Main image

Ikiwaner CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Gombe National Park

Park

On Lake Tanganyika's shores, Gombe National Park is known for Jane Goodall's long‑term chimpanzee research; tourists join guided chimp trekking, forest walks and boat trips from Kigoma to see primates and lakeside forest.

Gombe National Park ZanzibarSerengetiArushaMount KilimanjaroDar es SalaamGombe National Park
In this guide

Gombe National Park essentials

Address: Gombe Stream National Park, Kigoma Region, Tanzania
Website: tanzaniaparks.go.tz
Admission: Park fees and safari costs vary; park entry and permit fees apply (book through tour operators)
GoogleAppleOSM

About Gombe National Park

Gombe National Park is a small protected forest reserve on the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika in western Tanzania, known internationally for chimpanzee research. It is the site where Jane Goodall began long-term studies of wild chimpanzees in the 1960s.

The park is compact and visited on guided footwalks and boat trips along the lake shore; the main attraction is habituated chimpanzee groups that researchers and guided visitors can observe from close range. Trails through the forest connect observation points and bring visitors to lakeside viewpoints.

Gombe became internationally known when Jane Goodall established long-term behavioural studies of chimpanzees in the early 1960s; the research there revolutionized primatology and drew global attention to chimpanzee conservation. The area has since been protected and managed for both research and tourism.

Gombe lies on the western edge of Tanzania in Kigoma Region, directly on the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika and accessible by boat from Kigoma town to the south.

  • Research history: Long-term chimpanzee behavioural studies began here in the 1960s under Jane Goodall and continue to shape primatology and conservation work at the park.
  • How to see wildlife: Guided forest walks and boat access along Lake Tanganyika are the primary ways visitors see chimpanzees and other wildlife; viewing is only by foot or boat with guides to reduce disturbance.

What to See#

  • Research centre: The long-term research centre established by Jane Goodall and later maintained by research organisations is located at the park and serves as a base for chimpanzee studies.
  • Lake Tanganyika shoreline and trails: The park protects a narrow strip of forest along the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika, with trails leading to chimpanzee observation points and shoreline viewpoints.
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Gombe National Park

Best visited in the dry season (June-October) for reliable chimpanzee tracking and easier trails.

Dry season
June-October · 20-28°C
Best for chimpanzee tracking as trails are drier and wildlife congregates near water.
Short rains
November-December · 22-30°C
Lush landscapes and fewer tourists but some trails may be muddy.
Long rains
March-May · 20-28°C
Heavy rains make travel difficult and chimp tracking less predictable.

Weather & Climate near Gombe National Park

Climate

Gombe National Park's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 17°C to 28°C. Abundant rainfall (1159 mm/year), wettest in April with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 75 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
JuneJulyAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
35°
Warmest Month
16°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Good 19° - 26° 23° 143 mm overcast 73% 1.5 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.2h
February Good 19° - 27° 23° 131 mm overcast 71% 1.4 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.1h
March Good 19° - 27° 23° 156 mm overcast 72% 1.6 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.0h
April Good 19° - 27° 23° 205 mm overcast 75% 1.7 m/s 2.2 extreme 11.9h
May Very Good 19° - 27° 23° 84 mm partly cloudy 68% 2.0 m/s 2.0 extreme 11.8h
June Ideal 17° - 27° 22° 8 mm some cloud 60% 1.9 m/s 1.9 very high 11.7h
July Ideal 17° - 27° 22° 3 mm mostly sunny 55% 2.3 m/s 2.0 very high 11.8h
August Ideal 18° - 28° 23° 8 mm some cloud 51% 2.1 m/s 2.1 extreme 11.9h
September Excellent 19° - 29° 24° 30 mm partly cloudy 52% 2.2 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.0h
October Very Good 19° - 28° 24° 77 mm overcast 61% 1.8 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.1h
November Good 19° - 26° 23° 151 mm overcast 72% 1.8 m/s 2.0 very high 12.2h
December Good 19° - 26° 23° 163 mm overcast 74% 1.6 m/s 2.0 extreme 12.3h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Gombe National Park

Gombe is reached by boat from Kigoma town on Lake Tanganyika (about 30-60 minutes depending on boat). Most visitors fly into Kigoma (regional flights) and then arrange boat transfer and park permits through tour operators or Tanzanian National Parks authority.

Tips for Visiting Gombe National Park

  • Research chimpanzee trekking options and book with licensed operators in advance-habituation and permits are limited.
  • Combine Gombe with a multi-site Tanzania itinerary to rationalize transport costs; boat transfers across Lake Tanganyika are common.
  • Pack insect repellent and light long-sleeves-tsetse flies and mosquitoes can be present.