Gombe Day Trip

Gombe Day Trip

Gombe Day Trip

Gombe day trip departs from Kigoma town each day at 06:00 am by boat which takes about one hour and half to Gombe Stream National Park. This chimpanzee day tour which is sometimes known as weekend break is ideal for travelers with limited time who want to experience the chimpanzee trekking.

Gombe Stream National Park is one of the Tanzania smallest pristine parks located in the Eastern Shore of Lake Tanganyika. This park is like a strip of land with an area of 35 km2 covered by green tropical rain forest lies on Great Rift Valley Escarpment which offers a safe home to wild chimpanzees.

The main highlight of Gombe day trip is chimpanzee trekking but apart from that there are other species of primates which you will see. Among the primates are baboons, red colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, bush babies and blue monkeys. Gombe National Park boast also over 200 species of bird so it is good site for bird watching.

Preparing for Your Gombe Day Trip

To make the most of your day trip to Gombe, it’s important to come prepared. Wear comfortable hiking shoes and lightweight, long-sleeved clothing to protect against insects and the underbrush. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water to stay hydrated. Binoculars are a must for wildlife viewing, and don’t forget your camera to capture the memories. Remember that the park operates a strict ‘leave no trace’ policy, so anything you bring in must come out with you.

Gombe Day Trip Itinerary

 

At 06:00 am we pick you from the hotel in Kigoma for your Gombe day trip. Transfer to Kibirizi port where you will take boat to Gombe stream National Park the journey of about one hour and half. As we arrive at Gombe you will register at the park headquarters and assign a guide to who will take into the forest for chimpanzee trekking.

Walking in the forest searching for the chimpanzee is very fascinating. From a distance you will hear the sounds made by chimpanzees communicating to each other. Our Gombe day trip guide will help us tracking the chimpanzee to their hiding and feeding areas.  As we continue with the tracking of chimps we shall walk up to hill to Kakombe waterfalls. At this point we shall enjoy the stunning view of the park and Lake Tanganyika which border with the park. We will also take our picnic lunch while also continuing to enjoy this amazing view and scenery of Gombe Stream National Park.

After lunch break we shall continue our with the trek down the hill searching for different families of chimpanzees and other primates. Our guides will also help us to spots different bird and explain to us about different types fruits eaten by chimps.

In the afternoon at 16:00 hour we shall depart Gombe by boat to Kigoma town and then transfer to the hotel in Kigoma town

End of the Gombe Day Trip

Gombe Day Trip Price

Solo Traveler: US $ 550
2 – 3 travelers: US $ 350 per person
4 – 7 travelers: US $ 300 per person

 

Gombe Day Trip Includes

Return Boat Transfers Kigoma – Gombe
Transfer from Hotel to the Port
Park entrance fees
Fees for Trekking guide
Picnic lunch boxes
Pure drinking water 1 liter per person

 

Gombe Day Trip Excludes
Accommodation in Kigoma
Drinks and beverages
Services of the flying doctor
Tip for the guide

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4 Days Chimpanzee Trekking Mahale

4 Days Chimpanzee Trekking Mahale

4 Days Chimpanzee Trekking Mahale

Discover the Wild Heart of Tanzania: A 4-Day Chimpanzee Trekking Adventure in Mahale

Nestled along the shores of Lake Tanganyika, beneath the misty peaks of the Mahale Mountains in western Tanzania, lies a world far removed from the bustle of modern life. This is Mahale Mountains National Park, a sanctuary for wildlife and a haven for one of our closest relatives, the chimpanzee. Embarking on a 4-day chimpanzee trekking adventure in Mahale is a journey into the heart of the wild, an intimate encounter with nature that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

A 4-day chimpanzee trekking experience in Mahale Mountains National Park offers more than just a wildlife encounter; it is an immersive journey into one of the last untouched regions of Africa. The thrill of trekking through the dense forests, the exhilaration of coming face-to-face with wild chimpanzees, and the peacefulness of life on the shores of Lake Tanganyika combine to create an adventure that touches the soul.

So, if you’re yearning for an experience that is off the beaten track and rich with natural beauty and wildlife, consider the 4-day chimpanzee trekking adventure in Mahale. It’s an experience that will change the way you see the world and the creatures with whom we share it.

Details Chimpanzee trekking Mahale Tour – 4 days tour

 

Day 1: Arrival and Immersion

Your adventure begins with your arrival at Mahale. Accessible only by boat or light aircraft, reaching the park is an adventure in itself, setting the tone for the unique experience that awaits. As you approach the park, the sight of the lush, verdant mountains rising from the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tanganyika is nothing short of breathtaking.

