4-Day Gombe National Park Safari

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  • Duration: 4 Days
  • Max Travelers: 24
  • Trip Type: Safari Tour
  • Availability: Jan - Dec

Tour Overview

Gombe Stream National Park, located on the eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika, is one of Africa’s most renowned primate sanctuaries. Made famous by the groundbreaking research of Dr. Jane Goodall, Gombe is home to several communities of wild chimpanzees that have been studied since 1960. The park is a blend of lush equatorial forest, steep valleys, and tranquil lake shorelines, offering not only chimpanzee trekking but also scenic hikes, waterfalls, birdwatching, and cultural experiences.

This program begins or ends with an overnight in Dar es Salaam, ideal for connecting with your international flight.

Tour Highlights

  • Departure Time: 3 Hours Before Flight Time.
  • Dress Code: Casual. Comfortable safari clothing, hat, cold weather jacket, pants, and spare clothing.
  • Customizations: Can be customized upon request, to meet traveler’s needs
  • Extensions: Trip Extensions are available on request.
  • Trip Availability: All year round.

What to Expect

Chimpanzee Trekking – Walk in the Footsteps of Jane Goodall

The main attraction in Gombe is the wild chimpanzee communities that have been studied for over six decades. As you trek through thick forest paths guided by experienced rangers and trackers, you’ll hear distant hoots, rustling branches, and eventually witness a group of chimps in their natural habitat.

Scenic Hikes and Waterfall Excursions

Beyond chimpanzee trekking, Gombe offers additional hiking routes and scenic spots that reward active travelers. The park’s topography includes narrow ridges, deep valleys, and forest trails leading to hidden natural wonders.

A Hidden Paradise for Birdwatchers

Bird lovers will be delighted by the diversity of birdlife in Gombe. The park’s forests and lakeshore provide ideal habitats for both endemic and migratory species.

 

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Dar es Salaam – Gateway to the Wild

Upon arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, you will be warmly welcomed by a Ron Adventure representative who will assist you with immigration and customs before transferring you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to rest and recover from your journey or enjoy an optional city tour. Highlights include a visit to the National Museum, local artisan markets, or a relaxing dinner on the Indian Ocean coast.

Accommodation options include luxury and mid-range hotels such as Hyatt Regency Dar es Salaam – The Kilimanjaro, Southern Sun Dar es Salaam, or the Mediterraneo Hotel. These offer a combination of comfort, excellent cuisine, and an ideal location for overnight stays before the next day’s adventure begins.

Day 2: Flight to Kigoma – Boat Transfer to Gombe National Park

After an early breakfast, you will transfer to the domestic terminal for your scheduled flight to Kigoma, located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. The flight takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to Kibirizi Port, where a boat will be waiting to take you across the sparkling waters of Lake Tanganyika to Gombe Stream National Park. The boat ride, which takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, offers stunning views of the forested hills and fishing villages that line the lake’s edge.

Upon arrival at Gombe, you will check into Mbali Mbali Gombe Lodge, the only lodge inside the park. Located directly on the lakeshore, this lodge provides an immersive experience with spectacular views, delicious meals, and eco-friendly amenities. After lunch, you will take a short nature walk along the forest trails near the camp and enjoy a peaceful sunset by the lake.

Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking and Kakombe Waterfall Hike

Start your morning with an early breakfast followed by a guided chimpanzee trekking expedition in the dense Gombe forest. With the help of expert trackers and park rangers, you’ll hike into the forest in search of a habituated community of wild chimpanzees. Once located, you’ll have the chance to observe their natural behaviors for up to one hour—watch them groom, play, forage, and communicate in ways strikingly similar to humans.
After returning to camp for lunch and a short rest, your afternoon includes a hike to Kakombe Waterfall, a beautiful forest cascade tucked into the hills. You’ll also have time to birdwatch or enjoy a peaceful walk along the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Dinner is served at the lodge, followed by storytelling and discussions about Jane Goodall’s research and conservation efforts in the region.

Day 4: Jane Goodall Trail & Return to Dar es Salaam

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the lodge before embarking on a final walk along the Jane Goodall Trail, a historic path used during early research days. This experience provides insight into the ongoing scientific and conservation work within Gombe National Park.

Afterward, you’ll take the boat back to Kigoma, where you can enjoy lunch in town and possibly visit the Livingstone Memorial—marking the location where explorer Dr. David Livingstone once stayed. Later in the afternoon, you’ll board a return flight to Dar es Salaam. Upon arrival, depending on your schedule, you will either be transferred directly to the international terminal for your flight home or to a hotel for an overnight stay.

