The Adventure of Chimpanzee Trekking in Gombe National Park
Chimpanzee trekking in Gombe Stream National Park, Tanzania, offers a unique and intimate wildlife experience, deeply connected to the groundbreaking research of Dr. Jane Goodall. Here’s a comprehensive guide to planning your adventure:
Overview of Gombe Stream National Park
- Location: Nestled on the shores of Lake Tanganyika in western Tanzania, Gombe is one of Africa’s smallest national parks (52 km²) but rich in biodiversity.
- Fame: Known for Jane Goodall’s pioneering chimpanzee research since 1960, it provides rare opportunities to observe wild chimps in their natural habitat.
- Chimpanzees: Home to about 90–100 chimpanzees in three habituated communities (Kasakela, Mitumba, and Kalande). Trekking focuses on the Kasakela group.
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
The Chimpanzee Trekking Experience
Permits:
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- Required in advance (book through Tanzania National Parks Authority or a tour operator).
- Cost: ~$100–150 USD per person (2023 rates; confirm with updated sources).
- Limited daily permits to minimize human impact.
Trekking Details:
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Duration: Treks last 2–8 hours, depending on chimp movements. Morning treks are most common.
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Terrain: Steep, forested hills with uneven trails. Moderate fitness required.
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Guides: Knowledgeable rangers lead groups (max 6–8 people). They track chimps via radio communication with researchers.
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Viewing: Spend 1 hour with the chimps once located. Observe feeding, grooming, and social dynamics.
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Best Time to Visit:
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Dry Season (May–October): Easier trekking, chimps gather near lower slopes.
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Wet Season (November–April): Lush scenery, fewer tourists, but trails are muddy.
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Planning Chipanzee Trekking at Gombe
Getting There:
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Fly to Kigoma (from Dar es Salaam/Arusha), then take a 1–2 hour boat ride to Gombe. Boats can be chartered via lodges or park offices.
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Accommodation:
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Luxury: Gombe Forest Lodge (tented camp with lake views).
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Mid-range: Mbali Mbali Gombe (comfortable tents).
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Budget: Guesthouses in Kigoma (e.g., Jakobsen’s Beach).
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Health: Malaria prophylaxis recommended. Yellow fever vaccination may be required if traveling from endemic areas.
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.
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.