2-Day Gombe Stream Chimpanzee Safari from Kigoma with Lake Tanganyika

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Observe habituated chimpanzees in their natural habitat for one hour
• 02 Hike to Jane's Peak for panoramic views of Lake Tanganyika and the forest
• 03 Explore Kakombe Waterfall and spot red-tailed monkeys
• 04 Relax by the shores of Lake Tanganyika with boat travel to and from Gombe

Embark on a 2-day safari from Kigoma to Gombe Stream National Park and Lake Tanganyika. Observe habituated chimpanzees for one hour in their natural habitat, hike to Jane's Peak for panoramic views of the lake and forest, and explore the mist-covered Kakombe Waterfall. A forest walk in the Mwinze area and time to swim or snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tanganyika add to this immersive experience. This journey combines wildlife trekking, stunning scenery, and lakeside relaxation for an unforgettable Tanzanian adventure.

Once the scouts find a troop, you spend exactly one hour observing them.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 2 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Kigoma, Gombe National Park

Languages English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Swahili

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Gombe Chimpanzee Trek and Kakombe Waterfall

• Morning: Depart from Kigoma (Kibirizi Port) by boat. The ride takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
• Late morning: Arrive at Gombe, register at the park headquarters, and check into your camp or banda.
• Afternoon: Begin your first chimpanzee trek. Once the scouts find a troop, you spend exactly one hour observing them.
• Late afternoon: Hike to Kakombe Waterfall, a beautiful spot for photos and for spotting red-tailed monkeys.
• Evening: Relax by the shores of Lake Tanganyika.

2

Day 02

Jane's Peak, Mwinze Forest Walk and Return to Kigoma

• Early morning: Hike up to Jane's Peak. This is a steep climb, but it offers a panoramic view of the lake and the forest. It is where Jane Goodall sat for hours during her research.

• Mid-morning: Enjoy a secondary forest walk or visit the Feeding Station in the Mwinze area.

• Late morning: Enjoy a swim or snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tanganyika in the park-monitored beach area, which is free of crocodiles and hippos.

• Afternoon: Have lunch at the camp, then board your boat for the return trip to Kigoma.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Chimpanzee tracking permit per person, covering the guide and tracking scouts

• Return boat transfers from Kigoma to Gombe Stream National Park (private or shared)

• One night's accommodation in park bandas or a luxury tented camp (e.g. Gombe Forest Lodge)

• Full-board meals including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with drinking water

• Mandatory TANAPA guide and forest scouts for the trek

What's Not Included

• Flights to Kigoma from Dar es Salaam or Arusha

• Accommodation in Kigoma before or after the safari

• Tips for the trekking guide and boat captain (approx. $10-$20 per day)

• Alcoholic drinks and soft drinks at the lodges

• Travel insurance

• Surgical masks required near chimpanzees to protect them from human germs

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Kigoma Mjini, Tanzania

Tour start

Tanzania

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.