Important Travel Notes

The best time to visit is from June to October, considered the dry season, which is ideal for chimpanzee trekking due to easier trail conditions and higher visibility. Visitors must be in good physical condition, as forest trekking involves steep, sometimes slippery terrain. Packing essentials include hiking boots, insect repellent, long-sleeved clothing, a waterproof jacket, binoculars, and a good-quality camera. For health and safety, guests showing symptoms of flu or respiratory illness may not be allowed to participate in chimpanzee trekking to protect the animals.

Accommodation

Using Lodges and Hotels

 

Tour Price per person Accommodation
1 pax – $ 1862 Mbalimbali Gombe 
2 pax – 6 people :  $ 1722  
   
     
     

Price Includes

  • - All park entry fees and chimpanzee trekking permits
  • Park entrance fees
  • - Return domestic flights: Dar es Salaam – Kigoma – Dar es Salaam
  • - All boat transfers to and from Gombe
  • 2 nights of accommodation
  • Guided activities including trekking, hikes, and cultural visits
  • - English-speaking professional safari guide
  • - Government taxes and conservation fees
  • - Government taxes and conservation fees

Price Excludes

  • Tips
  • Tanzania Visa on arrival
  • Personal gear rentals
  • Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
  • Optional Tours (short safari after your climb etc.)

Map

FAQs

Do I need to arrange for my own transfer on arrival?

Ron Adventures will Arrange the transfer to and from the airport and accommodation in Arusha on request.

How much does safari cost?

Tanzania safari wildlife safari prices depend on the number of people on a trip, how many days of safari, and the level of comfort or luxury.

Our package covers-Professional and experienced English-speaking safari guide

  1. -Park entrance fee
  2. -Park fee
  3. -New 4×4 Toyota land cruiser with a pop-up roof.
  4. -Food as per itinerary
  5. -Water for drinking
  6. -Government Taxes
  7. -Pick up on your hotel and transfers.

How many people can be in a safari vehicle?

How many people can be in a safari vehicle? We ensure everyone gets a window seat. All of our Safari vehicles are 4×4 Toyota Land Cruisers that take 4 people if 6 including a driver and a safari guide for the extended ones

How many hours will I trek each day?

How many people can be in a safari vehicle? We ensure everyone gets a window seat. All of our Safari vehicles are 4×4 Toyota Land Cruisers that take 4 people if 6 including a driver and a safari guide for the extended ones

Tips and Warnings on Serengeti safari

We recommending to using the company using company that have policy on environmental conservation, in which their guides are responsible and understood the value of conservation.

Kilimanjaro Brothers has been education on environmental training and better practice ecological conscious decisions.

Cheapest tour operators thus attract customer by cheapest price and thus expect poor service as well make burden to guides on depending on tips.

Operator that are using very old safari vehicles make environmental degradation through the discharging smoke and emission

Kilimanjaro brothers have make a step forward, we develop more sustainable business and using New Land curser Toyota safari vehicle with new engine with regular maintained to control emission.

How far in advance to book a Tanzania safari

Many flights to Tanzania have cheaper tickets when you book in advance, so it is better to plan and book your flight in advance which will help us to book the best hotels/ lodges for your safari.

Book in advance as far as six to ten months before the excursion, if you’re looking for last minutes booking we will always be happy to help you.

How much luggage on a Tanzania safari?

Pack packs with without flames is better and suitcases. Those luggage may be packed on back or in the roof rack of safari 20 Kg ( 44 Lbs) are maximum weight.

Typical day on a Tanzania safari

A typical day on a Safari starts early in the morning with breakfast, a full-day game drive and dinner.

Early morning.
Early start with breakfast of Tea, biscuits and fruits which is served at 6.30 am followed by morning game drives. This is generally the best sport to see animals return from a night of hunting. You will continue with 3 to 4 hours of the game while the animals are still active. A typical day in Safari, Safari Serengeti typical day, Serengeti Manyara.

Midday Lunch
Lunch can be a lunch box on picnic sites or on lodges/ tented camps drinks and rest. Lunch, rest and continue with the evening game drive around 3 pm.

Evening.
Evening is the best time to see animals. Predatory animals begin to stir, their prey becomes more active. You will return to the lodge around 6.30 pm for a shower and dinner.

Dinner.
Usually saved in the evening at the camp or on lodges dining area with large fire under the star.

Night.
In the Northern part of Serengeti, Manyara and Tarangire you may have the opportunity to have a night game drive. A night game drive will give you a different perspective of the bush and unforgettable memories in Africa Bush.

What are the safety precautions for safaris?

Security precaution on safari.

Be sure to follow the tips for safety precautions in Tanzanian safaris, so as to have safe and enjoyable moments during your safari.

