Gombe Stream

Gombe Stream National Park is where Jane Goodall began her groundbreaking chimpanzee research in 1960 — making it one of the most historically significant wildlife sites in Africa. Tanzania's smallest national park, covering just 52 square kilometres of steep valleys and dense forest along Lake Tanganyika, Gombe supports a well-studied community of habituated chimpanzees.

Trekking to find the chimps involves following steep forest trails with experienced guides, and encounters can last up to an hour at remarkably close range. The park also supports red colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and a variety of forest birds. After trekking, swimming in the clear waters of Lake Tanganyika is a perfect way to cool down.