Gombe Nationalpark

As early as 1943, the area on Tanzania’s western border was recognized as an important habitat for chimpanzees and other animals and designated as a reserve. Jane Goodall began her work in Gombe in 1960. Much of what we know about chimpanzees today can be traced back to her work here. For example, the realization that the animals are capable of using tools. In 1968, Gombe was finally declared a national park. Since 1978 – after the chimpanzees had become accustomed to human visitors – the park has been open to tourism.

In addition to chimpanzees, the park is also home to red colobus monkeys, anubis baboons, bushbucks, leopards and many other species. The park’s flora also impresses with its diversity. The landscape is dominated by the tree-like slopes of the Great Rift Valley and evergreen forests on the valley floor. Like the Mahale Mountains National Park, the Gombe National Park is also located on the shores of the beautiful Lake Tanganyika.

Gombe National Park is most easily accessible by boat from Kigoma, 16 kilometers to the north. As only around 2000 visitors come to the park each year, the chimpanzee treks on offer are not overcrowded. The park can be visited all year round. During the rainy season from February to June and from November to December, however, the chimpanzees are usually easier to spot.

Be enchanted by the chimpanzees of Gombe National Park. Twende Tanzania will take you there.