/destinations/tanzania/gombe-national-park/
Gombe at a Glance
Gombe National Park is Tanzania's smallest national park, set on the shore of Lake Tanganyika and internationally known as the site of Jane Goodall's long-running chimpanzee research programme, ongoing since the 1960s. Its small size and research history make it a distinctive, more intimate alternative or complement to Mahale.
Wildlife of Gombe
Gombe holds a well-studied and long-habituated population of eastern chimpanzees, alongside olive baboon troops and forest birdlife.
Signature Experiences
Guided chimpanzee trekking is the primary activity, generally in smaller groups than at larger parks given Gombe's limited size and visitor infrastructure.
How to Get There
Gombe is reached by light aircraft to Kigoma followed by a boat transfer, similar in logistics to Mahale though generally a shorter overall journey.
Sample Itinerary Featuring Gombe
Best suited as either a standalone short chimpanzee-focused add-on near Kigoma, or combined with Mahale for travellers wanting to compare both sites.