Gombe Stream National Park Map
By the Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris team
Our Arusha-based guides and safari planners know Gombe Stream National Park first-hand, and write this guide from experience on the ground.
Gombe Stream National Park is a narrow strip of land between Lake Tanganyika and the steep ridges of the Rift escarpment, about 16 kilometres north of Kigoma in western Tanzania. Forested stream valleys run down to the lakeshore, where the park headquarters and accommodation are located at Kasekela. There are no roads, so all visitors arrive by boat along the lake.
Gombe Areas at a Glance
The main areas visitors explore, from north to south.
Access Points
How travellers usually arrive and enter.
| Access point | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kigoma airport | Airport | Flights connect Kigoma with Dar es Salaam and other cities |
| Kigoma harbour | Boat | Boat transfers north along Lake Tanganyika to the park |
| Kasekela | Park headquarters | Arrival point, briefings and trek starts |
| Mahale Mountains | Air / boat link | Often combined for a western Tanzania chimp safari |
Gombe Safari Tours
Every traveler experiences Gombe differently. Choose the safari style that suits you, and Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris will tailor a private itinerary around your dates, budget and interests.
Family Safari
Families with children, grandparents and multi-generational groups
Private vehicle, family rooms and a flexible, unhurried pace
Gombe works well for families who plan ahead: our guides turn every sighting of habituated chimpanzee families, olive baboons and forest monkeys into a learning adventure, and we tailor activities to the ages and energy of your group.
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Honeymoon Safari
Honeymooners, anniversaries and couples celebrating something special
Sundowners, private dinners and secluded, romantic stays
Pair habituated chimpanzee families, olive baboons and forest monkeys with private sundowners, candle-lit dinners and a secluded room with a view. Many couples finish with Mahale Mountains, a northern circuit safari or a Zanzibar beach stay for the perfect escape.
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Photography Safari
Wildlife photographers and keen amateurs who want the best light
Flexible timings, patient guiding and golden-hour outings
Flexible timings and patient guiding put you in the right place at dawn and dusk. In Gombe, expect habituated chimpanzee families, olive baboons and forest monkeys, plus guided chimpanzee treks through steep forest valleys for varied angles and stories.
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Seniors Safari
Mature travelers who value comfort, safety and a gentle pace
Short transfers, comfortable stays and an attentive private guide
A manageable boat ride and a short lakeside stay, although chimp treks on steep, slippery forest trails suit travelers with reasonable fitness and a steady pace. We plan a gently paced itinerary with rest time each day and an experienced guide who handles every detail.
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Flying Safari
Travelers short on time who prefer flights to long road transfers
Scenic flights and more time for wildlife
Flights reach Kigoma, followed by a boat transfer north along the shore of Lake Tanganyika. Flying in maximises your time with habituated chimpanzee families, olive baboons and forest monkeys and links neatly with Mahale Mountains, a northern circuit safari or a Zanzibar beach stay.
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Luxury Safari
Travelers seeking the finest stays, service and exclusivity
Private guiding, fine dining and exclusive experiences
Stay at the finest available camps and lodges with private guiding, fine dining and exclusive experiences such as guided chimpanzee treks through steep forest valleys, all while enjoying habituated chimpanzee families, olive baboons and forest monkeys in comfort.
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Mid-Range Safari
Travelers who want comfort and quality without luxury prices
Comfortable en-suite rooms, full-board meals and private guiding
Comfortable, well-located accommodation with en-suite bathrooms, full-board meals and private guiding: the best-value way to experience habituated chimpanzee families, olive baboons and forest monkeys.
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Solo Safari
Solo travelers who want safety, privacy and flexibility
Private vehicle, dedicated guide and sociable camp evenings
Travel on an individual private, tailor-made safari with your own vehicle and dedicated guide. Gombe is welcoming for solo guests, with guided chimpanzee treks through steep forest valleys and sociable evenings at camp.
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Gombe Stream National Park Map: Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Gombe Stream National Park?
Gombe is in western Tanzania on the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika, north of the town of Kigoma and close to the borders with Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo across the lake.
How far is Gombe from Kigoma?
Gombe lies roughly 16 kilometres north of Kigoma along the lakeshore. The journey is made by boat, usually taking from about one hour by faster boat to longer on slower local boats, depending on conditions.
Where do treks start in Gombe?
Treks usually start from the Kasekela area near the park headquarters, where visitors meet their guide for a briefing. From there, trails climb into the forested stream valleys where the chimpanzees are found.
Can Gombe be combined with Mahale?
Yes. Gombe and Mahale Mountains are both chimpanzee parks on Lake Tanganyika and can be combined on a western Tanzania itinerary using flights and boat transfers, giving two very different chimpanzee experiences.
Plan Further: Gombe Stream National Park Guides & Resources
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