Gombe Stream National Park is among the chimpanzee tracking destinations in the western part of Tanzania. The main attraction found in Gombe Stream National Park is the chimpanzees which can be seen by the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Many other primates can also be seen around the national park which is made up of lush forests.
Activities to do around Gombe Stream National Park
Some of the activities that can be conducted around Gombe Stream National Park include chimpanzee tracking, bird watching, and guided forest walks.
- Chimpanzee tracking
Tourists can participate in chimpanzee tracking and interact with habituated chimpanzees when visiting the forests of Gombe Stream National Park.
Chimpanzee tracking experiences in Gombe National Park involve spending time with chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Tourists can trek through the forests by following different trails during the search for the chimpanzees.
During the chimpanzee tours in Gombe National Park, tourists are allowed one hour in the forest to watch and observe the chimpanzee’s behavior. Other primates that can be spotted around the forest include colobus monkeys, olive baboons, and many other species of monkeys.
- Guided forest walks
Another activity that is carried out during safaris around Gombe National Park is guided forest walks during which tourists can encounter different wildlife and bird species.
Different trails are followed during the forest walks around Gombe Stream National Park.
- Boat tours
When visiting Gombe National Park, tourists can also enjoy boat rides on Lake Tanganyika in the morning or afternoon.
- Bird watching
Various bird species can be seen during bird-watching experiences around Gombe Stream National Park. Some of the bird species that can be encountered around the park include African Fish eagles, Palm-nut vultures, Crowned eagles, Ross’s Turaco among others.
Best time to visit Gombe Stream National Park
The best time to visit Gombe Stream National Park is during the dry season around June to October when tourists can enjoy chimpanzee tracking experiences and other activities around the destination. During the rainy season, it is more difficult to see the chimpanzees around the forests.
How to get to Gombe Stream National Park
Gombe Stream National Park in the western circuit of Tanzania can be accessed by driving or by scheduled flight.
Tourists can access Gombe National Park by flying from Julius Nyerere International Airport to Kigoma Airstrip or by driving from Dar es Salaam to the national park.