Home of the Chimpanzees

Deep in the lush forests of Gombe Stream National Park, an excited whoop erupts, quickly amplified by dozens more in a symphony of pant-hoots. This iconic call is a bonding ritual among the park’s famous chimpanzees, allowing individuals to recognize each other. For visitors, it signals the thrilling possibility of spotting our closest genetic relatives in their natural habitat.

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Tanzania’s Smallest Yet Most Iconic Park

Gombe Stream National Park is the smallest national park in Tanzania, spanning a narrow strip of pristine forest along the steep slopes and river valleys of northern Lake Tanganyika. Despite its size, it is world-renowned for its chimpanzee population, made famous by Jane Goodall’s pioneering research in the 1960s. Today, her long-term study continues, with chimpanzees like the matriarch Fifi, part of the original community, still visible to visitors.

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Meet Chimpanzees Up Close

Chimpanzees share about 98% of their DNA with humans, and each individual has a distinct repertoire of pants, hoots, and screams. Guided walks reveal these fascinating behaviours, offering moments of connection that are both humbling and awe-inspiring. Watching them preen, play, or hunt smaller primates provides a rare glimpse into complex social dynamics that mirror our own.

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Other Primates and Wildlife

Gombe is not just about chimpanzees. Olive baboons roam the forest and riverbanks, highly habituated to human presence. Red-tailed monkeys and red colobus monkeys inhabit the canopy, the latter forming part of the chimpanzees’ diet. The park is also home to over 200 bird species, including the majestic African fish eagle and colourful Peter’s twin spots, adding to the rich biodiversity.

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Stunning Landscapes and Lake Tanganyika

Visitors are treated to more than wildlife. Gombe’s steep hills, forested valleys, and pristine lakeshore create dramatic scenery. As night falls, the dark sky above Lake Tanganyika is illuminated by stars and the lantern-lit wooden boats floating on the water, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.

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Visiting Gombe Stream National Park

Accessible primarily by boat from nearby Kigoma, Gombe is ideal for eco-tourists, primatologists, and wildlife enthusiasts seeking an intimate encounter with one of the world’s most remarkable primates. Guided treks through the forest provide safe, ethical wildlife viewing while supporting conservation efforts that protect this fragile ecosystem.