Gombe National Park
Malaria & Safety
Tanzania Parks
Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Bradt guidebooks to African destinations, including the guide to Tanzania.
Safety
Gombe National Park is very safe to visit in our opinion. Gombe’s remote location and the fact it can only be reached by boat make it inherently safe. As all over the world, some crime occurs in urban centers, so normal precautions should be taken when visiting cities during your tour (see ‘Cities & Urban Areas: Safety Precautions’ below).
Malaria & Vaccinations
You should get advice about vaccinations before your trip to Africa. Malaria is present in Gombe. To protect yourself, you should apply mosquito repellent (those containing DEET are most effective), take antimalarial medication and wear long-sleeved clothing during evening hours.
Chimp Trekking
Chimp trekking is very safe. The animals generally ignore humans and go about their daily activities while you watch them. To ensure your safety, you'll get a briefing before your chimp trek. Your guide will also give directions while you're with the chimps. Also take note of the ‘Chimp Trekking Safety Precautions’ below.