Gombe Stream National Park Tanzania chimpanzees
Western Tanzania

Gombe Stream

Tanzania's smallest national park — and the most famous, thanks to Jane Goodall. Trek the same forest trails where she made her world-changing chimpanzee discoveries over 60 years ago.

Just 52 km² Jane Goodall's Chimps Research Site Since 1960
Home/ Destinations/ Gombe Stream
52 km²Tanzania's Smallest Park
1960Research Began
100+Chimpanzees
Jul–OctBest Season

Where Jane Goodall Changed Science

Gombe Stream National Park is one of the most storied places in wildlife conservation. In 1960, a young Jane Goodall arrived on these lakeside shores and began 60+ years of research that would fundamentally transform our understanding of chimpanzees — and of what it means to be human.

The park sits on steep, forest-covered ridges directly above Lake Tanganyika. Three habituated chimpanzee communities can be tracked through the forest by visitors in small groups. Maximum 6 people per chimp group ensures an intimate, undisturbed encounter.

Gombe is typically visited as part of a western Tanzania chimpanzee circuit combined with Mahale Mountains, accessed via boat from the town of Kigoma on Lake Tanganyika.

Chimp Gombe Chimp Gombe 2 Chimpanzee Ape

Gombe Highlights

Scientific Legacy

Jane Goodall's longest-running primate research, still active today since 1960.

Intimate Chimp Treks

Small group sizes mean unrushed, close encounters with habituated chimpanzees.

Lake Tanganyika

Swim, snorkel, and spot colourful cichlid fish in perfectly clear fresh water.

Forest Hiking

Hike Gombe's ridge trails through stunning forest with red colobus and baboon.

Boat Access

Accessed by boat from Kigoma — the journey itself is a beautiful experience.

Chimp Circuit

Combines perfectly with Mahale Mountains for a unique western Tanzania experience.

Gombe in Pictures

Plan Your Gombe Adventure

We handle all logistics — Kigoma flights, boat transfers, permits, and accommodation — so you can focus on the extraordinary experience ahead.