Forget the minivans. Walk into Jane Goodall's forest.
"Out here, the lake meets the mountains—and we actually live here."
We are based in Kigoma. We take you across Lake Tanganyika by boat to track wild chimpanzees with local rangers and guides, then show you the town's history and culture.
"Lake Tanganyika — 1,470m deep & crystal clean! Hakuna Matata is for tourists, Karibu Nyumbani is for family."
— The Western Discovery Safaris Team
Gombe treks for travelers
Two ways to meet the chimpanzees. Tap "DETAILS" on any trip for the day-by-day plan.
Field programs for students, researchers and conservationists
Learn primatology, ecology and conservation in the forest itself. Every program ends with a certificate.
Why Book Us
Gombe Stream National Park is reached from Kigoma, on the shore of Lake Tanganyika, and that's where we're based. Here's what that means for your trip.
We're Based in Kigoma
Western Discovery Safaris operates from Kigoma, the lakeside town where trips to Gombe begin. Besides Gombe treks and field programs, we also run tours of Kigoma town, so you can see the place before or after you head into the park.
Small Groups, Quiet Trek
Chimpanzee viewing in Gombe is regulated to protect the animals, with limits on group size, viewing time and distance. We follow the park's rules and regulations.
The Lake Is Our Road
Gombe is reached by boat from Kigoma, so the trip starts with a journey across Lake Tanganyika before the trek begins. Expect big water, forested hills and a view of the shore you won't get from a road. The view from the water is part of the trip.
Built for Researchers, Too
Four of our six packages are designed for students, researchers and conservationists, from Gombe Field Discovery to the Experts Signature Expedition.
Straight from the field
Tracing the eastern shoreline of the world’s longest freshwater lake. From colonial railheads to isolated primate sanctuaries unreachable by any road.
