Gombe National Park
Gombe, designated as a game reserve in 1943, was upgraded into a national park status in 1968. The park is located 16 km north of Kigoma town on the shores of Lake Tanganyika in western Tanzania. It covers an area of 56 square kilometers and is a fragile habitat for chimpanzee. Gombe gained its popularity after the research of Dr Jane Goodall which isbelieved to be the longest running study of primates in the world.
Tourism activities
Chimpanzee trekking– This activity is conducted from 0630 – 1830 hrs.
Walking safari –Short walks along the shores of Lake Tanganyika or to
Hiking to Jane’s peak view point. This view point offers a spectacular view of the park and Lake Tanganyika. While at the view point one can hear chimpanzee calling and screaming. The hike takes about two hours from kasekela.
Birding: Over 200 birds species fly around, varying from the African crowned eagle that hunts monkeys, to the iconic fish eagle, three kinds of kingfisher and the bright Peters twins pots. Another remarkable character is the palm-nut vulture; a near-vegetarian common to Lake Tanganyika that prefers fruits over carcasses.
Filming: Hugo van Lawick in 1988 filmed people of the forest – the chimps of Gombe.
Chimpanzee
The Chimpanzee are Sharing more than 98% of our genes, it’s a look of recognition from our closest animal relative.
Colobus, Red-tailed and Blue monkeys
The majority of the park’s mammals are primates, most of them forest species. Likely to be seen, in addition to the famous chimpanzees, are the colorful red-tailed and blue monkeys