People in Tanzania are very good and polite but still you have to be careful when you are around the city center with valuable things and big camera hanging around on your neck. Never walk at night alone instead it’s better to use transport, your local guides or nearby hotel.

Make sure you record a number of your passport, airline tickets, traveler checks and credit cards and keep them in a safe place.It is extremely rare for incidents to occur and always your professional guide is there to ensure your safety. Below are the tips to ensure your safety during safaris.

Always follow your guide’s instructions and guidelines.
Stay in the car during game drives except at designated areas where you are allowed to get out of the car.
Never walk off far to a bush it’s better to ask for advice from your guide about where to go
Don’t stand up in the car, hang out of the window or sit on the roof.
Don’t drive too close to animals if you are on a self-drive safari.
Stay close to your guide and group on a walking safari and always walk in single file.
Watch where you put your feet while walking in the bush.

Safari clothes do I need to pack?

Bright-coloured clothes are not suitable for the game view. Take comfortable clothes and huts and the sun for a Tanzania safari.

Safari clothes do I need to pack?

Bright-coloured clothes are not suitable for the game view. Take comfortable clothes and huts and the sun for a Tanzania safari.

Will I have a chance to interact with the local people of Tanzania?

The vast majority of Tanzanians still live a lifestyle very close to their traditional lifestyles, and most local people are subsistence farmers.

What is the food like on Tanzania Safari?

The food depends on what kind of hotels and lodges you stay in, it can either be a 4-star or a 3-star quality. There are various lodges or tented camps that provide the best meals and food for your Tanzania safar

What Kind of vehicle we using for safari?

We are using 4×4 safari vehicles Toyota Landcruisers that have been designed to conquer the ever-demanding road conditions in East Africa. All vehicles have pop-up roofs that can be opened during game drives and a window seat is guaranteed for each guest

What is the Great Migration?

The Great Migration – also called the Great Wildlife Migration – is an enormous, continuous and roughly circular migration across the plains and woodlands of Tanzania and Kenya by two million wildebeests, zebras and antelopes. It’s the largest land-based migration in the world. Witnessing thousands-strong herds stretched out in front of you is a sight you never forget.

What are the Big Five?

The Big Five are lion, leopard, bush elephant, black rhino and Cape buffalo. These are the animals considered to be the hardest and most dangerous to hunt on foot.

How long do I need for safari?

This is obviously a hard question to answer. The longer you spend on safari, the more animals you’ll see, and the greater the variety you’re likely to spot. If you’re hoping to spot the Big Five, for instance, one day in all likelihood won’t cut it. But if you give yourself four to five days, you might well manage it.

What we can say is that you need to factor in driving times when heading on a safari. For instance, from Kilimanjaro International Airport (gateway to the Northern Circuit), you can reach reserves like Arusha National Park and Lake Manyara National Park within hours and go on safari that same day. But Serengeti National Park, fon the other hand, is quite a drive, so you should factor in a day of travel each way. Fortunately, the drive to Serengeti takes you past Ngorongoro Crater, which is a MUST, as well as some other attractions worth a visit like Olduvai Gorge.

Please chat to us for advice on how long is needed based on what you want to see.

When is the best time to visit the Serengeti

Everyone has his priorities and things they want to see some people want to see baby animals being born, for instance, while others want to see as many animals as possible. Still others want good birdspotting, some want to see flowers, and some want to see the animals in a lush setting. And of course, many want to see the Great Wildlife Migration and its chaotic river crossings. Please read Best Time to Visit the Serengeti to identify the best months for each of the above-mentioned highlights. Also, feel free to chat with us so we can advise you.

What do I need on my safari?

What do I need on my safari?[back to top]

Soap
Small Sewing Kit
Hand Lotion
Shampoo
Suntan Lotion
Lip Salve
Tissues
Nail Brush
Toothpaste and Toothbrush
Sunglasses
Camera (recommend Telephoto Lens)
Flash Light (Torch) and Batteries
Pen and Paper
Malaria Tablets
Binoculars
Small water bottle for personal use
Plastic Bags for dirty clothes

What t wear on safari

Recommended Safari Clothing to bring with you

T-shirts and tank tops
Long-sleeved shirts (for protection from sunburns)
Shorts
Light long pants or convertible long-short pants
Warm fleece pullover or jacket
One swimsuit
Cotton socks and underwear
Pajamas
One pair of comfortable walking shoes
One pair of sandals or flip-flops
Wide-brimmed hat
Bandana (for dust)
Heavy sweater, gloves, and toque if traveling in the cold season (June – August)
Rain coat and rain trousers (During rainy season Mar – May and Oct – Dec)

Price
From£1,653
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