On this first day, you’ll settle into your accommodation, which ranges from luxury tented camps to more rustic lodges, all designed to blend seamlessly with the natural environment. After a warm welcome and a brief orientation, take some time to unwind and absorb the serenity of your surroundings. You might choose to take a refreshing dip in the lake or simply relax on the sandy beach, watching the sun set over the Congo mountains in the distance.

In the evening, gather around the campfire for a sumptuous meal under the stars, with the nocturnal sounds of the African bush as your soundtrack. Here, your guide will brief you on the upcoming trekking experience and the behavior of the chimpanzees you’re about to meet.

Day 2: First Encounter

The second day marks the beginning of your trekking adventure. After an early breakfast, you’ll set off into the heart of the Mahale forests with experienced guides. The trek can vary in length and difficulty, depending on the location of the chimpanzee groups on that particular day. You might find yourself hiking for just an hour or several, but rest assured that the reward is well worth the effort.

As you walk, your guide will share insights about the forest’s flora and fauna, pointing out other primates, such as red colobus monkeys, as well as the diverse birdlife. The anticipation builds until, finally, you encounter your first group of chimpanzees.

Observing these incredible creatures in their natural habitat is a profound experience. You’ll have the opportunity to watch them play, groom, forage, and interact with one another, all while maintaining a respectful distance. The chimpanzees of Mahale are habituated to human presence, which allows for a more up-close and personal encounter, but it’s important to remember that they are wild animals and to follow the guidelines set by your guide for your safety and theirs.

After spending a magical hour with the chimpanzees, you’ll trek back to your lodge. The rest of the day can be spent at leisure, perhaps kayaking on the lake or fishing for your dinner.

Day 3: Deepening Connections

On your third day, you’ll embark on another trek, potentially venturing deeper into the forest. Each visit with the chimpanzees offers a different glimpse into their world, and you may discover new individuals and witness different behaviors. Along the way, your guide will continue to educate you about the park’s ecosystem and the conservation efforts in place to protect these endangered primates.

Back at camp, you’ll have the chance to participate in various activities. Some lodges offer cultural visits to nearby villages where you can interact with the local people and learn about their traditions and way of life. Alternatively, you might prefer to take it easy and simply savor the tranquility of Mahale, perhaps indulging in a massage or sipping a cocktail as you gaze out over the lake.

Day 4: Reflection and Departure

As the sun rises on your final day, you’ll have time to reflect on the extraordinary experiences of the past few days. After breakfast, you’ll bid farewell to the wild beauty of Mahale and begin your journey back to civilization. Whether you’re heading home or continuing on to another destination, the memories of your chimpanzee trekking adventure will accompany you, a reminder of the profound connection that exists between humans and our primate cousins.

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Chimpanzee Trekking Mahale Cost Includes

  • Return flight ticket Arusha Mahale
  • Full board accommodation at Kungwe
  • Park entrance fees
  • Boat Transfer from airstrip to the lodge
  • Chimpanzee tracking activities
  • Guide fee Concession fee
  • A bottle of pure drinking water 1 liter pp daily

 

Chimpanzee Trekking Mahale Cost Exclusives:

  • Accommodation in Arusha
  • Medical insurance
  • All other expenses of the personal nature

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3 Days Chimps Tracking Gombe

3 Days Chimps Tracking Gombe

3 Days Chimps Tracking Gombe

Chimps tracking to the world famous and the home to Eastern subspecies of chimpanzee which is classified by IUCN as Endangered ” The Gombe National Park”. The chimpanzees are as individually unique as humans and no scientific expertise is required to distinguish the different characters in the cast. When trekking in the forest  you will see the chimps and other 8 different species of primates include the olive baboons, endangered subspecies of blue monkey, red tailed monkey, vervet monkeys, red colobus monkeys and two species of nocturnal primates bush babies and galao matschei.

Chimps Tracking Program

Day 1: Fly Dar es Salaam – Kigoma

Early morning we will pick you up from your hotel or resident house in Dar es Salaam and transfer to the airport for your scheduled flight to Kigoma which departs at 09:30 am and arrives Kigoma at 11:40 am. Upon arrival at Kigoma you will be met and transfer to the restaurant in Kigoma town where you will take lunch and after lunch to Kibirizi Port for a boat ride to Gombe national park. Normally the boat ride from Kigoma to Gombe takes about one and half hours floating in the water of the world longest lake and the second deepest lake “Lake Tanganyika”.

