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 $ 1180 $ 890 $ 880 $ 850 $ 830

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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 Green 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.

What to Bring

Packing right can make or break your chimpanzee trekking experience. Essential items include:

  • Sturdy walking shoes or boots

  • Long pants and long-sleeved shirts to protect against brush and insects

  • Rain gear, as the weather can be unpredictable

  • Binoculars for a closer look at the chimps and other wildlife

  • A camera with a good zoom lens to capture the moments

  • Plenty of water and snacks

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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