WESTERN CIRCUIT

Gombe Stream National Park

AREA : 52 Sq. Km.


ALTITUDE : 773-1500 Metres]

Situated 16kms north of Kigoma town in western Tanzania, Gombe is a narrow mountainous strip of the country bounded to the east by the crest of the rift valley escarpment and by Lake Tanganyika to the west. It is a fragile remnant of Chimpanzee habitat. The beauty of Gombe National Park is unique; it is a park without roads, where you can walk and experience nature with all your senses, in its pristine manner.

Due to its altitude, the park's vegetation varies from ever green forests of tall trees to open woodlands and grassland. Common mammals found in the park are forest species, mostly primates. These include chimpanzee, baboon, blue monkey, red tailed monkey and red colobus monkey. Jane Goodall brought the Chimps of Gombe to world fame through her research projects based here, and various projects still continue to operate.

Chimpanzees are very amusing and intelligent animals and it is interesting to observe them in their natural habitat engaged in different activities. Likely to be seen in addition to the famous chimpanzees, are the colourful red-tail and blue colobus monkeys. Herbivores and carnivores are a rarity in the forests, making Gombe a heaven for walking safaris.

 
 Mahale Mountains National Park

AREA : 1577 Sq. Km.
ALTITUDE: 1800 Metres

Mahale National Park lies 120km. south of Kigoma on a peninsular that cuts out into Lake Tanganyika. The park is dominated by the Mahale Mountain chain running from north-east across the middle of the park, the highest peak being 2462m. above sea level. Like Gombe, the Mahale Mountains is home to someof the last remaining wild chimpanzees in Africa. Between 700 - 1000 of these fascinating animals roam the valleys and hills of Mahale.

The park vegetation is mainly Miombo woodlands with narrow strips of riverine forest. The park enjoys the habitat of a variety of primates including: yellow baboon, vervet monkey, red and blue colobus monkey, as well as over 200 species of birds.

Thick forest, crystal clear waters and deserted sandy beaches make Mahale one of the most beautiful National Parks in Tanzania.