GOMBE, KIGOMA

Gombe National Park in Tanzania is a small but world-famous reserve on the eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika, best known for its chimpanzees and the pioneering research of Dr. Jane Goodall.

🌍 Location & Size

• Situated in Kigoma Region, western Tanzania, along the hills by Lake Tanganyika.
• Covers only 35 km² (13.5 sq mi), making it the smallest national park in Tanzania.

📜 History & Significance

• Established in 1968 as Gombe Stream National Park.
• Gained global recognition through Dr. Jane Goodall’s groundbreaking chimpanzee research, which began in the 1960s and continues to influence primatology and conservation today.
• Today, it remains a unique hub for wildlife conservation and scientific study.

🐒 Wildlife

• Chimpanzees are the park’s main attraction, with trekking safaris allowing visitors to observe them in their natural habitat.
• Other primates include olive baboons, red colobus monkeys, and vervet monkeys.
• Reptiles such as pythons, monitor lizards, and crocodiles are also found here.
• Birdlife is diverse, with over 200 species recorded.

🌿 Landscapes & Features

• Dense forests, valleys, and ridges create a lush environment.
• Scenic highlights include the Kakombe and Mkenke waterfalls, hidden within green valleys.
• Trails offer both wildlife encounters and breathtaking views of Lake Tanganyika.

🎒 Activities

• Chimpanzee trekking is the park’s signature experience.
• Hiking trails lead to waterfalls and viewpoints.
• Visitors can also enjoy swimming and snorkeling in Lake Tanganyika’s clear waters.

✨ Why It’s Special

• Despite its small size, Gombe is globally significant as the birthplace of long-term chimpanzee behavioral studies.
• It offers an intimate, immersive wilderness experience compared to larger Tanzanian parks like Serengeti or Ngorongoro.
• Often described as Tanzania’s “Chimpanzee Paradise”, it combines scientific heritage with natural beauty