Safari Activities in Gombe Stream National Park

Gombe offers a unique blend of immersive wildlife activities, with a strong focus on primatology, birding, and nature trekking. The park’s remote location and unspoiled ecosystem provide an ideal setting for visitors seeking an off-the-beaten-path safari experience.

1. Chimpanzee Trekking

The crown jewel of Gombe Stream is undoubtedly its wild chimpanzees. With a habituated population of about 100 individuals, chimpanzee trekking is the park’s flagship activity. Treks typically begin early in the morning and are led by experienced guides and rangers who not only track the chimps but also share insights into their behaviors, social structures, and the park’s history.

Once located, visitors are permitted to spend one unforgettable hour observing the chimpanzees in their natural habitat—watching them groom, feed, communicate, or swing effortlessly through the forest canopy. It is an emotional and intellectually stimulating encounter, often described as one of Africa’s most profound wildlife experiences.

2. Bird Watching

With over 200 bird species recorded within its boundaries, Gombe is a birding paradise. Its forests, open woodlands, and lakeshore habitats support a variety of endemic and migratory birds. Notable species include the African fish eagle, palm-nut vulture, double-toothed barbet, peter’s twinspot, crowned eagle, paradise flycatcher, and the elusive African broadbill. The shores of Lake Tanganyika also provide prime opportunities to spot water birds and waders.

Birding in Gombe is enhanced by the park’s tranquil setting and minimal disturbance, offering enthusiasts the chance to enjoy bird sightings in peace, often to the soundtrack of forest calls and lake waves.

3. Wildlife Viewing

While the chimpanzees are the stars of the show, Gombe is home to a diverse array of other wildlife. Visitors may encounter olive baboons, vervet monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and blue monkeys. Occasionally, larger mammals such as bushbucks, hippos, and warthogs are spotted, particularly near the lake shore or along river valleys.

The park’s dense forests and steep terrain make it more suitable for walking safaris rather than game drives, which adds to the adventurous nature of wildlife viewing in this remote haven.

4. Guided Nature Walks & Hiking

Gombe offers an excellent setting for guided nature walks, allowing visitors to explore its lush forests, waterfalls, and scenic viewpoints on foot. Trails like the Jane Goodall Feeding Station Trail provide both historical and ecological insight, as they traverse areas once used for chimp research and observation.

Hiking trails also lead to stunning spots such as Kakombe Waterfall, offering a chance to cool off after a trek, or Jane’s Peak, which delivers breathtaking views over the forest and shimmering Lake Tanganyika. These walks are usually led by park rangers, ensuring visitor safety while enriching the experience with their deep knowledge of the park’s flora and fauna.

5. Swimming and Lake Activities

While not as widely promoted as other activities, the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tanganyika offer opportunities for swimming and snorkeling. Its warm, clean waters are remarkably inviting, and the lake itself is a hotspot of freshwater biodiversity—making it worth a dip for those staying overnight within the park.

Best Time to Visit Gombe Stream National Park

Gombe Stream National Park is open to visitors year-round, but the dry season offers the most favorable conditions for chimpanzee trekking and wildlife activities.

Dry Season (June to October & December to February):

This is the ideal time to visit. Trails are dry and less slippery, making trekking easier and more comfortable. Chimpanzees tend to stay closer to the main trails, improving sightings, and the drier vegetation makes wildlife spotting more straightforward. This period is also great for photography and birding.

Wet Season (March to May & November):

The park receives substantial rainfall during these months, which can make trails muddy and challenging to navigate. However, the landscape is lush and vibrant, birding is excellent, and the experience is much quieter due to fewer visitors.