GOMBE STREAM
NATIONAL PARK:
Gombe Stream is the smallest of Tanzania's
National Parks, a thin strip of ancient forest set amidst mountains and
steep valleys on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Chimpanzees are Gombe Stream's
main attraction; they are the stars of the world's most famous chimpanzee
community, made famous by the pioneering British researcher Jane Goodall,
whose years of constant observation since 1960 have brought to light startling
new facts about mankind's closest cousins. The majority of the park mammals
are primates, most of them forest species and in addition to the famous
chimpanzees, visitors could be lucky enough to see blue or red-tail monkeys.
Carnivores are rare in the forest, making Gombe the ideal place for a walking
safari, or a swim in one of the streams. The best time to find chimpanzees
at Gombe is during the wet season from February to June and November to
December. The dry months of July to October and December to January are
better for photo opportunities.
MAHALE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK:
Like its northerly neighbor Gombe,
Mahale Mountains National Park is home to some of the last remaining wild
chimpanzees in Africa. Around 1,000 of these fascinating animals roam the
solated rainforest of Mahale, a chain of dramatic peaks draped in lush vegetation
falling to Lake Tanganyika's beaches far below.
Visitors are led on guided walks
in search of the chimpanzees, following clues such as the previous night's
nests, shadowy clumps high in the trees, or scraps of half-eaten fruit and
fresh dung. Once found, the chimpanzees preen each other's glossy coats
in concentrated huddles, squabble noisily or bound effortlessly into the
trees, swinging nonchalantly through the vines. In addition to a hike on
the trail of the chimpanzees, visitors can trace the Tongwe people's ancient
pilgrimage to the mountain spirits, trekking through enclaves of rainforest
to grassy ridges chequered with alpine bamboo. After a hot walk in the forest,
the clear waters of the lake, home to 250 species of fish, beckon for a
refreshing swim. The best time for forest walks in Mahale is during the
dry season, from May to October. The light rains of October and November
present no real obstacle to visitors.
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