Gombe National Park
Gombe National Park: Previously known as Gombe Stream National Park, Gombe National Park is a famous base safari location located 10 miles from Kigoma’s northern edge in Tanzania’s western Kigoma region. Despite being one of Tanzania’s smallest national parks, the park was created in 1968 and spans 35 square kilometers along the hills on the eastern bank of Lake Tanganyika. Its habitat, which includes grasslands, woodlands, and tropical rainforests, is characterized by a steep valley. Because of the outstanding work of Dr. Jane Goodall, who started her behavioral studies on chimpanzee populations, Gombe National Park is a well-known destination. In addition, Dr. Jane Goodall has published a number of books and documentaries about primates, mostly chimpanzees, and she began a study on the habituated community of wild eastern chimpanzees in Kasekela chimpanzee community in 1960. Gombe is a well-liked tourist destination because of the large number of chimpanzee species. Other primates that live in Gombe besides chimpanzees include olive baboons, red colobus, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, and vervet monkeys. Furthermore, it is known that blue and red-tailed monkeys coexist in the region.
In addition, the park is home to more than 200 different types of birds and a variety of fauna, including hippopotami, snakes, leopards, and bush pigs. Although Gombe National Park is a fantastic place to see primates, particularly chimpanzees, you can also swim and dive in Lake Tanganyika, which is home to over 100 different kinds of vibrant cichlid fish. The Tanzania National Parks Authority is the organization in charge of overseeing this park.
Please take note that Jane Goodall, a resident primatologist, spent many years in Gombe forests researching the behaviors of endangered chimpanzees and their needs for food, habitat, and other items. Her findings greatly enhanced the construction of new protected areas. Her excellent work is greatly appreciated as she also studied the local baboon population.
It is commonly established that humans and chimpanzees share roughly 98% of their genes, and scientists do not need to be very skilled to tell the difference.
However, the number has dropped because of the main threats, such as human encroachment and the lack of cooperation between the government, rural people, and park management. However, if the government implements stringent laws and regulations, anything can be managed or stopped.
Kayaking
One of the fantastic activities offered by Gombe National Park is kayaking on Lake Tanganyika. This activity takes place on a small, narrow boat and requires the use of a double-bladed paddle. It lasts four hours and allows you to explore the breathtaking features of the lake and Gombe National Park.
Recreational Fishing
Additionally, when the weather is calm, you can fish on the lake whenever you want and enjoy the experience of catch and release. The crew has experience in every aspect of fishing. The only things you need are well-equipped sport fishing boats and knowledgeable personnel that will make sure you have a great day on the waters of Lake Tanganyika.
Diving and snorkeling
During your safari in Gombe National Park, Lake Tanganyika is a fantastic place to go diving and snorkeling, which adds value to your trip. As you explore the underwater world while snorkeling, you will be presented with a whole new and breathtaking universe. Gombe is a nice spot for diving and snorkeling. The three-hour activity takes place in the lake.
Location for filming
Many Tanzanian TV crews are seen swarming to the park for the greatest photographs, while journalists choose it for hot spotting videos. Chimpanzees and conservation are generally fascinating. Furthermore, the study demonstrates that Gombe’s chimpanzees and the forest have garnered significant attention from international media outlets such as the BBC and National Geographic throughout the years.
Experience Gazing at Butterflies
Among the tiniest animals in the Gombe bush, the multicolored butterfly is a prize for its lovely character. There are more than 500 species of butterflies in the park.
The Life of a Bird in Gombe National Park
Numerous bird species, including the well-known fish eagle, three types of kingfishers, and the vivid Peters twin’s spots, may be found at Gombe National Park. Along the beaches of Lake Tanganyika, you can see other species including palm vultures and birds. The best time to visit is during the wet season, which runs from November to April, when food is plentiful. The following birds can be seen: the African fish eagle, the African paradise flycatcher, the Kenyan rufous sparrow, Livingstone’s turaco, the palm-nut vulture, the red-chested cuckoo, the yellow-rumped tinker bird, the yellow-crowned turaco, the red-capped robin-chat, Peter’s twin spot, the double-toothed barbet, the crested eagle, the backsaw-wing, and the African broadbill, among others.
Scenery: The Gombe stream goes down the escarpment to the sandy beach and is situated near the shores of Lake Tanganyika. It is encircled by a picturesque forest. During your trip, you can also swim in Lake Tanganyika, where you can take in breathtaking views of the way the wooded slopes ascend the sheer cliff face. It’s a memorable experience.
Weather and Climate: Safari in Gombe National Park
On the other hand, Gombe has a warm temperature with a humid, stormy climate and a dry season that lasts from May to October. November to April is the wet season. It experiences cool weather, with temperatures reaching a comfortable 15% Celsius. However, when it rains, a lot of water is poured into the park.
Best time to visit Gombe National Park
Best time to visit: Gombe National Park is a popular location throughout the year, but July through October and December through February are the best times to visit without any problems. Keep in mind, though, that Gombe National Park is never overcrowded, so you may go whenever you’d like. The wet season, which lasts from November to April, is when you can visit the park to track chimpanzees, albeit it takes much more work to locate them during this time.
Accommodations in Gombe National Park
Accommodations: Gombe Stream offers ideal lodge apartments for visitors, ranging from luxurious to reasonably priced, with rewarding views of the surrounding landscape. Male Classic Lodge, Kigoma Hilltop Hotel, Leaders Lodge, Mbali Mbali Gombe Lodge, Triple J Resort, and Sunset Vista Hotel are a few of these lodges.
Those who enjoy primates should start traveling to Gombe National Park’s Gombe Stream, one of the best places in Africa to see these stunning chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Since Jane Goodall first visited the area and established a research center on acclimating chimpanzees to humans, the park has been actively tracking these animals, making it the world’s longest-running study of any wild animal population, particularly the remarkably habituated chimpanzee species.