Tanzania is renowned for its remarkable wildlife safaris, and while most visitors think of the Big Five or Kilimanjaro, the country also offers unique primate experiences, including the opportunity to see chimpanzees in their natural habitat at Gombe Stream National Park.
In this comprehensive 2025 guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about visiting chimpanzees in Gombe Stream, including how to get there, what to expect, best times to visit, conservation considerations, and tips for a safe and memorable trek.
Location: Northwest Tanzania along the shores of Lake Tanganyika, near the border with Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Size: Smallest national park in Tanzania, covering 35 square kilometers (13.5 square miles).
Established: 1968, primarily for chimpanzee conservation and research.
Unique Features: Dense forested valleys and steep hills, with pristine habitats ideal for primates.
Gombe Stream gained international fame through Jane Goodall’s pioneering research, which has been ongoing for over 60 years. Today, it is one of the best places in the world to see wild chimpanzees up close.
Gombe Stream is home to multiple habituated chimpanzee communities, making it possible for visitors to observe these primates without disturbing their natural behaviors.
Trekking: Visitors must hike through dense forest trails and steep slopes to find chimpanzees.
Observation: Guided treks typically last 2–4 hours, depending on chimpanzee sightings.
Behavior: You may witness chimpanzees feeding, grooming, playing, or even using tools—an experience made famous by Jane Goodall’s studies.
Red colobus monkeys
Olive baboons
Blue monkeys
Various bird species
Occasional bushbucks and duikers
Chimpanzee trekking is possible year-round, but certain times of year are more favorable:
Dry Season (June – October):
Trails are less muddy and easier to hike.
Chimpanzees are easier to locate because food sources are concentrated.
Wet Season (November – May):
Trails can be slippery and more challenging.
Forest vegetation is lush, offering excellent photography opportunities, but chimpanzees may be more dispersed.
Reaching Gombe Stream requires some planning, as the park is remote and lacks direct road access from major cities:
Fly to Kigoma:
Kigoma is the nearest airport, with flights from Dar es Salaam or Arusha.
Boat Transfer:
From Kigoma town, take a public or private boat along Lake Tanganyika to reach the park’s entry point.
Boat rides typically take 30–60 minutes, offering scenic lake views.
Alternative Route:
For adventurous travelers, it is possible to hike along connecting forest trails, though this is less common.
Visitors should plan at least 2-3 days for the trip to accommodate travel, trekking, and rest.
To protect both visitors and chimpanzees, the park enforces strict rules:
Guided Treks Only: Visitors must be accompanied by trained guides.
Group Size: Only **6–8 people per chimpanze
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