Gombe Stream National Park, Tanzania's smallest park (52 sq. km), is also one of its most awe-inspiring.  Gombe Stream National Park is dissected by 13 steep-sided valleys carved out by swift-flowing streams running from east to west.  Within these steep valleys lives some of the world's most famous primates; as Gombe is home to the chimpanzee studies led by Dr. Jane Goodall. 

Although the chimpanzees are the park's star attraction they are not its only one.  Many other species of primate inhabit the park including baboons, vervet monkeys, red colobus monkey, blue monkey, and bush babies.  Along with other mammalian species such as bush pigs and bushbucks, Gombe hosts a wide variety of bird species.

After a day of hiking the trials in search of the chimps one can take a swim in the crystal clear waters of Lake Tanganyika, the world's longest and second deepest lake.  While swimming you have the opportunity to observe many of the 250 fish species, most of which are endemic, living in the lake.

Gombe lies 16 km north of Kigoma and is reachable year-round by a two to three hour boat ride on Lake Tanganyika.

Mahale Mountains National Park

The park is situated slightly over 150 km south of Kigoma covering a total area of 1577 sq. km.  Its western boundary is the shore of Lake Tanganyika while the steep-sloped Mahale mountains are the central part of the Western Rift Valley.

Though there are numerous species of animals in the park the most remarkable creature is the chimpanzee.  It is estimated that there are about 100 chimpanzees which can be seen in groups of five up to 30 at a time, in their natural habitat.

The quickest way to reach Mahale is by air to Kigoma town, then by boat to Kasoge in Mahale

• Here at M.E.M. Tours we have very special itineraries to provide you with the opportunity to observe chimpanzees. For further information please contact us for further information.
• We can also arrange trip to Uganda for gorilla viewing and to climb the Ruwenzori mountains. Please ask us for programs, reservations and information.