Gombe National Park: Chimpanzee trek with local guide

Summary

Walk the forest trails of Gombe & meet wild chimpanzees up close

You’ll hike through lush forest trails in Gombe National Park with a local guide, searching for wild chimpanzees and spotting monkeys and colorful birds along the way. Feel the cool spray at Kakombe waterfall and soak up views of Lake Tanganyika—moments that stick with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

There’s this moment when you first step off the boat at Gombe National Park — the air feels heavier, thick with green smells and lake mist, and you can hear something moving in the trees before you even see it. Our guide, Joseph, grinned at us like he knew a secret. He’d grown up near Kigoma and said he could tell which direction the chimps were from the way the birds went quiet. I believed him. We set off right away, boots squishing into red mud, following narrow paths that twisted through tangled roots and sudden bursts of sunlight.

I didn’t expect how much I’d sweat or how often I’d stop just to listen — not just for chimpanzees but for everything else: colobus monkeys crashing above us, tiny birds flickering yellow in the shadows, even the weird silence when we got close to where Joseph thought the troop might be. Then suddenly there they were — a family of chimps lounging on mossy branches, one picking at another’s fur like it was Sunday morning chores. I tried to whisper “hello” (not sure why), and Joseph laughed quietly. The whole forest felt alive but also strangely calm.

Afterwards we walked down to Kakombe waterfall — it’s not huge but it’s loud enough that you have to shout over it if you want to talk. The spray felt good after all that hiking. On the way back toward Lake Tanganyika, I realized my hands smelled like earth and leaves from grabbing onto vines (and maybe from slipping once or twice). I still think about that view across the water as we waited for our boat — blue so deep it almost looked fake, except nothing about this place feels fake at all.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Chimpanzee Trekking and Nature Walk

• Explore chimpanzees and monkeys in the park

Top questions

How do you get to Gombe National Park from Kigoma?

You reach Gombe by taking a boat from Kibirizi port in Kigoma; it takes about an hour and a half.

What animals can you see during chimpanzee trekking?

You may see chimpanzees, monkeys (including colobus), and many bird species.

Is there a guide included on this tour?

Yes, a local guide leads your trek through Gombe National Park.

Are meals or lunch included in this day trip?

No meals are included; only bottled water is provided.

What time does the day trip start?

The day tour starts early in the morning from Kibirizi boat port.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?

No, travelers should have at least moderate physical fitness; not recommended for those with spinal injuries.

Are public transportation options available nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near Kibirizi port in Kigoma.

What’s included

Your day includes bottled water to keep you going on the trails, all guiding fees with a knowledgeable local leading your group through Gombe’s forests, and parking fees covered so you don’t have to worry about logistics—just focus on spotting wildlife and enjoying every muddy step.