If you’ve ever dreamed of trekking through tropical forests to meet wild chimpanzees face to face, Tanzania offers two extraordinary destinations: Mahale Mountains National Park and Gombe Stream National Park.
Both lie along the eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika and protect some of Africa’s last thriving wild chimpanzee populations.
Yet many travelers wonder — which park offers the better chimpanzee experience in Tanzania?
Having worked in Tanzania’s safari industry since 2008, I’ve helped countless travelers explore both parks. This guide provides a detailed, experience-based comparison to help you decide which destination best suits your journey.
Whichever park you choose between Gombe and Mahale, our experts can customize any of our sample Tanzania safari tour packages at affordable prices. Advise and customization is offered free of charge!
Gombe Stream National Park
Gombe Stream is small but world-famous. This 52-square-kilometer park became a global symbol of wildlife conservation through Dr. Jane Goodall’s pioneering research, which began here in 1960. Her discoveries on chimpanzee behavior — tool use, emotion, and family bonds — transformed scientific understanding of human’s closest relatives.
Today, Gombe remains one of the most intimate wildlife destinations in Africa. Very few tourists visit Gombe Stream National Park for Chimpanzee trekking, and you can one of them. Visitors can hike through forested hills, listen to the calls echoing across the valleys, and suddenly find themselves just meters away from a wild chimpanzee family.
Accessibility and Setting
Reaching Gombe is relatively straightforward. Travelers can fly to Kigoma on scheduled or charter flights, followed by a scenic one-hour boat ride north along Lake Tanganyika.
The park’s proximity to Kigoma makes it ideal for shorter stays or for visitors combining chimpanzee trekking with a traditional Tanzania safari. If you are travelling on a shoestring, it is also possible to travel to Kigoma town by bus or train. Buses take approximately 20 hours and costs Tsh 80.000 as at 2025. Kigoma town has some descent hotels 3 star to 4 Star hotels, where you can stay before embarking on a boat ride to the Gombe.
Chimpanzee Encounters
Gombe’s main habituated group includes about 100 chimpanzees. Treks are moderate and typically last between one and three hours. The success rate of sightings is high — usually around 85 to 90 percent. Experienced trackers monitor chimp movements daily, guiding visitors to their feeding or resting areas. To raise your chances of encountering these amazing apes, schedule two treks.
Accommodation at Gombe Stream National Park
Lodging in Gombe is modest compared to Mahale. Visitors can stay in simple lakeside lodges or national park bandas. While facilities are basic, the atmosphere is authentic — a chance to walk in the footsteps of Jane Goodall and her research team in a setting that feels unchanged by time. Basic camping is also possible at Gombe National Park along the beaches of Lake Tanganyika.
Mahale Mountains National Park
Roughly 150 kilometers south of Gombe lies Mahale Mountains National Park, a vast wilderness where forested peaks rise dramatically from the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Covering about 1,600 square kilometers, Mahale is larger, wilder, and more remote — and many consider it Africa’s ultimate chimpanzee trekking destination.
Getting There
Mahale’s remoteness is part of its appeal. Most travelers fly from Arusha or Dar es Salaam to Mahale Airstrip, then transfer by boat along the lake to their lodge. Flights run twice weekly; Thursdays and Mondays.
Though it takes effort to reach, the journey rewards you with pristine beauty and complete tranquility — no roads, no crowds, just forest, mountains, and the rhythmic sound of waves against the beach. Perfect for any traveller seeking serenity and getting as close to nature as possible.
The M-Group: Mahale’s Famous Chimps
Mahale National Park is home to roughly 800 chimpanzees, including the well-known M-Group, one of the most habituated and studied groups in Africa.
Trekking here can take two to six hours through dense forest and steep terrain, but encounters are deeply rewarding. Watching chimps interact — grooming, playing, or feeding in the canopy — feels like witnessing nature’s most personal drama unfold.
With expert trackers following their movements daily, sighting success rates reach around 90 to 95 percent. Scheduling two treks is great idea if you want to raise your chances of spotting the apes even higher.
More Than Just Chimps
Mahale offers far more than primates. Between treks, visitors can swim or kayak in Lake Tanganyika, relax on its sandy beaches, or observe colorful fish and forest birds.
The park’s combination of mist-covered peaks, tropical forest, and crystal-clear waters makes it one of the most breathtaking landscapes in East Africa.
