Furaha Guest House - Gombe Stream National Park

Furaha Guest House is a guesthouse near Gombe Stream National Park.

Location
Gombe Stream National Park, Western Tanzania & Lake Victoria, Tanzania, East Africa
Coordinates
-4.879012, 29.632423
Elevation
796m
Activities
guesthouse

PlnrScore: 24/100

Nearest airstrip: Kigoma Airport (4.3 km) [HTKA]

Wildlife Near This Lodge

195 species observed within 20 km, 10 mammals, 26 birds.

  • Chimpanzee (Mammalia, 25 observations)
  • Blue-eyed Tropheus (Actinopterygii, 22 observations)
  • Elongate Lamprologus Cichlid (Actinopterygii, 19 observations)
  • Vervet Monkey (Mammalia, 18 observations)
  • Neolamprologus mondabu (Actinopterygii, 16 observations)
  • Leptura Cichlid (Actinopterygii, 14 observations)
  • Latticed Cichlid (Actinopterygii, 13 observations)
  • Telmatochromis bifrenatus (Actinopterygii, 13 observations)
  • Northern Tanganyika Clown (Actinopterygii, 12 observations)
  • Tanganyika Killifish (Actinopterygii, 11 observations)

Best Time to Visit Furaha Guest House

The best months to visit Furaha Guest House are June, July, August, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 21.08°C, rainfall 346.6mm, sunshine 9.6 hrs, humidity 87.9%
  • February: Good, temperature 21.52°C, rainfall 269.2mm, sunshine 9.5 hrs, humidity 87.9%
  • March: Good, temperature 21.62°C, rainfall 353.5mm, sunshine 9.7 hrs, humidity 88%
  • April: Good, temperature 21.08°C, rainfall 410.9mm, sunshine 9.8 hrs, humidity 89.6%
  • May: Good, temperature 21.47°C, rainfall 134.7mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 85%
  • June: Great, temperature 21.1°C, rainfall 29.4mm, sunshine 11.5 hrs, humidity 77.6%
  • July: Great, temperature 20.81°C, rainfall 6.2mm, sunshine 11.4 hrs, humidity 70.7%
  • August: Great, temperature 21.84°C, rainfall 17.7mm, sunshine 11.5 hrs, humidity 68.2%
  • September: Great, temperature 22.36°C, rainfall 64.5mm, sunshine 11.4 hrs, humidity 72.3%
  • October: Good, temperature 22.33°C, rainfall 186.5mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 78.9%
  • November: Good, temperature 21.25°C, rainfall 374.7mm, sunshine 8.9 hrs, humidity 87%
  • December: Poor, temperature 20.97°C, rainfall 384.5mm, sunshine 9.4 hrs, humidity 88.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I reach Furaha Guest House and access Gombe Stream National Park from there?

Furaha Guest House is typically accessed via Kigoma, the nearest major town, which has an airport and train station. From Kigoma, you'll take a boat transfer across Lake Tanganyika directly to the guesthouse, which is conveniently located near the park entrance. This boat journey is the primary mode of transport to both the lodge and the park.

When is the optimal time to visit Furaha Guest House for chimpanzee trekking in Gombe Stream National Park?

The best time to visit for chimpanzee trekking is during the dry season, from May to October, when the chimps are easier to spot as they forage closer to the lake shore. While the wet season (November-April) offers lush scenery, trekking can be more challenging due to muddy trails and dense vegetation.

What type of facilities and services does Furaha Guest House offer for guests visiting Gombe Stream National Park?

As a guesthouse, Furaha provides comfortable, basic accommodation suitable for travelers focused on exploring Gombe. You can expect clean rooms, essential amenities, and often home-cooked meals, with staff knowledgeable about park logistics and activities. Its primary appeal is its convenient proximity to the park entrance, facilitating early morning chimpanzee treks.

What specific safety precautions should I be aware of when staying at Furaha Guest House and exploring Gombe Stream National Park?

Beyond general safari safety, it's crucial to follow your guide's instructions closely during chimpanzee treks, maintaining a respectful distance and avoiding direct eye contact. Be aware of malaria risk in the region and take appropriate prophylaxis, and ensure you have adequate travel insurance for remote locations.

What are the typical costs associated with staying at Furaha Guest House and arranging a chimpanzee trekking safari in Gombe?

The total cost will include your accommodation at Furaha Guest House, Gombe Stream National Park entrance fees, and the mandatory chimpanzee trekking permit. These permits are a significant component of the cost and should be booked well in advance, often through the guesthouse or a tour operator, to secure your trekking slot.

Other Safari Lodges in Gombe Stream National Park

Parks in Western Tanzania & Lake Victoria

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Tanzania

Travel advisory for Tanzania