Gombe National Park

Located along the eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika in western Tanzania, Gombe National Park is a destination unlike any other in Africa. Famous as the site where Dr. Jane Goodall began her revolutionary study of wild chimpanzees in the 1960s, the park remains one of the best places in the world to observe our closest living relatives in the wild. With lush forest trails, scenic lake views, and intimate encounters with wildlife, Gombe offers a deeply personal and powerful safari experience.

A Brief History: Jane Goodall and Gombe’s Legacy

Gombe gained international fame in 1960 when a young British primatologist named Jane Goodall arrived to study chimpanzees. Over time, her work led to incredible discoveries, such as chimpanzees making and using tools, forming close family bonds, and engaging in complex social behaviors once thought to be uniquely human.

Thanks to her tireless work, Gombe was declared a game reserve in 1943 and became a national park in 1968. Today, it’s not just a conservation site but a living laboratory that continues to support vital research and education through the Jane Goodall Institute.

What to Expect: Chimpanzee Tracking in Gombe

The highlight of any visit to Gombe is trekking into the dense forest to observe wild chimpanzees. The park is home to several habituated families, meaning they’re used to human presence and can be viewed at a safe, respectful distance.

The experience includes:

• Early morning treks led by experienced guides and trackers

• Up-close encounters with chimps grooming, feeding, or playing in the trees

• Insight into the behaviors and social structure of chimpanzee communities

Tracking can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours depending on the group’s location, and moderate fitness is required due to steep trails and thick vegetation.

Best Time to Visit Gombe National Park

Gombe can be visited year-round, but some months are better for chimpanzee sightings and forest exploration.

• Dry Season (June to October): Best for chimpanzee tracking as the trails are easier to navigate and chimp activity is more predictable.

• Wet Season (November to May): The forest is lush and beautiful, birdwatching improves, but trails may be slippery and more challenging.

Note that chimpanzees are still visible during the wet season, but you might need to trek farther and longer.