Gombe National Park: where chimpanzees steal the Show
Deep in the heart of Tanzania lies Gombe National Park, a unique green paradise. Imagine a place where chimpanzees roam freely, their playful calls echoing through the dense forest. This is Gombe, a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and a place where you can witness incredible chimpanzee behaviour up close.
The Best Time to Visit
Gombe welcomes visitors year-round, but the best time to go depends on what you want to experience.
- For dry weather and clear chimp viewing: The dry season, from May to November, offers comfortable temperatures and less rain. During this time, you’ll enjoy comfortable temperatures and less rain, making it easier to spot chimps in the open woodlands.
- For lush greenery and fewer crowds: The wet season, from December to April, transforms Gombe into a vital wonderland. However, rain showers are more frequent, and chimps may be harder to find as they stay hidden in the thicker vegetation.
Wildlife
Gombe isn’t just about chimps, though they are the stars of the show! You’ll also encounter a variety of other fascinating animals, including:
- Ugandan red colobus: The endangered monkeys are sometimes hunted by chimps.
- Olive baboons: These primates can be found on the lakeshore.
- Red taled monkey: This monkey sticks deep into the forest.
- Bushpig: One of the most hidden animals of Gombe National Park.
Climate
Gombe boasts a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. Lush rainforests provide a cool escape from the sun, while the occasional rain shower keeps the air fresh and clean.
The climate in Gombe National Park is warm to hot and humid. Day time temperatures are around 26°C/79°F, while at night it’s mostly around 18°C/64°F. The dry season is from May to October. Gombe has one long wet season from November to April. While sunshine is the norm, certainly in the morning, afternoon thunderstorms can bring a refreshing burst of rain.
How to get there
Nestled on the western shore of Lake Tanganyika, Gombe National Park is a bit remote. Most visitors access it by flying into Kilimanjaro International Airport or Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR). From there they can travel by safari car, but they can also take a flight to Kigoma. In Kigoma your tour operator can charter a private motorboat to Gombe; a boat trip of 1 to 2 hours. It is also possible to take a public motorboat, a lake taxi, from Kigoma to the park. This boat trip takes about 4 hours.
Other activities at Gombe National Park
While chimpanzee trekking is the main attraction, Gombe offers other exciting activities.
- Guided nature walks, learning about the park’s diverse ecosystem and spotting hidden wildlife.
- Relax by the shores of Lake Tanganyika, enjoying the breathtaking scenery and a cool breeze.
- Learn about Jane Goodall‘s groundbreaking research on chimpanzees at the nearby Gombe Stream National Park Chimpanzee Research Center.
Gombe National Park is a truly unforgettable destination. Ready to witness chimpanzees in their natural habitat and explore this green paradise? Start planning your Tanzanian adventure and contact us today!
