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Gombe Forest

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Forest

Weather…

The Gombe Forest is located on the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika and is the heart of Gombe Stream National Park, the smallest national park in Tanzania. This area gained fame primarily through the groundbreaking work of primatologist Jane Goodall, who began her long-term studies on chimpanzees here in 1960. The forest is characterized by steep valleys and dense vegetation, ranging from evergreen gallery forests to open grasslands on the mountain ridges. This isolated location led to the development of a unique ecosystem, home to chimpanzees as well as olive baboons and red colobus monkeys. Access to the forest is only possible by boat via Lake Tanganyika, which has contributed to the preservation of its pristine nature. Despite its small size of only 35 square kilometers, the forest plays a vital role in conservation and ecotourism in the region. The research station in Gombe is recognized today as the world's longest continuously running wildlife study site.

Location: Tanzania
Nearby: Kigoma (13 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	24	25	25	25	25	24	24	26	27	26	25	24
Rain mm	164	129	157	161	58	8	5	13	44	97	191	160

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

Accessible strictly only by boat from the town of Kigoma, with local water taxis or private speedboats traversing Lake Tanganyika to reach the park headquarters.

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Best season

The dry season from June to October is generally best for hiking, though the wet season definitely features lush scenery and sometimes easier chimpanzee spotting.

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Terrain & paths

The park is heavily characterized by very steep, densely forested valleys and rugged hills that plunge quite dramatically down to the scenic shores of the lake.

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What to bring

Bring very sturdy, worn-in hiking boots, lightweight long trousers to easily protect against scratches, good binoculars, and a waterproof cover for your camera.

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Parking

Vehicles must absolutely be left securely at formally designated parking facilities or hotel grounds in Kigoma before boarding the transport boat to the national park.

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Safety

Visitors must maintain a strict, mandatory distance from the chimpanzees to completely prevent disease transmission; always follow the explicit instructions of the armed ranger.

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Time needed

Most regular visitors spend one to two days in the park, completing at least one highly intensive morning trek to successfully locate and observe the resident chimpanzees.

Geography

Coordinates

-4.75000, 29.60000

Facts

Gombe is the smallest national park in Tanzania at just 35 square kilometers.
Jane Goodall first arrived in Gombe in July 1960.
The area was officially designated as a national park in 1968.
The forest can only be reached by boat from Lake Tanganyika.
The Kasakela chimpanzee community is the most studied primate family.
The park borders the deepest freshwater lake in Africa.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Gombe National Park9 km · NEExplore →

Kigoma Port12 km · WExplore →

Gombe Park15 km · EExplore →

Ujiji Historical Site17 km · NWExplore →

Port of Nyanza-Lac38 km · EExplore →

Nyanza-Lac39 km · EExplore →

Mabanda49 km · NEExplore →

Mount Inanzerwe56 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can I see chimpanzees in Gombe Forest?

Yes, this is the main focus of the park and an unforgettable experience.

Do I need a permit for the park?

Yes, a pre-permit is mandatory for chimpanzee tracking.

What is the fitness requirement?

The terrain is steep; good physical condition is required.

When is the best time for tracking?

The dry season (May to September) makes trekking easier.

How to reach Gombe?

Access is almost exclusively by boat across Lake Tanganyika.

Gombe Forest: where is it located?

Gombe Forest is located in Tanzania.

Gombe Forest: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Gombe Forest: why is it worth visiting?

The Gombe Forest is located on the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika and is the heart of Gombe Stream National Park, the smallest national park in Tanzania.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →