Dar LIfe August 2021 Issue

Page 38

Gombe National Park

The ancient forests may look tranquil and serene, but don’t let looks fool you. Underneath the canopy, adventure awaits. Home to many marvellous creatures, one stands out in particular. Get ready for a thrilling encounter with our closest genetic relative: the chimpanzee. Gombe is one of the smallest of Tanzania’s national parks and is easily made up by the sheer excitement of meeting its famous inhabitants. It was Jane Goodall the world reknown conservationist that gave the fully habituated chimpanzees their celebrity status. Her behavioural research program started over half a century ago and is the oldest of its kind in the world, running until this day. Gombe is a haven for researchers, in part due to the large group sizes, with the Kasekela group of at least 40 chimps being the largest.

Eight different primate species are present Herbivores and carnivores are a rarity on the steep Rift Wall and its fringes, making Gombe a dreamland for walking safaris. While trekking through the dense woods – there are hardly any

38

Dar Life I AUGUST 2021


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.