Can I Visit Jane Goodall’s Chimp Sanctuary in Tanzania?
Few names are as synonymous with wildlife conservation and primate research as Dr. Jane Goodall. Her groundbreaking work with chimpanzees in Tanzania not only redefined our understanding of animal behavior but also sparked a global movement for conservation and compassion toward all living beings. For many travelers, visiting the place where Jane Goodall began her life’s work is more than just a safari stop—it’s a pilgrimage to one of the most significant natural research sites in the world. The good news is yes, you can visit the sanctuary and national park that she made famous. A journey to Gombe Stream National Park, the cradle of modern primatology, offers a rare opportunity to walk in Jane Goodall’s footsteps and witness the descendants of the chimpanzees she studied up close in their natural habitat.
The Legacy of Jane Goodall
Dr. Jane Goodall arrived in Tanzania in 1960, a young woman with little more than a notebook, binoculars, and an insatiable curiosity about animals. Her mission, supported by anthropologist Louis Leakey, was simple yet profound: to study wild chimpanzees and understand their behavior. What she discovered at Gombe Stream forever changed the scientific world.
Jane observed that chimpanzees were far more intelligent and emotionally complex than previously believed. She documented behaviors such as tool use, emotional bonding, and even conflict—traits once thought to be uniquely human. Her groundbreaking findings blurred the line between humans and animals, challenging the way we view ourselves in relation to nature. Over the decades, her research evolved into a lifelong commitment to conservation through the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI), which now operates worldwide to protect great apes and their habitats.
Today, Gombe Stream National Park and the nearby Jane Goodall Chimpanzee Sanctuary remain living symbols of her vision—a place where conservation, research, and responsible ecotourism intersect.
Gombe Stream National Park – The Home of the Chimps
Gombe Stream National Park lies along the northeastern shores of Lake Tanganyika, near the western border of Tanzania. It’s one of the smallest national parks in the country, covering just 52 square kilometers, yet it’s one of the most biologically and historically significant. The park is characterized by steep valleys, lush forests, and stunning lake vistas, creating a tropical paradise where chimpanzees thrive.
This remote location is where Jane Goodall began her research more than six decades ago, and the same chimpanzee families she studied still inhabit these forests. Some of the current chimp groups are direct descendants of the individuals she observed in the 1960s, their family trees meticulously recorded through generations of ongoing research.
The forest is a living archive of natural history. It’s not unusual to walk the same trails Jane once followed, guided by local trackers who know each chimp by name. As you trek through the forest, you’ll hear the distinctive pant-hoots of chimps echoing through the canopy—a wild, musical call that signals communication between groups.
Meeting the Chimps in Their World
Visiting Gombe Stream offers one of the most intimate primate encounters in the world. The park limits visitor numbers and requires permits for chimpanzee tracking to minimize disturbance, ensuring a peaceful experience for both travelers and the animals.
Your day begins with an early morning briefing by park rangers and guides. Trekking can take anywhere from one to three hours, depending on the location of the chimp families that day. As you enter the forest, the air is filled with the smell of earth, vegetation, and life. The terrain is rugged but beautiful—sunlight filters through thick leaves, and the sounds of insects and birds accompany every step.
Then, suddenly, you find them. A family of chimpanzees appears among the trees, moving gracefully from branch to branch or sitting in small groups grooming one another. You might see mothers cradling their infants, juveniles chasing playfully through the undergrowth, or an alpha male surveying his territory with quiet authority.
The experience is deeply moving. Unlike gorilla trekking, which often happens in small, concentrated groups, chimpanzee tracking in Gombe feels wilder and more spontaneous. The chimps are constantly in motion, and your guide helps you follow them safely through the forest as you observe their interactions. You’ll recognize emotions that feel familiar—curiosity, affection, even mischief. Watching them reminds you how closely connected we are, not just biologically but emotionally and socially.
The Jane Goodall Chimpanzee Sanctuary
While Gombe Stream National Park is home to wild chimps, the Jane Goodall Chimpanzee Sanctuary—also known as the Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center under the Jane Goodall Institute’s broader network—serves a different but equally vital purpose. In Tanzania, sanctuaries connected to the JGI focus on rescuing orphaned and injured chimpanzees, many of whom were victims of poaching or illegal wildlife trafficking.
