Gombe National Park

Set on the shore of scenic Lake Tanganyika, forested Gombe National Park is one of the best places in Africa to track chimpanzees. Originally habituated by Jane Goodall in the 1960s, the chimpanzees of Gombe now form the subject of the world’s longest-running study of a wild animal population. Observing these fascinating apes, which are our closest living genetic cousins, in the wild is a truly unforgettable experience.

Wildlife in Gombe National Park

Gombe’s chimps are the main attraction, but the park is also home to a habituated troop of olive baboons that can usually be found on the lakeshore. Several other monkey species are present, notably the endangered Ugandan red colobus, which is sometimes hunted by chimps. The main wildlife attraction in Gombe National Park is tracking chimpanzees on foot. The park actually supports two chimpanzee communities, totaling about 100 individuals, and you will be taken to look for the same one that was habituated by Jane Goodall in the 1960s. Once you’ve found the chimps, you can observe them for one hour, whether they’re feeding, resting, or walking, before you return to camp.

The Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

The middle and end of the dry season (July to October) are the best times for chimpanzee trekking. At this time, the chimps tend to stay close to the lakeshore and are easier to find. The park stays open throughout the year, but in heavy rain, the trails might be difficult to walk.

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