Itinerary

1. Gombe National Park

   Early Morning (6:00 AM - 7:00 AM):

   • Meet at the boat dock in Kigoma:  Coordinate with your tour operator or boat service for the exact meeting point.  Be punctual, as boats depart early.
   • Boat transfer to Gombe: The boat ride takes approximately 2-3 hours, depending on the boat type and lake conditions. Enjoy the scenic beauty of Lake Tanganyika.  Keep an eye out for fish eagles and other water birds.

   Mid-Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM):

   • Arrival at Gombe: Upon arrival, you'll be briefed by park rangers about the rules and regulations of chimpanzee trekking, including safety guidelines and how to behave around the chimpanzees.
   • Chimpanzee Trekking: Accompanied by an experienced park guide, you'll begin your trek into the forest in search of chimpanzees.  The trek can vary in length and difficulty depending on where the chimpanzees are located that day.  Once you find them, you'll have a limited time (usually one hour) to observe these fascinating primates in their natural habitat.  Remember to maintain a respectful distance and follow your guide's instructions.

   Lunchtime (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM):

   • Picnic Lunch: Enjoy your packed lunch in a designated area within the park.  Your guide will likely choose a scenic spot.

   Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM):

   • Optional Nature Walk (Time Permitting): If time allows after the chimpanzee trekking and lunch, your guide may lead you on a short nature walk to explore other aspects of the park's flora and fauna.  Gombe is home to other primates like red colobus and vervet monkeys, as well as a variety of birds.
   • Relax and Enjoy the Scenery: Before departing, take some time to relax on the beach or enjoy the views of Lake Tanganyika.

   Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 7:00 PM):

   • Boat Transfer back to Kigoma: Board the boat for your return journey to Kigoma town.
   • Arrival in Kigoma:  You'll arrive back in Kigoma in the late afternoon/early evening.