Gombe Forest Lodge
The smallest of Tanzania’s National Parks, Gombe Stream is a thin strip of ancient forest set in the mountains and steep valleys on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, made famous by the pioneering British researcher Jane Goodall, who spent many years observing the park’s chimpanzees.
The chimpanzees are the main attraction at Gombe Stream, these remarkable mammals are as individually unique as humans and the opportunity to observe them going about their daily lives in their natural habitat is certainly an experience not to be missed.
The majority of wildlife to be found at Gombe Stream are primates, in addition to the famous chimpanzees, you may see olive baboons as well as vervet, blue and red-tail monkeys. Leopard and bushbuck are also residents in the dense forest, along with fish eagles and palm-nut vultures that are often seen flying overhead. Gombe Stream is the perfect place for a walking safari, allowing you to cool off along the way with a dip in one of the many streams that criss-cross the park.
The best time to visit Gombe is during the dry season, May to October, and during the short rains in January and February.
Situated on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, Gombe Forest Lodge has been designed with every comfort in mind, whilst minimizing the disturbance and impact of such a stunning environment. The camp’s spacious tents, set on wooden platforms are shaded by huge mango trees along the lakeshore, each tent featuring a writing desk and en-suite facilities with hot and cold running water.
Chimpanzee trekking is generally conducted in the mornings, returning to camp for lunch. Afternoons are determined only by how energetic you feel. You can choose between further chimpanzee trekking, swimming in the crystal waters of the lake, fishing, snorkeling or just relaxing.
For the more adventurous there are two spectacular waterfalls in the area, Kakombe, an easy thirty minute walk away from camp and Mkenke, a little further for the more energetic.
After an enjoyable day dinner is served in the dining area that is just a couple of steps off the beach, gently lit with the twinkling lights of candles, this is true relaxation, before heading off to your ‘home from home’ bedroom in readiness for another day packed with adventure.
