The Adventure of Chimpanzee Trekking in Gombe National Park
Embark on a thrilling adventure with Chimpanzee Trekking Gombe, where the lush landscapes of Gombe Stream National Park beckon wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Are you ready for an escapade that dives deep into the heart of nature, allowing you to witness the marvels of the animal kingdom up close? Chimpanzee Trekking Gombe is not just a trek; it’s a window into the rich social structures, playful antics, and emotional bonds of one of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom. Set in the stunning Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania, this adventure is perfect for those yearning for an authentic wildlife experience that goes beyond the ordinary. Grab your binoculars and immerse yourself in a world where the echoes of chimp calls resonate in the lush greenery while you discover the splendor of their elusive habitat.
TOUR RATES
Solo traveler: US $ 1180
2 pax: US $ 890 per person
3 pax: US $ 880 per person
4 – 5 pax: US $ 850 per person
Gombe Stream National Park, located in Tanzania, is renowned for its stunning geography and rich biodiversity. The park is characterized by its unique mix of hilly terrain interspersed with valleys and the scenic waters of Lake Tanganyika. The varying altitudes within the park support diverse habitats, from lush forests to open woodlands, contributing to the survival of numerous species, particularly primates. Established in 1968, Gombe holds significant historical importance due to its early and ongoing conservation efforts, highlighted by Jane Goodall’s groundbreaking research on chimpanzee behavior, which revolutionized our understanding of these unique primates and their ecological needs.
One of the crown jewels of Gombe is its robust population of chimpanzees, which serve as a focal point for biodiversity highlights. The social structure and behavior of these chimpanzees are both fascinating and complex. Observational studies have revealed rich lives, showcasing intricate social interactions, formations of alliances, and unique communication methods. Among the gripping narratives that emerge from Gombe are the journeys of specific chimpanzees that have garnered fame over the years, providing insights into their personalities and social dynamics. The unique characteristics of Gombe chimpanzees, adapted to their specific environment, reflect their capacity for problem-solving, use of tools, and emotional depth.
Best Time to Go For Chimpanzee Trekking in Gombe
The optimal time for chimpanzee trekking in Gombe National Park is the dry season, from June to October. During this period, vegetation is less dense, facilitating easier spotting of chimpanzees. The weather is generally more pleasant with clear skies, enhancing the trekking experience. Additionally, visitors can enjoy fewer insects and leeches, making the trek more comfortable.
Getting To Gombe
To access Gombe Stream National Park for Chimpanzee Trekking, travelers must take a boat from Kigoma town, with the ride lasting about 1.5 to 2 hours. Those coming from Dar es Salaam or other areas can fly to Kigoma, where they can then transfer by boat to Gombe. There is a daily scheduled flight available between Dar es Salaam and Kigoma.
Gombe Adventure Packing Essentials
Bringing the right gear can greatly enhance your chimpanzee trekking adventure. Key items to consider are:
- Durable walking shoes or boots
- Long pants and long-sleeved shirts for protection against vegetation and insects
- Rain protection, as the weather may be unpredictable
- Binoculars to observe the chimps and various wildlife more closely
- A camera with an excellent zoom lens to capture your experiences
- Ample water and snacks
Chimpanzee Trekking Permit
At gombe national park, chimpanzee tracking is allowed from 0800 hrs to 0600 hrs. Each day, five groups are permitted to go chimpanzee trekking, with a maximum of 5 people in each group. The cost of a permit is $118 for adults and $23.6 for children between the ages of 5 and 15.
Rules and Regulation
Chimpanzee trekking in Gombe National Park is a popular attraction, but strict rules are essential for the safety of both chimpanzees and visitors. Key regulations include:
- Maintain a distance of at least 10 meters from the chimpanzees to prevent disease transmission.
- Wear masks when close to them and avoid eating or drinking in their presence.
- Keep personal items off the ground and cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
- Those with infectious diseases should not participate, and participants must be at least 15 years old.
- Speak softly, do not mimic chimp calls, and avoid sudden movements or direct eye contact.