The water of this lake is very clear to the extent that you can see clearly fish and other creature at depth to several meters. As you arrive Gombe you will finalize the all the required park registrations, check in at the rest house and then departs into the forest for a chimpanzee tracking. Gombe Stream’s main attraction is obviously the chimpanzee families that live protected in the park’s boundaries. Apart from chimpanzee viewing, many other species of primates live in Gombe Stream’s tropical forests including colobus monkey, baboon, forest pig, dik dik, and various tropical birds inhabit the dense forest. Dinner and your overnight stay is provided at Tanapa Rest house.

Day 2: Gombe Chimps Tracking

Breakfast at the rest house and depart for another day of chimps tracking in the forest escorted by your guide. Today you will trek through the legendary chimpanzee feeding station to the beautiful Kakombe water falls. The chimpanzee feeding station were built purposely to feed the chimps but after some years later it was discovered that the chimps the death rate increases due to the falling of their body immunity.  In the mid-day return back to the rest house for hot lunch. You may opt to go for afternoon chimp tracking of spend the remaining hours of the day relax at the lodge enjoy swimming in the clear crystal water of the Lake Tanganyika. Dinner and overnight at Gombe Rest House.

Day 3: Gombe Chimps Tracking

Leisure breakfast at the rest house later at 09:00 am catch your boat for a ride back to Kigoma where you will at 10:30 am and transfer to the airport for your onward flight to Dar es Salaam which departs Kigoma at 12:50 pm and arrive Dar es Salaam at 15:00 pm.

End of services.

Gombe Chimps Tracking Price

Dates 1 Person 2 People 3 People 4 People 5 People 6 People
Jan – Dec 2018 1010 840 785 760 740 730
Jan – Dec 2019 1010 840 785 760 740 730

Cost includes
Return air ticket from Dar es Salaam to Kigoma
Return boat transfer Kigoma – Gombe
Park fee at Gombe Stream national park
Full board accommodation at Gombe Rest House
Charges for professional cook
Fee for a ranger
A bottle of water 1 litre per person daily

 

Cost excludes
Accommodation in Kigoma
Traveler medical insurance
Air ticket from Dar es Salaam to Kigoma

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4 days Chimpanzee Tracking Gombe National Park

4 days Chimpanzee Tracking Gombe National Park

Chimpanzee Tracking Gombe National Park in the evergreen forest covers the arboreal slopes of the Great Rift Valley . Standing in the local valley bottoms support a wonderful the Gombe forest support a diversity of wildlife include several species of primates and the chimpanzee. Tracking Gombe chimpanzees is a phenomenon,  since the chimps are unique as humans. When you look into chimps eyes you will see a flicker of understanding when assessing you in return.

Gombe chimpanzees population is small with about 85-90 individuals but has considerable conservation importance.

 

Chimpanzee Tracking Gombe Tour Information

DEPARTURE Any day of the week. Subject to availability of accommodation
STARTS Dar es Salaam, Arusha or Kigoma
ENDS UP Dar es Salaam, Arusha or Kigoma
PASSENGER Minimum 1 person
STYLE Private Safari
VEHICLE No vehicle required
PLACES Gombe Stream National Park
ACTIVITIES Hiking and Chimpanzee trekking
COMBINATION This tour can be tailored to your exact requirements and number of days available.

Chimpanzee Tracking Gombe Detail Itinerary

 

Day 1: Dar es salaam – Kigoma
Leave Dar es Salaam at 08:30 by Air Tanzania to Kigoma via Tabora. Arrive there kigoma mid afternoon and drive to Kigoma Hill Top Hotel for dinner and overnight

 

Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking Gombe
Breakfast at the hotel and then depart to Gombe National Park by boat. Chimpanzee tracking gombe in the forest with Lunch, dinner and overnight at Gombe Rest house

 

Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking Gombe
Breakfast at the camp then depart for chimpanzee tracking in the forest; Climb to the Kakombe water falls at the park. Lunch at the rest house; Dinner at the Gombe Rest house

 

Day 4: Gombe – Kigoma
Breakfast in the park and then boat ride back to Kigoma. At Kigoma transfer to the airport for a precision air back to Dar es salaam departs at 12:20 hour. (we will provide shuttle service to your hotel within the city centre from Dar es Salaam Airport)

Tour Price

Pax 1 pax 2 pax 3 pax 4 pax 5 pax
PP Price 1885 1370 1230 1130 1090

 

Tour Cost Includes:
Flight from Dar es salaam – Kigoma
HB accommodation at Kigoma Hill top Hotel
Boat transfer Kigoma- gombe  Park fee,
FB accommodation at Mahale Rest House,
Meal on the last day at Kigoma,
All transfer made by road in a private car in Kigoma and Dar es Salaam,
Fee for professional guide, all activities as per itinerary

 

Tour Cost Excludes:
International flight,
Airport departure tax,
Flying doctors insurance,
Activities which doesn’t mention on the itinerary,
Tips for the guide,
Any othe expenses of the personal nature.