Lodging and Comfort at Mahale
Mahale offers some of the most exceptional wilderness lodging options in Africa. Greystoke Mahale remains the region’s iconic luxury camp, known for its unique wood-and-thatch design, barefoot beachfront setting, and intimate atmosphere. It blends high-end comfort with a deep sense of place, creating a stay that feels both refined and connected to the wild.
Another excellent option is Mbali Mbali Mahale Lodge, which provides stylish rooms overlooking Lake Tanganyika with direct access to the forested slopes of the Mahale Mountains. The lodge offers guided chimpanzee trekking, relaxed lakeside sundowners, and a comfortable, welcoming base from which to explore the area. It is a great fit for travelers who prefer a slightly more modern and spacious lodge setting while still being close to nature.
Whether you choose Greystoke or Mbali Mbali, evenings in Mahale tend to settle into the same unforgettable rhythm: sitting by the shoreline as the lake glows with the sunset, listening to the forest shift into nightfall, and watching stars scatter across the sky. The combination of remote beauty, silence, and comfort is something very few destinations can match.
Mahale vs Gombe: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Mahale Mountains | Gombe Stream |
| Size | 1,600 km² | 52 km² |
| Fame | Exclusive, wild, remote | Historic – Jane Goodall’s research site |
| Accessibility | Remote (flight + boat) | Easier (boat from Kigoma) |
| Chimpanzee Population | ~800 (M-Group habituated) | ~100 (one main group) |
| Trekking Time | 2–6 hours, moderate to strenuous | 1–3 hours, easier terrain |
| Sightings Success | 90–95% | 80–90% |
| Accommodation | High-end lodges | Mid-range to budget |
| Scenery | Forested mountains, clear lake, beaches | Hills, forest, lakeshore |
| Best For | Luxury adventurers, photographers | Researchers, short-stay visitors |
Which Park Should You Choose?
If you have limited time or a tighter budget, Gombe Stream is an excellent choice. It offers meaningful chimpanzee encounters, fascinating history, and convenient access from Kigoma.
It’s especially appealing for travelers interested in Jane Goodall’s conservation legacy.
However, if your dream is to combine exclusivity, wilderness, and deeper wildlife immersion, Mahale Mountains stands unmatched.The scenery is spectacular, the chimpanzee interactions are extraordinary, and the experience feels more private — ideal for travelers seeking something truly unforgettable.
Best Time to Visit for Chimpanzee Trekking
Chimpanzee tracking is possible year-round in both Mahale and Gombe, but the dry season (June to October) is the most popular time for trekking. Trails are easier to navigate, and chimp sightings are consistent as the apes remain closer to the lower slopes.
The green season (November to May) brings lush scenery and fewer visitors. Trails can be slippery, but it’s an excellent time for photographers and travelers seeking a quieter, more immersive experience.
Combining Gombe or Mahale with a Classic Tanzania Safari
Many travelers choose to pair their chimpanzee adventure with Tanzania’s iconic wildlife parks such as Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Katavi National Park which is located closer to Gombe and Mahale.
This combination creates a diverse itinerary that includes both savannah big-game viewing and forest primate encounters — showcasing Tanzania’s remarkable ecological variety.
Safari Desire can design custom itineraries that include:
- Chimpanzee trekking in Mahale or Gombe
- Classic northern or western Tanzania safaris
- Relaxing beach extensions on Zanzibar or Lake Tanganyika
We customize affordable tanzania safari tours across Tanzania parks. You can reach out for a free advise and tour customization any time!
Ready to Plan Your Chimpanzee Trekking Safari?
Experience the thrill of meeting wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat with Safari Desire.
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Final Thoughts from Lucas Mombo
Having explored both parks extensively, I often tell travelers: Gombe touches your heart with its history, but Mahale transforms your spirit with its wild beauty.
Each park offers something unique — one intimate and legendary, the other vast and soul-stirring. Both remind us of our deep connection to nature and the importance of protecting these extraordinary habitats for generations to come.
About the Author:
Lucas Mombo is the founder of Safari Desire, established in 2014 after several years of working as a safari consultant since 2008. With more than 17 years of experience designing wildlife and cultural journeys across East Africa, Lucas blends local expertise with a passion for authentic travel experiences.
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