Gombe stream National Park

Gombe National Park is an absolute must-visit destination while in Tanzania! Located just 16 km north of Kigoma town on the shores of the world’s second deepest lake, Lake Tanganyika, in western Tanzania, it boasts an impressive 56 square kilometres.
Gombe is a wilderness that’s well worth visiting all year round! It’s home to an amazingly abundant and diverse range of wildlife. Thanks to habitat preferences and seasonal food cycles, you can often find particular animals in specific places at specific times (like the chimpanzees). The park has been famous for its chimpanzee population for a long time, but there are so many other animals to see too, including olive baboons, blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, red colobus monkeys and birds!

HOW TO GET THERE
There are so many ways to reach the park! You can drive, schedule or charter a flight from Dar es Salaam, Mwanza or Arusha, or take a slow or fast train from Dar es Salaam or ferry along the shore of Lake Tanganyika from Burundi or Zambia to Kigoma. The only way to reach the incredible Gombe is by boat from Kigoma!

POPULAR ATTRACTIONS
Lake Tanganyika
There are so many amazing things to see and do at Gombe National Park! One of the most popular attractions is Lake Tanganyika, which is one of the greatest lakes in Africa. This is the longest and deepest lake in Africa, and the second deepest lake in the world – an incredible sight to behold!

Kakombe and Mkenke Waterfall
And there’s more! You can also head out to the amazing Kakombe trail and Mkenke valley to explore the absolutely gorgeous natural Kakombe and Mkenke waterfalls.

Bird’s Life
Gombe is also home to a huge variety of birds! You’ll be thrilled to see over 200 different bird species, including the iconic fish eagle, three kinds of kingfishers and the bright Peters twinspots! Another incredible creature you’ll find here is the palm vulture. These magnificent birds are a near-vegetarian, and they love nothing more than munching on fruit!

Chimpanzees
These incredible creatures have become some of the most well-known mammals in the world thanks to the pioneering work of Jane Goodall. In 1960, Goodall founded a research programme that has now become the longest-running study of its kind in the world!

TOURISM ACTIVITIES
Boat cruise
One of the most popular activities for tourists is hiring a boat and cruising around Lake Tanganyika. You can explore the lake’s stunning tourist attractions and enjoy a range of fun activities. It’s a great way to soak in the beauty of the lake while having a blast! A boat cruise is an incredible experience! You can choose a luxury boat or an ordinary speedboat, depending on your budget. Either way, you’ll feel the refreshing breeze of Lake Tanganyika while taking in the breathtaking view of the Great Rift Valley escarpment.

Walking safari
You’ll love taking a short walk along the shores of Lake Tanganyika or to Kakombe or Mkenke waterfall!

Mountain hiking
Get ready to be blown away by the absolutely breathtaking views of the mountains of the rift escarpment falling westwards into the lake! The undulating terrain, valleys and the mosaic of forest, woodland and grassland provide visitors with a truly varied and attractive landscape.

Kayaking
Kayaking is one of the most exhilarating watersports activities you can experience in Gombe National Park! A small narrow boat, propelled by a double-bladed paddle, is a wonderful way to explore the lake. And the best part is, you can do this activity when the lake weather is calm! You’ll be blown away by the incredible four hours of paddling out on the stunning Lake Tanganyika!

Sport fishing
Sport fishing is a fantastic activity to do for pleasure! It’s also known as catch and release, and it’s done when the lake weather is calm. Our team are experts in all disciplines of fishing! You’ll have a fantastic time out on Lake Tanganyika with our well-equipped sports fishing boats and knowledgeable crews!

Snorkelling and diving
Gombe National Park has a tranquil beach that is simply perfect for snorkelling and diving! You’ll love our water sport activities, such as snorkelling and diving, which will make your visit even more special! The incredible Lake Tanganyika offers a whole other world to explore under the water! Gombe is an absolutely amazing place for snorkelling and diving! The waters here are calm, clear and teeming with colourful life, and they’re protected by hills, so you can explore them to your heart’s content without worrying about anything getting in your way!
You’ll be amazed at how quickly the 2-3 hours fly by!

Cultural wonders of Mwamgongo Village!
Mwamgongo Village is located right next to the amazing Gombe National Park. Get ready to be immersed in the local culture and experience the warm hospitality of the people here. You’ll get to cook delicious local food, learn about traditional dances and local art and craft, and even try your hand at making pottery, fabrics, grass hats, mats and baskets using traditional techniques and local materials.