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3 days Chimpanzee Trekking Gombe National Park

3 days Chimpanzee Trekking Gombe National Park

3 days Chimpanzee Trekking Gombe National Park

Chimpanzee trekking in Gombe Stream National Park is an outstanding experience. Walk deep into the ancient tropical rain forest along the steep slopes of the Great Rift Valley escarpment looking for this unique primates. The trekking can be done in the morning or afternoon hours and in every single trek you can spend about 3 to 4 hours of observing chimpanzees, sit with them and learn about their social behavior. The park rangers will be closely working with you helping to track the chimpanzees.

Chimpanzee Trekking permit

At gombe national park, chimpanzee tracking is allowed from 0800 hrs to 0600 hrs. Each day, five groups are permitted to go chimpanzee trekking, with a maximum of 5 people in each group. The cost of a permit is $118 for adults and $23.6 for children between the ages of 5 and 15.

What to See in 3 Days Chimpanzee trekking at Gombe?

During this chimpanzee trekking tour you will also get the chance to visit Kakombe waterfall and Jane Goodall chimp’s feeding center which is located within the park. At the feeding center you will further learn about the chimps feeding behavior and health. Jane Goodall is a British researcher who spent most of her entire life researching for these unique creatures.  One of her big success was the conservation of Gombe national park and habituation of some families of chimpanzees which were formerly afraid of the human being due to their hunting pursued by the locals.

Although chimpanzee trekking is the main highlight of this 3 days chimpanzee trekking tour in Gombe but you will see other primates such as blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys, olive baboon and beachcomber. Gombe Stream National Park is also a home to about 200 bird species and 11 species of snakes.

In addition to the chimpanzee trekking you can also swim and snorkel in Lake Tanganyika which has almost 100 kinds of colorful cichlid fish.

Where To Stay During  Chimpanzee Trekking at Gombe

When visiting Gombe for chimpanzee trekking, finding the right accommodation is essential for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. One popular option is the Gombe Rest House, which offers cozy and simple accommodation right in the heart of the national park. The Rest House provides basic amenities such as comfortable beds, a dining area, and shared bathrooms. The highlight of staying at the Gombe Rest House is its stunning location, surrounded by the lush greenery of the park and within walking distance of the main attractions.

For those looking for a more unique and immersive experience during 3 days chimpanzee trekking in Gombe, Kasekela Camp is another fantastic accommodation option in Gombe. This camp offers visitors the chance to stay in beautiful tents set up in the midst of the national park, providing a true safari experience. The camp is named after a group of chimpanzees that are frequently spotted in the area, adding to the excitement of staying at Kasekela Camp. Guests can enjoy delicious meals served in a communal dining area and relax in the outdoor lounge while taking in the sights and sounds of the park.

Best Time to Go For  Chimpanzee Trekking in Gombe

The best time to do chimpanzee trekking in Gombe National Park is during the dry season, which typically occurs from June to October. During this time, vegetation is less dense, making it easier to spot the chimpanzees as they move about in search of food. The weather is also usually more pleasant with clear skies, making for a more enjoyable trekking experience.

Another advantage of visiting Gombe National Park during the dry season is that there are fewer insects and leeches to contend with compared to the wet season. This can make the trekking experience more comfortable for visitors. 

How To Get To  Gombe  National Park 

Visitors can access Gombe Stream National Park for Chimpanzee Trekking  only by boat from Kigoma town. The boat takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours ride from Kigoma port. Visitors from Dar es Salaam and other parts of the country may board a scheduled or chartered flight up to Kigoma then transferred by boat to Gombe.

