Gombe National Park
Located on the western border of Tanzania and the Congo, Gombe National Park gained recognition for the chimp behaviour research conducted here by Jane Goodall from 1960 for over 20 years
Established in 1968, Gombe National Park covers a 35 square kilometre region on the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika. Due to its remote location, the park is accessible only by boat. The Kakombe Valley has two primary habitats, Congolian forests and Zambezian miombo woodlands, forming a semi-deciduous forest on the sides of the valley. It creates a rich habitat for the resident chimps and other primates.
Jane Goodall’s study of chimp behaviour
Gombe National Park is a well-known site for primate behaviour research carried out by primatologist and anthropologist Jane Goodall. She set up a research station in Kakombe Valley, now located in the Gombe National Park, with the goal to learn more about the behaviour of primates, especially chimpanzees.
Jane Goodall observed that chimpanzees were capable of having unique personalities and rational thoughts, similar to humans. The chimps shared emotions and affection in the form of hugs, pats, and kisses. She also observed that they make and use tools and that they are omnivores, not herbivores.
Wildlife in Gombe National Park
Gombe National Park is primarily chimpanzee territory, with approximately 100 habituated chimpanzees and a few other primates such as red-tailed monkeys, red colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, and olive baboons.
Apart from the primates, visitors can occasionally spot hippos, small antelopes, and forest pigs. Gombe also has a few leopards as well as several species of snakes.
Gombe is home to over 200 bird species, including rare birds such as the yellow-rumped tinkerbird, double-toothed barbet, Peter’s twinspot, and Kenya rufous sparrow.
Gombe Park Premier Attractions
Kakombe Waterfall: Located in the Kakombe Valley, the Kakombe waterfall is fed by the Kaombe stream. It drops 20m down the cliff, surrounded by forests rich with fig trees, ands a great spot to see chimpanzees and other primates.
Jane’s Peak: Named after Jane Goodall, Jane’s Peak is located high in the Gombe Hills, and iswhere she could observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat without scaring them away. Even today, the peak offers a great vantage point for chimp viewing.
Gombe Stream Research Centre: Visit the research centre to see where Jane Goodall discovered the behavioural link between chimps and humans. It is located near the Kakombe Waterfall and Jane’s Peak, within Gombe National Park.
Snorkelling in Lake Tanganyika: Snorkelling in the waters of nearby Lake Tanganyika is a chance to see some of the ninety species of cichlid that live in the lake, and perhaps spot animals coming down to the lake to drink.
When To visit Gombe National Park
The best time to spot chimpanzees in Gombe National Park is during the dry season, from July to October, when they can be seen on the lower slopes. In the dry months it’s easier and quicker to spot them when the vegetation is thinner.
From November to April, the wet season, Gombe Stream is teeming with birdlife, including migratory species. However, the rains make it harder to spot the birds while the forest trails are also slippery, making them dangerous. Many lodges in the region also remain closed from March to April, making it hard to find accommodation for your stay. Visitors can spot the resident bird species during the dry season.