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- Gombe
Gombe Stream National Park
Where Jane Goodall's chimp research began
- Size
- ≈ 35 km²
- Access
- Boat from Kigoma
- Known for
- Chimpanzee research since 1960
- Primates
- Chimps, olive baboons, red colobus
- Lake
- Tanganyika
- Best for
- Chimp trekking
About Gombe
Gombe is a narrow strip of steep valleys and forest running down to the clear water of Lake Tanganyika. It is where Dr Jane Goodall began her chimpanzee research in 1960, now the longest-running wild animal study in the world.
Treks follow habituated chimpanzee communities through the forest, and many of the chimps here are descendants of the families Goodall first described.
Things to do
Chimpanzee trekking
Spend time with a habituated chimp community, guided by park trackers.
Lake swimming & snorkelling
Cool off in Lake Tanganyika, which is home to hundreds of colourful cichlid species.
Waterfall walk
Hike to the Kakombe waterfall in the forest.
Gallery
Getting there
Fly to Kigoma, then take a boat up the lake (about 1–2 hours).
When to go
Treks are best in the dry season, July to October. In the wet season chimps often come lower down and are easier to reach.
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