Interesting facts about Gombe Stream National Park
Interesting facts about Gombe Stream National Park
Gombe Stream National Park, located on the western border of Tanzania and the Congo, is a stunning destination packed with fascinating facts and rich natural beauty. It is a famous place for those who want to see chimpanzees off the beaten track. Guided hikes take visitors into the forest to see chimpanzees in the wild. The area has steep valleys and the forest vegetation ranges from grassland to forest and tropical rainforest. Here’s a look at some interesting facts about Gombe Stream National Park that make it a remarkable place to explore.
A Glimpse into History
Gombe Stream National Park is one of the smallest national parks in Tanzania with only 35 km2 of protected land along the hills of the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika. It was established in 1968, making it one of Tanzania’s oldest national parks. Its creation was largely influenced by the groundbreaking research on chimpanzees and other primates. Starting her studies in 1960, Goodall’s meticulous observations have greatly contributed to our understanding of primate behavior and communication. Goodall set up a small research station in Gombe in hopes of learning more about the behavior of our closest relatives. There she spent months tracking the elusive chimpanzee troops, particularly the Kasekela chimpanzee community. She observed their daily habits until she was slowly accepted by one troop and was allowed rare and intimate glimpses into chimpanzee society. Goodall’s work changed the way we understand primates, and her observations on their behavior, social structures, and interactions paved the way for ongoing research and conservation efforts in the park. The legacy of her work continues to attract scientists, conservationists, and tourists alike.
Home to the Chimpanzees
One of the most exciting aspects of Gombe is its population of chimpanzees. The park is famous for being one of the best places in the world to observe these incredible creatures in their natural habitat. Chimpanzee which shares 98% of human gene are easily seen living in social communities of several dozens. They communicate through hugging, beating and kissing as human do. These animals allures the park thus making it an ideal place to visit especially chimp lovers. With about 100 chimpanzees living in the park, visitors have the chance to see these social animals up close and learn about their complex behaviors. Watching them interact, socialize, and care for their young is a memorable experience that many treasure for a lifetime.
Birdwatcher’s Paradise
For bird enthusiasts, Gombe is a delight. The park is home to over 200 species of birds, many of which are colorful and exotic. Some of the bird species you may spot here includes Pied Kingfisher, Common Hoopoe, Speckled Mousebird, Crowned Hornbill, Common Barn Owl, African Fish Eagle, Striated Heron, Cattle Egret, Grey Heron, Yellow-billed Stork, Marabou, Red-eyed Dove, African Paradise-flycatcher, White-necked Raven, Broad-billed Roller ,Fork-tailed Drongo, Tropical Boubou, Black-throated Wattle-eye, African Broadbill, Common Kestrel, Little Bee-eater, European Bee-eater, Crested Barbet, Green-backed Woodpecker, Northern Grey-headed Sparrow, Giant Kingfisher , African Firefinch, Green-backed Twinspot, African Green Pigeon, Blue-spotted Wood Dove, African Palm Swift, Yellowbill, Jacobin Cuckoo, White-browed Scrub Robin, White-browed Robin Chat, Red-capped Robin Chat, Collared Palm Thrush, Willow Warbler, African Pygmy Kingfisher, Amethyst Starling, Common Bulbul, Slender-billed Greenbul, Long-crested Eagle, Crowned Eagle, Little Sparrowhawk, African Harrier Hawk, Palm-nut Vulture, Osprey, White-winged Tern, Long-tailed Cormorant, African Darter, Great Cormorant and African Sacred Ibis mong others
Rich Plant Life
Vegetation is abundant in Gombe Stream National Park. the park is characterized by the tropical rain forests, tall and evergreen trees, a home to different tree species, and greenish plant life, Gombe National Park is the original some for all you need in the Tanzania East African safari and other African safari. The park is also known for its medicinal plants, traditionally used by local communities for various health issues. There is the whole a lot to do at this park. They include the nature walks; forests walks and several others.
Cultural Encounters
The area surrounding Gombe holds cultural significance for local tribes, including the Sukuma and the Tongwe. These communities have lived in harmony with nature for generations, and their rich traditions and histories add a cultural layer to the park experience. Learning about the local people’s connection to the land can deepen your understanding of the area and enhance your visit. You can also learn about traditional arts, crafts and enjoy traditional dances at Mwamgongo women group. during your cultural encounter, you’ll also have the chance to visit the Livingstone historical site locate in Ujiji and the site where Henry Stanley’s and Dr. David Livingstone had famous encounter.
Research and Education
The park is not just a tourist destination; it’s a hub for research and education. Many scientists and students visit Gombe to study chimpanzees and other wildlife. They gather valuable data that contributes to our understanding of ecology, biology, and conservation. Educational programs and guided tours help spread awareness about the importance of protecting the environment and its inhabitants.
Unique Wildlife
Besides chimpanzees, Gombe is home to other fascinating wildlife. The park also features several primates which include troops of beachcomber olive baboons, red colobus, red Tailed, blue and vervet monkeys with the Red-tailed and blue monkeys also known to hybridize in the area. This untamed place of lush forests and clear lake views are also home to over 200 bird species and 250 butterfly species and these bird species range from the iconic fish eagle to the jewel-like Peter’s twin spots that hop tamely around the visitors’ center. You may also encounter with Bush pigs and Elephants, various species of snakes, as well as occasional hippos that are also residents in this small park. In addition, there have been a rare sighting of leopards and for those interested in marine life Lake Tanganyika offers hundreds of fish species namely the colorful cichlids. The park’s ecosystems support numerous insects and smaller creatures that play vital roles in the food chain. Every visit to Gombe can reveal new and exciting wildlife surprises.
Contact our trusted tour operators for information and inquiries about the interesting facts about Gombe Stream National Park and Book with our tours and travel companies such as; Focus East Africa Tours who offer the best tour packages while on your safari in Tanzania.
