Gombe Stream National Park is a small but remarkable protected area located on the eastern coast of Lake Tanganyika in Tanzania. This park is most famous for being the site where Jane Goodall conducted her groundbreaking chimpanzee research, and it is now a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. In this article, we’ll look at the overview of Gombe Stream National Park, its history, its wildlife, and how to visit the park.
Overview of Gombe Stream National Park
Gombe Stream National Park covers an area of about 52 square kilometers and is located in the Kigoma Region of western Tanzania. The park is surrounded by a buffer zone of forested hills, and the terrain is composed of steep ravines and valleys that lead down to the shore of Lake Tanganyika. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including chimpanzees, baboons, and other primates.
History of Gombe Stream National Park
Gombe Stream National Park was established in 1968 by the Tanzanian government to protect the chimpanzees of the area. In 1960, Jane Goodall arrived in the area to conduct her groundbreaking research on the behavior of wild chimpanzees. Her work was instrumental in changing the way humans view and interact with animals, and it helped to raise awareness about the need to protect the environment and its inhabitants.
Wildlife of Gombe Stream National Park
Gombe Stream National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including chimpanzees, baboons, red colobus, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, bushpigs, and bushbucks. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including the African fish eagle, the pied kingfisher, and the tropical boubou.
Visiting Gombe Stream National Park
Gombe Stream National Park is open to visitors all year round, but the best time to visit is during the dry season (June to October). Visitors can enjoy guided walks, boat trips, and game drives to spot the various wildlife species that inhabit the park. Accommodation is available in the nearby town of Kigoma, and there are also several camping sites near the park.
Gombe Stream National Park is a remarkable protected area that is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including chimpanzees, baboons, and other primates. It’s a great place to visit for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, and it’s a great way to learn more about the importance of conservation and protecting the environment.