Gombe Stream National Park

Introducing Gombe Stream National Park

In 1960 British researcher Jane Goodall (www.janegoodall.org) arrived at Gombe Stream to begin a study of wild chimpanzees; the study is now in its fifth decade, making it the longest-ever study of a wild animal population. Gombe’s approximately 150 chimps are well habituated, which means that sightings are almost guaranteed, but allow at least two days to be sure.

Entry fees are US$100/20 per adult/child per day (children aged under seven are not permitted in the park). Guides cost US$20 per group per day.

There is a hostel (per person US$10) and a somewhat nicer rest house (per person US$20), which has nets; bookings can be made through Kigoma travel agencies, or directly through the senior park warden (280 2586). Bring whatever you’ll need from Kigoma.

Gombe Luxury Tented Camp (280 4435/6/7; www.chimpanzeesafaris.com; s/d all-inclusive US$500/800) is a relaxing camp makes a good splurge at the end of a hard, sweaty day tracking the chimps.

The only way to reach Gombe is by charter boat or lake taxi. Lake taxis depart from Kibirizi Monday to Saturday (TSh1000, three to four hours). Faster boats can be organised through Sunset Tours (US$200 return per boat for up to 15 passengers, plus a US$80 per night stopover fee) and Kigoma Hilltop Hotel (US$400 return per boat for up to 20 passengers, plus a US$50 per night stopover fee from the second night onwards), both in Kigoma.

Last updated: Mar 2, 2009