3 Days Chimpanzee Trekking Safari, a Unique Primate Adventure in Western Tanzania Explore one of Africa’s most intimate and historic wildlife destinations. Gombe Stream National Park home to the famous chimpanzee studies by Jane Goodall.
Overview
This short but powerful journey takes you deep into the forest along the shores of Lake Tanganyika
for a rare and unforgettable chimpanzee encounter.
Itinerary
This Safari offers a rare opportunity to track wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat, explore lush tropical forests, and enjoy breathtaking lake views—all in an intimate and less crowded national park.
Your adventure begins with a morning flight from Dar es Salaam to Kigoma. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to Kibirizi port, where your private boat awaits for a scenic 2-hour journey along the shores of Lake Tanganyika. As you approach Gombe, the untouched forest rises dramatically from the lake marking your arrival in one of Tanzania’s most unique national parks.
After check-in at your lodge, you will enjoy a hot lunch before heading out for an introductory forest walk. Here, you may already encounter wildlife such as baboons, vervet monkeys, colobus monkeys, and—if lucky—chimpanzees. A beautiful and exciting start to your primate adventure.
Accommodation
🟢Gombe Rest House (Inside the Park)
A simple but authentic stay, offering direct access to the forest and wildlife.
After breakfast, you begin your guided chimpanzee tracking experience in the forests of Gombe Stream National Park.
Tracking chimpanzees is an active and rewarding experience, as you follow their movements through the forest with the help of experienced guides.
Once located, you will spend time observing their behavior watching them feed, interact, and move through their natural habitat.
Gombe is world-renowned due to the groundbreaking research initiated by Jane Goodall in 1960, making this experience not only exciting but deeply meaningful.
If time allows, you may also:
🟢Hike to Jane’s Peak for panoramic viewsVisit the scenic Kakombe Waterfalls.
The rest of the day is at leisure, allowing you to relax or continue exploring the forest.
Accommodation
Gombe Rest House
After breakfast, you will depart by boat back to Kigoma. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight to Dar es Salaam, marking the end of your unforgettable chimpanzee trekking experience.
Experience Highlights
🟢 Chimpanzee tracking in their natural habitat
🟢 Scenic boat transfer on Lake Tanganyika
🟢 Historical connection to Jane Goodall
🟢 Optional hikes to waterfalls and viewpoints
🟢 Intimate, less crowded safari experience
Important Information
Cost Includes
- All park entrance fees and government taxes (including updated rates)
- Accommodation at Gombe Rest House inside the national park
- Round-trip boat transfers on Lake Tanganyika (Kigoma to Gombe)
- Meals and bottled drinking water (minimum 3 liters per person per day)
- Soft drinks including beers and wine
- Airport transfers in Kigoma (flexible before and after the tour)
- Professional safari guide for chimpanzee tracking and park activities
- Safari support services, including a safari chef and fully equipped 4x4 vehicle (where applicable)
Cost Excludes
- Visa fees for Tanzania
- Tips and gratuities for guides and staff
- Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, extra drinks, etc.)
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
Frequently Asked Questions
The best time for chimpanzee trekking in Gombe National Park is during the dry season (June to October) when trails are easier to navigate and chimpanzees are easier to locate. However, trekking is possible year-round.
Chimpanzee trekking in Gombe can be moderately challenging, as it involves hiking through forested terrain and sometimes steep slopes. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended.
Travel to Gombe typically involves a domestic flight from Dar es Salaam to Kigoma, followed by a boat transfer on Lake Tanganyika to reach the park.
Once chimpanzees are located, visitors are usually allowed to spend up to one hour observing them in their natural habitat, following park regulations.
Essential items include:
Lightweight hiking clothes
Comfortable trekking shoes
Insect repellent
Rain jacket
Camera and binoculars
Sunscreen and hat
Yes, Gombe National Park is safe for tourists. All treks are guided by experienced rangers, and safety guidelines are strictly followed during chimpanzee encounters.
In addition to chimpanzees, you may see baboons, vervet monkeys, colobus monkeys, forest birds, and other small wildlife species.
Accommodation is typically at Gombe Rest House, a simple but authentic lodge located inside the park, offering close proximity to nature and wildlife.
Yes, this 3-day Gombe safari is suitable for beginners, though participants should be prepared for some physical activity during forest trekking.
Gombe is famous for Jane Goodall’s chimpanzee research, which began in 1960 and revolutionized the understanding of primate behavior, making it a globally recognized research and conservation site.
