$2,310 pp (USD)
2 travelers on Start dateArrival
Arrival
Day 1
Arrival & Lake Tanganyika Crossing to Gombe
Arrival & Lake Tanganyika Crossing to Gombe
Your Gombe adventure begins with your arrival at Kigoma Airport, where the warm, humid air signals your proximity to Lake Tanganyika. From here, a seamless transfer takes you to Kibirizi Port, where the vast sapphire waters of the lake stretch before you. Board a private motorboat for a scenic 1.5–2 hour journey across the water, passing traditional fishing dhows and a lush, unbroken shoreline that hints at the wilderness ahead. As you approach Gombe, the boat pulls directly onto the sandy shores of the national park, where the sounds of the forest immediately surround you. You will be escorted to your accommodation to settle in and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch, followed by an afternoon at leisure. Spend your time strolling along the lake's edge, swimming in its clear waters or simply relaxing on your veranda.
- Main Destination:
- Gombe National Park (Chimps)
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
Wildlife in Gombe NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 2
Immersive Chimpanzee Tracking & Forest Exploration
Immersive Chimpanzee Tracking & Forest Exploration
The day begins with an early breakfast before you set out on the highlight of your safari: chimpanzee tracking deep in Gombe's lush forest. Accompanied by experienced park rangers, you will follow winding, often steep trails as they use their intimate knowledge of the forest and recent chimpanzee movements to guide you. The rustling of leaves and distant hoots heighten your anticipation until, at last, you encounter a family of chimpanzees — an unforgettable moment as you watch them interact in their natural habitat. Afterward, you may continue your trek to the serene Kakombe Waterfalls, dedicate more time to chimpanzee viewing, or explore Gombe's wider biodiversity, with chances to spot red-tailed monkeys, baboons and a variety of colourful bird species.
- Main Destination:
- Gombe National Park (Chimps)
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 3
Deeper Insights, Lake Serenity & Sunset Spectacle
Deeper Insights, Lake Serenity & Sunset Spectacle
Today brings another invaluable chance for in-depth chimpanzee tracking, perhaps following a different community and gaining deeper insight into their complex social behaviors. As you watch them forage, interact, and move through the forest, your expert guide will share fascinating details about their lives and the ongoing research inspired by Jane Goodall's pioneering work. The trek may also lead you to vantage points such as Jane's Peak, where panoramic views stretch across the park and the vast waters of Lake Tanganyika below.
After returning to your lodge for a leisurely lunch, the afternoon offers a choice of activities. You may embark on a tranquil boat safari on Lake Tanganyika, taking in the forested slopes of Gombe from the water while spotting fish eagles soaring overhead, or enjoy a dedicated birding walk through the park's diverse forest habitats.
- Main Destination:
- Gombe National Park (Chimps)
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 4
Farewell Gombe & Departure
Farewell Gombe & Departure
Savor your final breakfast to the sounds of Gombe's forest, perhaps taking one last stroll along the lakeshore near your accommodation and breathing in the fresh air before boarding your boat mid-morning for the picturesque return journey across Lake Tanganyika to Kigoma. As you travel, reflect on the extraordinary encounters and pristine beauty you have experienced.
On arrival in Kigoma town, you will be transferred to a local restaurant for a well-deserved lunch. Depending on your flight schedule, there may also be time for a brief exploration of Kigoma, such as a visit to the poignant Dr. Livingstone Memorial in Ujiji, before continuing to Kigoma Airport for your onward flight.
- Main Destination:
- Kigoma (Town)
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
