Why should you visit Gombe Stream National Park?

Why should you visit Gombe Stream National Park?

Gombe Stream National Park, also known as Gombe Stream National Park, is located in the western Kigoma Region of Tanzania, approximately 10 miles north of Kigoma, the region’s capital. For Tanzania safaris, you want to include a visit to this park especially for Tanzania chimpanzee trekking. The park was established in 1968, Gombe National Park is one of Tanzania’s smallest national parks, with only 35 sq. km (14 square miles) of protected land along the hills of Lake Tanganyika’s eastern shore. Its incredible landscape is defined by steep valleys, and the vegetation ranges from grassland to woodland to tropical rainforest. 

Accessing Gombe Stream National Park is a unique experience, as you can only get there by boat. It is famously known for being the site of Jane Goodall’s groundbreaking research on chimpanzees. The Kasekala Chimpanzee community here has been the subject of several books and documentaries. In addition to chimpanzees, you can also spot beachcomber olive baboons, red colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, and vervet monkeys, among many others. Interestingly, some red-tailed and blue monkeys have also been observed hybridizing in the area. 

The park is home to over 200 recorded bird species, bushpigs, snakes, occasional hippos, and leopards. Visitors to Gombe National Park can trek into the forest to see the chimps. They can swim, as well as snorkel in Lake Tanganyika, which is home to nearly 100 different species of colorful cichlid fish. Here are several compelling reasons why visiting Gombe is worth your time and effort.

Learn About Chimpanzees

Gombe Stream National Park is significant in the world of primatology thanks to the groundbreaking research conducted by Jane Goodall. Jane Goodall first traveled to Tanzania in 1960 at the age of 26 with no formal college training. Her research proved the intellectual and emotional sophistication of the chimpanzees. Goodall set up a small research station in Gombe in hopes of learning more about the behavior of our closest relatives. There she spent months tracking the chimpanzee troops, particularly the Kasekela chimpanzee community. She observed their daily habits until she was slowly accepted by one troop and was allowed rare and intimate glimpses into chimpanzee society.

In 1967, the Gombe Stream Research Center (GSRC) was established to coordinate ongoing chimpanzee research in the park. mostly operated by a group of trained Tanzanians, the GSRC has become the longest continuous study of nay animals’ species in their natural environment.  Her studies provided insights into chimpanzee behavior, social structure, and tool use. Visiting Gombe allows you to learn more about these incredible creatures and the work being done to protect them. There are opportunities to go on guided tours where knowledgeable guides share fascinating stories and information about the chimpanzees.

Chimpanzee Trekking 

Chimpanzee trekking is the top tourist activity in Gombe Stream National Park. this park offers a fantastic chance to observe chimpanzees up close and personal, as many family groups are habituated to humans.  Hiking up the forested, hilly areas to reach to the chimpanzee’s group is a thrill that visitors looks forward to, especially when you hear their distinct pant-hoot calls as you get nearer to these amazing animals.

Their instantly recognizable pant-hoot call heightens the excitement as you approach these incredible animals that share up to 98% of the human DNA. While on a chimpanzee trekking in Gombe National Park, you will also have the chance too encounter with other primates such as monkeys that can be seen swinging around forest canopies, baboons and other creatures such as reptiles, bush pigs and elephants among others. Once you have encountered with these fascinating primates, you’ll observe them as they do with their daily activities such as hugging, kisses, pats on the back, breastfeeding, and even tickling among others.

Relax by Lake Tanganyika

Gombe is situated on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, one of the largest and deepest lakes in the world. Many visitors at Gombe National Park are also attracted by the luxury boats on mountain Tanganyika and such luxury boats include speedboats whereby many tourists in Gombe National Park feel Lake Tanganyika’s breeze while savoring a view of the Great Rift Valley slope.

Unique Wildlife Spotting Opportunities

In addition to chimpanzees, Gombe is home to a variety of other wildlife, including several primates which include troops of beachcomber olive baboons, red colobus, red Tailed, blue and vervet monkeys with the Red-tailed and blue monkeys also known to hybridize in the area. The untamed forest is also home to over 200 bird species and 250 butterfly species. You may also encounter with Bush pigs and Elephants, various species of snakes, as well as occasional hippos that are also residents in this small park. In addition, there have been a rare sighting of leopards and for those interested in marine life Lake Tanganyika offers hundreds of fish species namely the colorful cichlids.

Birding

Birdwatching in Gombe Stream National Park is a feast for the senses and an opportunity to connect with the natural world. The park is home to over 200 bird species, making it a best birdwatching destination in Tanzania. Some of the bird species you may spot during your birdwatching tour in Gombe scream national park includes the African broadbill, Black saw-wing, Crowned eagle, Double-toothed barbet, Kenya Rufous sparrow, Livingstone’s turaco, Palm-nut vulture, Peter’s Twinspots, Red-capped robin and more. In addition to the park’s resident bird species, Gombe Stream is also a stopover point for migratory birds, making it an excellent destination for bird enthusiasts throughout the year. 

Walking safari

Many tourists have been attracted by the nature walks in Gombe Stream National Park by exploring the wildlife with a local safari company or tour operator on foot.  the park is characterized by steep slopes, rivers, streams, and a variety of plant covers such as alpine bamboo, tropical rainforests, and grasslands, which offer breathtaking scenery while on a guided walking safari. While on the walking safari you can also visit a Goodall Foundation old feeding station, where Dr. Goodall conducted research on chimp behavior and where Henry Stanley met Dr. Livingstone in 1871.

Hiking Safaris 

Hiking safaris in Gombe Stream National Park provide great opportunity to explore the lush greenery and beautiful landscape a round you. Hiking is an adventurous safari activity as it not only treats you to spectacular scenery but also tests your physical ability. Enjoy the heavily forested green hills and tropical forests with abundant sights of unique wildlife species including plants species, animals such as chimpanzees, elephants, monkeys, and baboons. Additionally, you can spot many bird species including trumpeter hornbills, kingfishers, and palm nut vultures among others. 

 Explore Pristine Nature

Gombe Stream National Park is famous for its stunning natural beauty.  The park is encompassed by the tropical rain forests, tall and evergreen trees, a home to different tree species, and greenish plant life. The park is home to lush forests, breathtaking hills, and pristine waters of Lake Tanganyika.  Gombe Stream National Park is the original some for all you need in the Tanzania East African safari and other African safari. As you hike through the park, you’ll be surrounded by towering trees, vibrant flowers, and a variety of wildlife. The fresh air and serene environment make it an ideal spot for nature lovers and anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

Unforgettable Memories

Above all, a visit to Gombe Stream National Park promises to create unforgettable memories. The combination of breathtaking scenery, exciting wildlife encounters, and rich cultural experiences will stay with you long after you leave