Western Parks

Gombe National Park covers an area of 5q sqkm  and was first recognised as an important wildlife and chimpanzee habitat in 1943 when it was designated a Game Reserve. It has mountainous forested terrain that slopes steeply down to its sand shoreilne on Lake Tanganyika and the defining attraction for visitors are the chimpanzees living here.

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The chimpanzees were originallyg the object of research by the world famous scientist and conservationist Dr.Jane Goodall, who herself was the protege of the yet more celebrated anthropologist, Dr Louis Leakey. Goodall's studies started in 1960 and she later married Derek Bryceson who was a Tanzanian MP and the second director of National Parks after independence in 1961. Gombe was upgraded to a national park status by the Tanzania Government in 1968.

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Getting Around

There are hiking trails managed by the park authorities,

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Tourist Attractions

 

Wildlife - Gombe is a true primatology marvel with 8 primate species found in the park. These are chimpanzee, olive baboon, blue monkey, red-tailed monkey, vervet monkey, red colobus monkey and bushbaby. It also protects 35 mammal species including bushbuck, bush pig, duiker, civet, white tailed mongoose and checkered elephant shrew, making it a superb place to visit.

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Birdlife - The park has 287 species of bird, most of them forest birds like the palm nut vulture, paradsie flycather and Schalow's Turaco. Migratory birds are also present from November to April every year.

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Lake Tanganyika -The longest and deepest lake in Africa, the second deepest lake in the world, with a depth of 1,447m and a width of 70km from East to West. It is also the world's longest freshwater lake with a length of 675km. Plan visits to see the lake that provides the breeding ground to more than 300 species of fish - most of them being endemic including the ornamental cichlid.

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Scenic Beauty -The view of the mountains of the rift escarpment falling westwards into the lake are magnificent. The undulating terrain and valleys provide a visit with endless attractive landscapes. The deluge of water from Mkenke and Kakombe Rivers leads to it gushing over craggy rocks and creating a 25 foot plume that roars above the pool below.

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Tourist Activities

 

Chimpanzee viewing - it's possible to watch chimpanzees at close quarters during forest hikes and it is a rare treat to be able to sit quietly in a corner of pristine forest whilst chimps romp, play and interact all around you, as they go about their daily activities. All treks are conducted under the close supervision of park rangers

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Nature walking - in addition to the joys of walking in pristine forests and watching chimpanzees there is plenty of other wildlife to enjoy including numerous other primate species

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Hiking -This is done up into the forest an even up to the peak using natural trails managed by the park. All hikes are guided by national park rangers.

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Water sports - Considered by some to be the cleanest and purest water on earth, the lake waters are wonderful to swim in, but more that that, Lake Tanganyika has the greatest diversity of cichlid fish in the world and the largest specimens. Cichlids are generally brilliantly coloured fresh water fish that are a joy to watch - either snorkelling above them or using scuba gear to swim down amongst them.

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Boat excursions - These are possible by arrangement with park authorities, camps or private boat owners.

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Getting There

The park can be accessed by boat from Kigoma, either with park authorities or private boat owners.

Kigoma is a substantial town and is accessible by air from larger Tanzanian towns. There is a rail link from Kigoma to Dar es Salaam and a ferry service from Zambia.

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Safari ideas

Gombe fits well into safari plans as its possible to fly from Kigoma to almost anywhere else in Tanzania. Being close to Kigoma means it can be an extension to any southern circuit trip. It is noticeably less expensive than Mahale for those wanting chimp viewing on a budget.