Discover western Tanzania's hidden parks

Tanzania has one of the greatest concentrations of wildlife in the world. There are several parks less famous than the Serengeti or Ngorongoro worth a detour to the west of the country, including Gombe, the second-smallest of the country's 14 parks.

Gombe Stream National Park is only accessible by boat from the village of Kigoma and must be explored on foot. If you enjoy moderate hikes, you can roam through its forests, lakes, and mountains. Along the way, you might spot the chimpanzees that scientist Jane Goodall spent decades observing.

Chimpanzees and other primates (as well as lions, elephants, and giraffes) await you in the remote Mahale Mountains National Park, about 105 miles south of Kigoma. Seasoned hikers can set off on its craggy trails and climb up mountain slopes for striking views of Lake Tanganyika’s shores before swimming or kayaking.