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Gombe and Dar Es Salaam

What to expect

Gombe is the second smallest of all the Tanzania’s national parks after Saanane National Park in Mwanza region. The size of Gombe is 52 sq. km, bordered by mountains and Lake Tanganyika. The chimps are easiest to find between February and June, but for great photos you can do it between July and December. In November rains are common in the area but since Gombe is a rain forest, it may rain anytime, hard to predict, just be well prepared by bringing a rain coat with you. When it is raining it can be hard to hike but still possible. Not everyone can do Chimpanzee hiking, you need to be physically fit as some areas are very steep.
The park is most famous for Jane Goodall who spent many years in this forest studying the behavior of the endangered chimpanzees. Gombe is the home to Jane, she loved this park and she did an amazing job in making sure the chimpanzees are in a friendly environment for their survival. She initiated many environment projects by involving the locals living close to the park. At the TANAPA headquarters you will get a chance to get more information about Jane and her amazing work.

From Kigoma to Gombe you will take a private boat, it takes 2 hrs. to arrive in Gombe National Park.

This package has some few days in Dar es salaam as well. Many people think that in Dar es salaam there is little to do, but the truth is, you can do a lot. Allow us to give you a tour in Dar es salaam

Day to day Itinerary

1 Night in Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam is the largest city and former capital of Tanzania

Arrive Dar es salaam Mwalimu Nyerere International Airport, meet our representative just at the arrival door. Dar es salaam can be very hot and humid be ready for this kind of weather. Your driver will transfer you to Dar es salaam Serena Hotel for overnight on bed and breakfast. Dar es salaam Serena is a city center hotel, in a very good location which makes life easy when driving to or from the airport.

1 Night in Kigoma Town

The bustling town of Kigoma is the regional capital of western Tanzania and a central port in the area.

After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport again for 1100hrs flight to Kigoma. This flight will take around 2 hrs., upon arrival in Kigoma you will meet with our representative who will transfer you to Kigoma Hill top for lunch, then afternoon at leisure. Kigoma hill top is located in a remote area overlooking Lake Tanganyika, the view from the restaurant and the pool is one of the best views. Sun set is even more beautiful to see from this hotel. Make sure you have your camera with you for sunset beautiful photos. In the compound of Kigoma hill top hotel there are zebras walking around, what a beautiful place to slow down after long flights.

Now you are in Tanzania, slow down, we call it pole pole hakuna matata.
Have your dinner then try to sleep early as tomorrow you will have a long and busy day.

2 Nights Gombe National Park

Gombe lies at the shore of Lake Tanganyika

Another exciting day, are you ready for the trek?? Your safari guide will be here to make sure all is well with your chimp experience. Depart the hotel at 0730hrs, from Kigoma Hill top you will be transferred to the area where the boat trip starts. It will take you only 5 minutes to be there. A boat trip will take 2 hrs. depending on the weather it can be 2hrs and 30 min. The boat trip is another amazing experience, as the boat will be sailing only 50 meters from the beach. The mountains surrounding the lake makes it even more beautiful. I can assure you there will be no time to blink your eyes but making them bigger to see more. Arrive at TANAPA offices for briefing from Tanzania National Park Guide who will also go with you for the trek. Your trekking will start as soon as you are done with the briefing from TANAPA guide. It is not easy to know where exactly the chimp’s families are, as they move every now and then. It is not possible to tell you exactly how many hours you will spend before you meet one of the families. Some days you can be luck and walk only for 1 hr. and meet them but there are days you will walk up to 3 hrs. the important thing is, at the end you will meet with them and spend time with them. You are allowed to spend only one hour with the chimps, you must wear a face mask so that to protect you and them from diseases, you never know…

After spending quality time with the chimpanzee families, you will start going down slowly. Back to your Tented camp for Lunch dinner and overnight. (you still have an option for swimming in the lake, it is safe) Kayaking is also included in the package, talk to your guide if you want to experience this as well.

Why 2 treks:

From our Chimp Trekking experience, we recommend that you do the trekking for 2 days, this will give you an opportunity to meet another chimp family or same family and spend more time with them. It is really beautiful especially when there are young children in the group. Do you know that chimpanzees share about 98% of their genes with us… I can assure you seeing them is believing. Hope you will be lucky not to walk very far looking for them.

3 Nights Dar Es Salaam

It’s your last day in Gombe National Park

It’s your last day in Gombe National Park, may be only few hrs. During breakfast the camp staff will say Jambo to you, meaning How are you?? Just reply with Jambo. Have breakfast and depart for another boat trip back to Kigoma, then to the airport for your flight to Dar es salaam. In Dar es salaam you will meet our representative at the airport who will take you to Upepo Garden where you will spend 3 nights on bed and breakfast.

Upepo garden is a small hotel located in the form of a five-bedroom living house. This small hotel on the shores of the Indian Ocean is a great place to relax in Dar es Salaam. The small size of the hotel makes you feel at home all the time. the waiters are nice and experienced.

On your last day at Peponi, our representative will meet you again and transfer you to Dar es salaam International Airport for your departure flight.

What to Do In Dar Es Salaam

  • National Museum & House of Culture.
  • Village Museum. Village Museum
  • Day Trip to Mbudya Island
  • Day Trip to Bongoyo Island.
  • Shopping in Dar es Salaam.
  • Kivukoni Fish Market.

 

You've reached the end of your adventure

TRIP COST

  • PEAK: JUN, JUL, AUG
  • HIGH: SEP, OCT, DEC, JAN, FEB
  • LOW: NOV, APR, MAR, MAY

Includes & Excludes

  • Flight from Dar es salaam to Kigoma
  • Flight from Kigoma to Dar es salaam
  • Full board in Mbalimbali Gombe
  • Bed and breakfast at Hilltop
  • Kigoma and Upepo Garden in Dar es salaam
  • All airport transfers
    Park entry fee
  • 2 chimpanzee trekking
  • Return boat to Kigoma
  • Activities in Dar es salaam
  • International flights
  • Any item for personal use
  • Travel insurance

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