Price For Chimpanzee Trekking Tour in Gombe

Number People 1 pax 2 pax 3 pax  4 pax 5 pax
Price Per Person $ 1025 $ 880 $ 790 $ 650 $ 630

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Chimpanzee Trekking Gombe Detail Itinerary

Day 1: Kigoma – Gombe Stream National Park

Your 3 days chimpanzee trekking tour is starting by picking you up from the hotel or resident house in Dar es Salaam and transfer to the Airport for the flight to Kigoma. Normally the flight departs Dar es Salaam at 09:30 am to Kigoma. Arrive Kigoma at 11:40 am. At Kigoma airport you will meet by our representative who will transfer you to one of the restaurant in Kigoma town for lunch and later to the port for a boat ride to Gombe.  A boat journey from Kigoma to Gombe National park takes about hour and half sailing through the clear crystal water of the Lake Tanganyika.

As you arrive Gombe register at the park headquarters and thereafter depart into the forest for afternoon Chimpanzee trekking guided by the park ranger. The forest host a variety of bird life and several species of primates include the most prime the Chimpanzee which is our main target for this tour. Evening trek back to Gombe Rest House where you will spend a night.

Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking in Gombe

Early breakfast, depart for a half day chimpanzee trekking in the forest. Hike toward the chimpanzee feeding point previously used by researchers to feed chimps with bananas. The feeding of chimpanzee was later stopped after realized that chimps become lazy of searching for their natural food which is a mixture of herbs and fruits. After duration of missing the natural food the chimps develop low body immune systems which lead to diseases and deaths. Proceed with chimpanzee trekking further up the hills to Kakombe waterfalls. Enjoy the cool breeze of the dropping water and beautiful scenery of the area.  As you continue with the chimpanzee trekking you will also see olive baboon, beachcomber, red tailed monkeys, red colobus, blue monkeys, and vervet monkeys. Red-tailed monkeys and blue monkeys have also been known to hybridize in the area. In the mid-day return to the lodge for hot lunch, packing and board a boat back to Kigoma town. At Kigoma town you will transferred to Coast View Resort where you will overnight.

Day 3: Gombe – Kigoma – Depart

Breakfast in the lodge and at 08:00 am depart to Ujiji town for one and half tour of the Dr. Livingstone Museum. While in museum the guide will provide you a short history of  Dr. Livingstone and show you the point where met Stanley. After this tour drive directly to the airport for your scheduled flight to Dar es Salaam which departs at 12:20 pm. Upon your arrival at Dar es Salaam you shall be provided with a transfer to your hotel.

End of the 3 Days Chimpanzee Trekking Tour in Gombe.

Chimpanzee Trekking Tour Includes:
Boat transfer Kigoma- gombe  Park fee,
FB accommodation at Gombe Rest House,
Meal on the last day at Kigoma,
All transfer made by road in a private car in Kigoma and Dar es Salaam,
Fee for professional guide, all activities as per itinerary

 

 Chimpanzee Trekking Tour Excludes:
International flight,
Airport departure tax,
Flying doctors insurance,
Activities which doesn’t mention on the itinerary,
Tips for the guide,
Any other expenses of the personal nature.

Rules and regulations for chimpanzee trekking in Gombe

Chimpanzee trekking in Gombe National Park is a popular activity that offers visitors the chance to observe these fascinating animals in their natural habitat. However, in order to ensure the safety and well-being of both the chimpanzees and the visitors, there are strict rules and regulations that must be followed during the trekking experience.

  1. It is important to stay a minimum of 10m away from the Chimpanzees at all times to reduce the risk of disease transmission.
  2. Wear a mask covering your nose and mouth whenever you encounter the Chimpanzees.
  3. Do not eat or drink in the presence of the Chimpanzees.
  4. Do not leave personal items on the ground where the Chimpanzees can access them.
  5. Remember to cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing to prevent the spread of germs.
  6. If you are suffering from an infectious disease, do not participate in tracking the Chimpanzees.
  7. Participants must be at least 15 years old.
  8. Keep your voices low while trekking.
  9. Avoid mimicking the calls of the Chimpanzees as it may disturb them.
  10. Do not point, make sudden movements, or make direct eye contact with the Chimpanzees as it can be seen as aggressive behaviour.
  11. Stay in a close group when near the Chimpanzees and try to sit or squat rather than stand to minimize disturbance. Ensure your group does not completely surround the Chimpanzees.
  12. In the event that chimps approach you during a chimpanzee trek, do not panic or try to run away. Instead, calmly make your way to the closest tree, stand up, and securely grip onto the trunk.
  13. If the chimps come within 10m, avoid making any sudden movements and slowly back away. Avoid using flash cameras as well. Even though the chimps are accustomed to human presence, they still possess wild behaviours.

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