Gombe Stream National Park

Gombe Stream National Park, located in Kigoma District of Kigoma Region, Tanzania, is a small but beautiful park that covers only 35 km² of land. The park is known for its steep valleys and diverse vegetation that ranges from grasslands to tropical rainforests. Accessible only by boat, Gombe Stream National Park is renowned for being the birthplace of Jane Goodall’s groundbreaking chimpanzee behavioural research.The park is home to several primates including beachcomber olive baboons, red colobus, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, and vervet monkeys, with red-tailed and blue monkeys sometimes known to hybridize in the area. Additionally, more than 200 bird species and bushpigs inhabit the park, along with various species of snakes, occasional hippopotami and African leopards.Jane Goodall, the renowned anthropologist and conservationist, spent several years at Gombe Stream National Park, where she observed the chimpanzees’ behaviour and community structure. Her research challenged long-held beliefs, such as only humans could construct and use tools. Goodall also discovered that chimpanzees had mental abilities like reasoned thought, abstraction, generalization, symbolic representation, and the concept of self.Overall, Gombe Stream National Park offers a unique experience for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers who want to explore the diverse ecosystem and learn about chimpanzee behaviour. With its stunning scenery and diverse fauna, Gombe Stream National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to connect with nature and discover the wonders of Tanzania’s natural heritage.