- Stay in tight groups, avoid surrounding the chimps, and squat or sit to reduce disturbance.
- If chimps approach, calmly find a nearby tree for safety and grip its trunk.
- If they come within 10 meters, back away slowly without sudden movements and avoid flash photography.
Travel Tips for Chimpanzee Trekking in Gombe
As adventurers prepare for their trek in Gombe, certain travel tips and best practices can enhance the overall experience. Visitors should consider packing light but essential items aimed at comfort and safety, such as sturdy footwear, water, and adequate clothing for varying weather conditions. Adhering to safety guidelines when it comes to wildlife interaction is imperative, both for personal safety and to ensure that wildlife is respected during encounters. Finally, planning the visit during the dry months can yield better opportunities for wildlife observation, leading to a truly unforgettable adventure in one of East Africa’s most precious national parks.
Accommodation
When planning a chimpanzee trekking trip to Gombe, selecting comfortable accommodation is key. The Gombe Rest House is a popular choice, providing cozy, basic amenities such as comfortable beds, a dining area, and shared bathrooms, all nestled in a lush park setting and close to main attractions.
For a more unique experience, Kasekela Camp offers an immersive stay in beautiful tents within the national park. Named after a local group of chimpanzees, this camp enhances the excitement of the adventure. Guests can enjoy communal dining and relax in an outdoor lounge, all while surrounded by the park’s natural beauty.
Chimpanzee Trekking Gombe Detail Itinerary
Day 1: Kigoma – Gombe Stream National Park
The 3-day chimpanzee trekking tour begins with a pick-up from your hotel in Dar es Salaam, followed by a flight to Kigoma, departing at 09:30 am and arriving at 11:40 am. Upon arrival, you will meet a representative who will take you to a local restaurant for lunch, then to the port for a boat ride to Gombe National Park, which takes about 1.5 hours on Lake Tanganyika.
After registering at the park headquarters, you’ll embark on an afternoon trekking adventure guided by a park ranger to spot chimpanzees and other primates in the forest rich with bird life. In the evening, you’ll return to Gombe Rest House for the night.
Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking in Gombe
After an early breakfast, the journey begins with a half-day chimpanzee trekking in the forest, specifically hiking to a former chimpanzee feeding point where researchers once provided bananas. This feeding practice was halted due to concerns that it made chimps lazy in foraging for their natural diet, consisting of herbs and fruits, which led to weakened immune systems and increased illness and mortality among the chimps. The trek continues uphill to Kakombe waterfalls, where visitors can enjoy the cool breezes and stunning scenery. Along the way, trekkers may also encounter various monkey species, including olive baboons, beachcombers, red-tailed monkeys, red colobus, blue monkeys, and vervet monkeys, with the red-tailed and blue monkeys known to hybridize in the area. After midday, the group returns to the lodge for a hot lunch, packs up, and boards a boat back to Kigoma town. Upon arrival in Kigoma, guests will be transferred to Green View Resort for their overnight stay.
Day 3: Gombe – Kigoma – Depart
On the final day of the 3 Days Chimpanzee Trekking Tour in Gombe, you will have breakfast at the lodge and then depart at 8:00 am for a 1.5-hour tour of the Dr. Livingstone Museum in Ujiji town. A guide will share the history of Dr. Livingstone and highlight the meeting point with Stanley. After the museum visit, you’ll drive directly to the airport for your 12:20 pm flight to Dar es Salaam, where a transfer will be provided to your hotel.
Chimpanzee Trekking Tour Includes:
Boat transfer Kigoma- gombe Park fee,
FB accommodation at Gombe Rest House,
Meal on the last day at Kigoma,
All transfer made by road in a private car in Kigoma and Dar es Salaam,
Fee for professional guide, all activities as per itinerary
Chimpanzee Trekking Tour Excludes:
International flight,
Airport departure tax,
Flying doctors insurance,
Activities which doesn’t mention on the itinerary,
Tips for the guide,
Any other expenses of the personal nature.