Although Gombe itself is not a sanctuary in the traditional sense, the Jane Goodall Institute’s presence in the region supports research, community education, and rescue efforts. Visitors can learn about JGI’s initiatives to combat poaching, improve local livelihoods, and protect forest corridors critical to chimpanzee survival.
For those interested in conservation education, arranging a visit to JGI’s outreach projects or participating in community-driven eco-programs near Gombe provides a meaningful complement to the chimp-tracking experience. It’s a chance to see the broader impact of Jane Goodall’s work—protecting not only chimps but also the people and habitats that sustain them.
Getting to Gombe Stream National Park
Reaching Gombe Stream National Park is an adventure in itself, adding to the sense of remoteness and authenticity. The journey typically begins in Kigoma, a lakeside town accessible by flight from Dar es Salaam or Arusha. From Kigoma, travelers take a scenic boat ride along Lake Tanganyika to reach the park—a journey that can last one to two hours, depending on the boat type.
The boat trip is part of the magic. As you glide across the world’s second-deepest freshwater lake, the surrounding hills and shimmering water set the stage for what feels like a journey back in time. Upon arrival, you’ll step onto the sandy shores of Gombe, where the forest rises steeply from the lake—a lush green wall that hides one of the most extraordinary wildlife habitats on Earth.
Most visitors spend at least two or three nights at Gombe, allowing time for multiple chimp-tracking excursions and relaxation by the lakeshore. Accommodations range from simple guesthouses to more comfortable eco-lodges that blend into the natural surroundings.
Other Wildlife and Attractions in Gombe
Though chimpanzees are the stars of Gombe, the park is home to many other fascinating species. You may spot olive baboons, red-tailed and vervet monkeys, or bush pigs wandering near camp. Bird enthusiasts will be delighted by the park’s 200+ recorded bird species, including African fish eagles, trumpeter hornbills, and palm-nut vultures.
Hiking trails within the park lead to scenic viewpoints such as Jane’s Peak, where Jane Goodall often sat observing chimps with her binoculars. The view from the top overlooks Lake Tanganyika and the forest canopy—a panorama that has inspired generations of conservationists.
You can also visit Kakombe Waterfall, a serene cascade hidden deep in the forest, perfect for a refreshing break after trekking. The combination of wildlife, history, and natural beauty makes Gombe a compact but deeply fulfilling destination.
Why Gombe Is So Special
What sets Gombe apart from other wildlife parks in Africa is its intimacy. It’s not about vast savannas or dramatic predator hunts—it’s about connection. The chimpanzees of Gombe remind us of our shared ancestry, our capacity for emotion, and our responsibility to protect the living world.
The park’s small size allows for close observation and fewer tourists, creating a personal, reflective experience. When you watch a mother chimp groom her child or hear their laughter echo through the forest, it feels as if you’re witnessing a moment that transcends time and species.
Visiting Gombe is also a journey into history—a chance to stand where Jane Goodall stood, to feel the same wonder she must have felt when she first met David Greybeard, the chimpanzee who showed her that animals can use tools. It’s a reminder that even a single person’s passion can change the course of science and conservation forever.
Why Book with Muhiga Safaris
Planning a visit to Gombe Stream National Park and Jane Goodall’s chimp sanctuary requires expert coordination due to its remote location and permit requirements. Muhiga Safaris specializes in crafting seamless and meaningful East African journeys that combine adventure, comfort, and conservation.
Their team ensures every detail is handled—from securing chimp-tracking permits to arranging boat transfers from Kigoma and comfortable eco-lodge stays within or near the park. Muhiga Safaris’ experienced guides bring the story of Gombe to life, sharing insights into chimp behavior, Jane Goodall’s legacy, and the ongoing efforts to preserve this remarkable habitat.
For travelers seeking more than just a safari—those who wish to connect with the heart of Africa’s natural heritage—Muhiga Safaris offers the perfect blend of discovery and inspiration. Pair your Gombe experience with visits to other Tanzanian wonders, like the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, or Zanzibar, for a complete East African journey.