Gombe National Park
General Information
Lying near the border with Burundi on lake Tanganyika, the park
was created as a safe haven for thousands of chimpanzees. The park
is famous for this heightened by the presence of renowned researcher,
Dr Jane Goodall who conducts her research in the park. The park
consists of thick woodland foresets and despite being Tanzania's
smallest park, it would take years and years to fully explore it.
The park covers an area of 52 square kilometers and was established
in 1968. It has fantastic sunsets over lake Tanganyika that is thought
to be one of the best features of the park.
The park is in complete isolation: there are no
roads, electricity, and phones making it a real- life Tarzan experience
for visitors.
How to Get There
The park is situated at Tanzania's western borders on the shores
of lake Tanganyika. Going by road is quite a long journey from Dar-
es- Salaam or Arusha.
Charter flights operate from Dar and Arusha as well
as trains from Dar and Mwanza. Ferries operate from Burundi or Zambia
to Kigoma from where charter boats can take you to the park
Major Attractions
The main highlight of the park would have to be the chimpanzees
present in thousands. Within the park is the chimpanzee feeding
station that has a researcher on duty to give detailed explanations
on the life of a chimp. Other animals that grace the park are the
vervet and colobus monkeys, baboons, forest pigs and small antelopes
in addition to a wide variety of tropical bird life.
There are a limited number of herbivores due to
the high rainfalls that cause soil erosion thus destroying chances
of growth of plant life. This has also had the effect of limiting
carnivores in the park. The park is thus good for walking safaris.
Some of the commonly activities carried out are
hiking and trekking, swimming and snorkeling in the lake and streams.
This gives one the chance of observing the many different fish species.
Whilst in the park take pictures to capture the moments. Other sites
to capture are the Mitumba valley, the Rift and the Kakombe Waterfall.
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