Gombe national park The ancient forests may look tranquil and serene, but don’t let looks fool you. Underneath the canopy, adventure awaits. Home to many marvelous creatures, one stands out in particular. Get ready for a thrilling encounter with our closest genetic relative: the chimpanzee.

Gombe is one of the smallest of Tanzania’s national parks and is easily made up by the sheer excitement of meeting its famous inhabitants. It was Jane Goodall the world reknown conservationist that gave the fully habituated chimpanzees their celebrity status. Her behavioural research program started over half a century ago and is the oldest of its kind in the world, running until this day.

Gombe is a heaven for researchers, in part due to the large group sizes, with the Kasekela group of at least 40 chimps being the largest. Herbivores and carnivores are a rarity on the steep Rift Wall and its fringes, making Gombe a dreamland for walking safaris. While trekking through the dense woods. Eight different primate species are present. What to do Guided chimpanzee tracking, guided walks alongside the beach, hiking, swimming and snorkeling. The site of Henry Stanley’s and David Livingstone’s famous encounter (“Dr Livingstone I presume”) can be visited at Ujiji near Kigoma. Or watch the renowned dhow builders at work.