Gombe Stream National Park is a beautiful place in Tanzania that is most sought after when it comes to Chimpanzee, it was made famous through the great works of Jane Goodall, a primatologist who conducted lead research on the behaviour of chimpanzees, the primates are characterized by their social behaviour, intelligence with the ability to use tools, they have been scientifically proven to share up to 98% of the human DNA, the park is the smallest of Tanzania conservation areas, along the border of Lake Tanganyika covering an area space of approximately 52 square kilometres, it is home to not only chimpanzee but also other primate species for example vervet monkeys, olive baboons, blue monkeys, and red colobus monkeys.
Gombe Stream National Park is home to several animal species including bush pigs, shy antelopes like buck bucks and waterbucks, leopards, bush pigs, and Hippos although these are rare to see, Game drives in Gombe National Park will lead you into the forest in search of other animal species besides chimpanzee, they are not a so popular activity of the national park although it is more than possible to go looking out for the animal species.
Other activities of Gombe Stream National Park include chimpanzee tracking. This is the main activity of the national park, it is done beginning in the early morning from 8:00 am East African time with a briefing from the park ranger, depending on how far the primates have moved, it takes 2-3 hours, upon finding the primates you will be allowed 1 hour with the chimpanzee enjoy them jumping from one tree to another after which return. It is charged 100 dollars per person and individuals below the age of 15 years are not allowed to do the chimpanzee tracking.
Birding in Gombe Stream National Park is a birding spot while in Tanzania, over 200 bird species have been recorded in the national park to date, during a birding experience you will be able to see birds like fish eagles, pelicans, African paradise flycatchers, African broadbill, double toothed barbet, Kenya rufous sparrow, Livingstone’s turaco, Ross’s turaco.
Visit Lake Tanganyika, on boat cruises and a walk along the sandy beaches of the ecosystem, it is one of the longest freshwater lakes in the world, and you will have the chance to visit fishermen and also experience animal species along the lake including amphibians and reptiles.it is at Lake Tanganyika where guests can do spot fishing an experienced guide will lead you through with fishing gear.
The best time to do activities in the national park is during the dry season from December-February and June -to September when the trails of the park are dry and easy to access, it is also a high tourism season hence expect more travelers around.
There is available accommodation around the park varying from luxury facilities to the best budget, example facilities include MbaliMbaliLodge and Kigoma Hilltop View to mention a few, the park can only be accessed by boat, from Kigoma town.