National parkWestern Tanzania
Mahale Mountains National Park
Wild chimpanzees on forested mountains above Lake Tanganyika.
National park
Gombe National Park
The chimpanzees Jane Goodall made famous.
- Western Tanzania
- Best: Jul–Oct
- Entry from US$118.00
Overview
- Gazetted
- 1968
- Area
- 56 km²
- Research
- Since 1960
- From Kigoma
- About 1–2 hours by boat
Gombe was gazetted in 1968 and covers just 56 km² of steep forested valleys running down to Lake Tanganyika, north of Kigoma.
Dr Jane Goodall's long-term study of Gombe's chimpanzees, begun in 1960, transformed what we know about our closest living relatives and is still running.
Visitors trek to see the chimpanzees, watch birds, hike to waterfalls and swim in the lake.
- Chimpanzee trekking
Habituated communities studied since 1960.
- Jane Goodall's legacy
Visit the feeding station and research history.
- Lake Tanganyika
Swimming and sunsets from the beach.
Things to do
- Chimpanzee trekkingUS$23.60 guide fee
With a TANAPA guide.
- Kakombe waterfall hike
A short forest walk.
- Swimming and snorkelling
In Lake Tanganyika.
Prices are the foreign non-resident rate per person. Resident and East African rates are lower; see the full table below.
Wildlife and nature to look for
When to go
Dry months, July to October, make trails easier; chimps can be seen all year.
- Jan: Wetter
- Feb: Good
- Mar: Wetter
- Apr: Wetter
- May: Wetter
- Jun: Good
- Jul: Best
- Aug: Best
- Sep: Best
- Oct: Best
- Nov: Good
- Dec: Wetter
Fees and permits
Official rates from the Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) (TANAPA Tariffs 2023/24 (GN 666 of 2018, GN 490A of 2020)). Children, vehicle and accommodation rates are in the full tariff.
| Item | Foreign non-resident | Foreign resident | Rest of Africa | East African citizen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (adult, 16+)per person per 24 hoursChildren 5–15: TZS 2,360 / US$11.80 / US$23.60 (EAC citizen / resident / non-EAC visitor). | US$118.00 | US$59.00 | US$118.00 | TZS 11,800 |
| Guide feeper group per day | US$23.60 | US$23.60 | US$23.60 | TZS 5,900 |
| Boatingper person | US$23.60 | US$23.60 | US$23.60 | TZS 11,800 |
- Park entry (adult, 16+)per person per 24 hours
- Foreign non-resident
- US$118.00
- Foreign resident
- US$59.00
- Rest of Africa
- US$118.00
- East African citizen
- TZS 11,800
Children 5–15: TZS 2,360 / US$11.80 / US$23.60 (EAC citizen / resident / non-EAC visitor).
- Guide feeper group per day
- Foreign non-resident
- US$23.60
- Foreign resident
- US$23.60
- Rest of Africa
- US$23.60
- East African citizen
- TZS 5,900
- Boatingper person
- Foreign non-resident
- US$23.60
- Foreign resident
- US$23.60
- Rest of Africa
- US$23.60
- East African citizen
- TZS 11,800
- Prices include 18% VAT; TANAPA's tariff lists them before VAT (for example US$70 + VAT = US$82.60). Children are aged 5–15; under-5s are free.
- Other African citizens pay the non-EAC rate. Payment is electronic through TANAPA's online reservation system, banks or mobile money.
- TANAPA still publishes its 2023/24 tariff as current in October 2026. Confirm the amount when you pay.
Getting there
- By airFrom Dar es SalaamAbout 2 hours
Scheduled flights to Kigoma.
- By boatFrom KigomaAbout 1–2 hours
Hired boat north along the lake to Kasekela.
Open larger map Directions Marker shows an approximate location.
Photos
Know before you go
- Wear a mask near chimps, keep at least 10 m away and do not trek if you are unwell.
- Ask your operator about the minimum age for chimp treks before booking with children.
- Foreign visitors must buy Tanzania's US$44 inbound travel insurance (92 days) before arrival: from NIC for the mainland or ZIC for Zanzibar. One policy covers both; residents of EAC and SADC countries are exempt.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Gombe entry fee?
US$118 per non-EAC adult per 24 hours (US$100 plus VAT). East African citizens pay TZS 11,800.
Can I meet Jane Goodall's chimpanzees?
Gombe's chimps are the descendants of the communities she studied, and the research continues.
Sources
Checked on 23 October 2026. Fees and rules change; confirm with the authority or your operator before you pay.
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