Gombe National Park

Birds

Expert

By Philip Briggs

Philip is the author of the Bradt guidebook to Tanzania.

Gombe Stream has about 200 bird species listed. Most of them are forest birds, which are quite difficult to spot. Particularly since walking in the forest unguided is not allowed and the guided walks are focused on chimpanzees. The lakeshore is a good place to see fish eagles and palmnut vultures perched in the palm trees. Peter’s twinspot, a normally elusive forest bird, is quite tame and easily spotted in the camp. Migratory birds are present from November to April.

Notable Birds in Gombe NP

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African fish eagle
Common

Birding Rating

Expert Rating

2.7/5 3 Birding Reviews

User Rating

3.6/5 9 Birding Reviews

Birding Specials –Treats for Avid Birders

Facts & Figures

Bird Species

200+

Migratory Birds

Nov to Apr

Best Time for Bird Watching

The birdlife in Gombe Stream is good year-round, but at its best from November to April when the migratory birds from Europe and northern Africa are present. At this time, many resident bird species are nesting and are in breeding plumage. From March to April the rains can make birding difficult because forest trails become slippery. Chimp trekking is better in the Dry season, from June to October, since they are easier to find.