features lush landscapes and migratory birds.
The crater spans about 260 square kilometers and is approximately 610 meters deep.
Yes, Ngorongoro Crater is one of the best places in Africa to see all of the Big Five: lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and black rhinos.
Absolutely! The crater’s diverse wildlife and easy access make it a great destination for families.
Essentials include warm clothing, sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable shoes, and a good camera
A full-day safari is ideal for exploring the crater and its wildlife thoroughly.
Yes, you can visit Maasai villages to learn about their traditions and way of life.
It’s recommended to book with a tour operator like Seko Tours for a seamless experience.
Options range from luxury lodges to mid-range hotels and camping sites. View All Ngorongoro Accommodations
You can drive from Arusha or take a flight to Lake Manyara Airport and then drive to the crater.
Yes, Ngorongoro Crater is very safe for tourists, with well-trained guides and park rangers ensuring a secure experience.
Zebras, wildebeests, hippos, hyenas, and various bird species are commonly seen in the crater.
Yes, visitors must adhere to park regulations, including staying inside vehicles during game drives and not disturbing the wildlife.
The crater has a mild climate with cooler mornings and evenings due to its high altitude.
Walking safaris are allowed around the crater rim but not on the crater floor for safety reasons.
Its status as the largest intact volcanic caldera and its dense concentration of wildlife make Ngorongoro Crater a truly unique destination.
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