Gombe and Mahale Chimpanzee Trekking in Tanzania: Lake Tanganyika's Remote Forests
Two remote national parks on Lake Tanganyika, reached by boat or small aircraft.
Gombe Stream National Park is a small park on the shore of Lake Tanganyika, where Jane Goodall began her study of chimpanzees in 1960. Mahale Mountains National Park is larger and more remote, with forested slopes rising from the lake and a large chimpanzee population.
Both are reached by boat or light aircraft, and trekking involves steep forest paths. The experience is quieter than in Uganda, with fewer visitors. Compare it with chimpanzee trekking in Uganda and Lake Tanganyika.
This guide is part of our East Africa travel guides. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.
At a glance
- Gombe: Small park with research history
- Mahale: Remote mountains and beaches
- Access: Boat or light aircraft
- Compare with: Kibale, Uganda
Gombe
Treks are shorter and visits are usually a day or two. The habituated chimpanzee community is well known to researchers.
Mahale
Treks can be longer and steeper, but the forest and lakeshore setting are spectacular. Chimpanzees come to the beach at some times of year.
Compared With Uganda
Uganda's Kibale Forest offers easier access and more reliable sightings, while Tanzania gives remoteness. Many travellers choose one or the other depending on the rest of their trip.
Adding Tanzania to a Uganda safari? Tell us your dates and we will arrange one itinerary with flights, transfers and lodges for both countries.
Related Tours, Guides and Resources
- Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
- Uganda safari packages
- Uganda travel guide
- How to book a Uganda safari
- Plan your safari with our team
Itineraries That Include This Experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Uganda Safari Pages
- Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda: Kibale, Kyambura & Budongo
- Lake Tanganyika: Location, Map, Depth and Chimpanzees at Gombe and Mahale
- Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe vs Kibale: Rwanda or Uganda?
- Kilimanjaro Routes Compared: Machame, Lemosho, Marangu, Rongai and Northern Circuit
- Kilimanjaro Best Time to Climb and Altitude Sickness: A Practical Guide
- Mount Meru and Arusha National Park: Walking, Colobus Monkeys and Acclimatisation
- Tanzania Safari and Travel Guides: Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar
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