Chimpanzee Trekking in Gombe & Mahale

Chimpanzee Trekking in Gombe & Mahale National Parks – Full Guide

Trekking through the lush forests of Gombe Stream National Park and Mahale Mountains National Park in western Tanzania offers an extraordinary opportunity to observe wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat. These two parks are among the best places in Africa to experience chimpanzee trekking, offering an immersive and intimate experience with these intelligent primates.

1. Overview of Gombe & Mahale National Parks

Gombe Stream National Park

• Location: Northwestern Tanzania, on the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika.

• Size: 52 sq km, Tanzania’s smallest national park.

• Famous For: Dr. Jane Goodall’s groundbreaking chimpanzee research.

• Access: By boat from Kigoma (1-2 hours).

Mahale Mountains National Park

• Location: Western Tanzania, south of Gombe, along Lake Tanganyika.

• Size: 1,613 sq km, much larger than Gombe.

• Famous For: One of the largest and most studied chimpanzee populations in Africa.

• Access: By boat or chartered flight from Kigoma.

2. The Chimpanzee Trekking Experience

Best Time for Chimpanzee Trekking

• Dry Season (June – October): Best for trekking as the chimps stay closer to the trails and are easier to spot.

• Wet Season (November – May): More challenging due to muddy trails, but chimps can be found at lower altitudes.

What to Expect on a Trek

• Duration: 1 to 4 hours, depending on where the chimps are.

• Group Size: Maximum of 6 visitors per trek.

• Time Limit: 1 hour with the chimps to minimize disturbance.

• Guides: Expert park rangers lead treks based on the chimps’ last known location.

Rules & Guidelines

• Maintain a 7-meter distance from the chimpanzees.

• No trekking if you have a cold or flu (chimps can catch human diseases).

• No flash photography.

• No eating or drinking near the chimpanzees.

3. Wildlife & Scenic Attractions

Other Wildlife in Gombe & Mahale

• Monkeys: Red colobus, vervet, blue monkeys.

• Birdlife: Over 200 species, including fish eagles and kingfishers.

• Other Mammals: Bush pigs, bushbucks, leopards (rarely seen).

Lake Tanganyika Activities

• Snorkeling & Diving: Rich underwater biodiversity.

• Fishing: Local fishing experiences.

• Boat Safaris: Sunset cruises on Lake Tanganyika.

4. How to Get There

By Air

• Fly to Kigoma Airport from Dar es Salaam, Arusha, or Zanzibar.

• Charter flights from Kigoma to Mahale airstrip available.

By Boat

• Gombe: Speedboat from Kigoma (1-2 hours).

• Mahale: 4-6 hours by boat from Kigoma.

By Road

• Possible but long and rough; best combined with boat travel.

5. Accommodation Options

Gombe Stream National Park

• Luxury: Mbali Mbali Gombe Lodge.

• Mid-range: Gombe Forest Lodge.

• Budget: Gombe Rest House.

Mahale Mountains National Park

• Luxury: Greystoke Mahale (one of Africa’s best wilderness lodges).

• Mid-range: Kungwe Beach Lodge.

• Budget: Park bandas (basic huts).

6. Cost of Chimpanzee Trekking

• Gombe Trekking Permit: $100 per person per day.

• Mahale Trekking Permit: $150 per person per day.

• Park Entry Fees:

  • Gombe: $100 per adult/day.

  • Mahale: $80 per adult/day.

• Boat Transfers: $100 – $500 depending on group size and park.

7. Why Visit Gombe & Mahale?

 Authentic & Remote: Fewer crowds compared to other wildlife parks.
 Wild Chimpanzees: Some of the best chimpanzee trekking experiences in Africa.
 Lake Tanganyika’s Beauty: Stunning beaches, clear waters, and water activities.
 Cultural Experiences: Interact with local fishing communities near Kigoma.