Tanzania
Gombe Stream National Park
Gombe is the smallest of all the Tanzania's national parks: a fragile strip of chimpanzee habitat straddling the steep slopes and river valleys that hem in the sandy northern shore of Lake Tanganyika. Its chimpanzees - habituated to human visitors - were made famous by the pioneering work of Jane Goodall, whom in 1960 founded a behavioural research program that now stands as the longest-running study of its kind in the world. The matriarch Fifi, the last surviving member of the original community - only three-years old when Goodall first set foot in Gombe - is still regularly seen by visitors. Besides chimpanzee viewing, many other species of primates live in Gombe Stream's tropical forests. Vervet and colobus monkeys, baboons, forest pigs and small antelopes inhabit the dense forest, in addition to a wide variety of tropical birdlife. Hiking and swimming are also popular activities here, once the day's expedition to see the chimpanzees is over.
Explore Gombe Stream National Park
Best Time to Visit Gombe Stream National Park
Month-by-month travel guide with weather, highlights, and expert recommendations.
Compare with other destinationsGombe Stream National Park in May
Weather
May sees a decrease in rainfall as the long rainy season begins to wane. Temperatures are mild, averaging 24-26°C, with high humidity.
Highlights
The forest remains lush, and chimpanzees are still dispersed but becoming easier to track as the rains lessen. Good for birding.
Best Areas
As the ground dries, more areas become accessible for tracking. The valleys and ridges offer diverse habitats.
Pros
Beautiful scenery with diminishing rainfall. Fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures for trekking.
Cons
Some trails may still be muddy, and occasional showers can occur. Chimpanzee sightings might still require more effort.