Gombe Stream National Park is a true gem of the African wilderness a renowned place to see great apes also known as chimpanzees and other endemic species through the lush green forest, valleys, and escarpments. The park was first gazette in 1968 as a national park covering an area space of approximately 52 square kilometres, it was made famous by the great works of Jane Goodall, a primatologist who spent most of her time in Africa dedicated to doing research and showing the importance of conserving the habitats to the primates it is as a result of this research that many primatologists get to understand the character of primates.
The presence of attractions includes a variety of primates like Olive baboons, vervet monkeys, red colobus monkeys, bush babies, and red-tailed monkeys, to mention a few, other animals present in the park are Mangoose, elephants, bush pigs, duikers, civets. Lake Tanganyika is one of the longest and deepest lakes in Africa, beautiful surroundings of the national park. these give a chance to participate in tourism activities as below.
Chimpanzee tracking is the main activity of Gombe Stream National Park, it begins in the morning with a briefing from the park rangers, there is a relative number of apes within the national park, they are scientifically proven to share up to 98% of the human DNA, they are characterized by their social behaviours, intelligence which was profound during the research, these primates love to nest in the tree canopies and live in groups of 100 members led by a male Alpha, depending on how far they have moved it takes 2-3 hours to find them enjoy an hour with the primates after which return to meet your guide.
Birding in Gombe Stream National Park, the protected area is a haven of birds over 200 species of birds can be seen here, including water birds, and forest birds, Examplesof species include double-toothed barbets, sunbirds, African martial eagles, harrier hawks, Ross’s turaco, African green broadbill to mention a few, to enjoy a birding safari experience in the national park it is important bring binoculars, long sleeved shirts and trousers, insect repellants, rain gears among others.
Guided nature walks, are led by experienced park rangers who will guide you to view the forest on foot, it is one of the most amazing activities in Gombe National Park, expect to meet park species for example the vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, and blue monkeys, walks last for 2-3 hours enjoying the forest, the sound of birds is not to miss on this visit.
Visit Lake Tanganyika, the longest and deepest lake in East Africa, a boat ride along the lake is epic, and the feeling of the surrounding environment with cool breeze is a magical experience. Travelers can visit the local fishermen’s villages.
In conclusion, doing activities in Gombe Stream National Park can be done all year round but best during the dry season between the months of December–February and June-September a time when the trails of the forest are less slippery and can be accessed. It can only be reached by boat from Kigoma, travelers to the national park fly into the town or drive.