Livingstone Lodge - Gombe Stream National Park

Livingstone Lodge is a guesthouse near Gombe Stream National Park.

Location
Gombe Stream National Park, Western Tanzania & Lake Victoria, Tanzania, East Africa
Coordinates
-4.889237, 29.640713
Elevation
874m
Activities
guesthouse

PlnrScore: 22/100

Wildlife Near This Lodge

196 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)
  • Tanganyika Killifish (Actinopterygii, 11 observations)
  • Daffodil Cichlid (Actinopterygii, 11 observations)

Best Time to Visit Livingstone Lodge

The best months to visit Livingstone Lodge 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 does Livingstone Lodge facilitate visits to Gombe Stream National Park, and what should I expect for a chimpanzee trekking experience?

Livingstone Lodge serves as a convenient base for exploring Gombe Stream National Park, known for its chimpanzee trekking. While the lodge itself is a guesthouse, it can assist guests with arranging transport to the park entrance and connecting with park guides for the daily trekking permits. Expect early morning departures and a moderate to strenuous hike through varied terrain to find the chimpanzee troops.

What is the best time of year to stay at Livingstone Lodge for optimal chimpanzee viewing in Gombe Stream National Park?

The dry season, from May to October, is generally considered the best time for chimpanzee viewing as the forest trails are less muddy and the chimps are easier to track. During this period, the chimpanzees tend to stay closer to the lake shore, making them more accessible. However, the wet season (November-April) offers lush scenery and fewer tourists, though trekking can be more challenging.

What kind of amenities and services can I expect as a guest at Livingstone Lodge, given it's a guesthouse?

As a guesthouse, Livingstone Lodge provides comfortable, basic accommodation suitable for travelers visiting Gombe Stream. You can typically expect clean rooms, essential facilities, and often home-cooked meals. While not a luxury safari lodge, its strength lies in its convenient location and local hospitality, offering a practical base for park excursions.

How do I get to Livingstone Lodge near Gombe Stream National Park, and what travel arrangements are typically involved?

Accessing Livingstone Lodge usually involves flying into Kigoma Airport (TKQ), followed by a boat transfer across Lake Tanganyika to the lodge's vicinity, as Gombe Stream National Park is only accessible by boat. It's advisable to arrange these boat transfers in advance, either through the lodge directly or a tour operator, to ensure a smooth journey. The scenic boat ride itself is part of the adventure.

What specific health and safety precautions should I consider when staying at Livingstone Lodge and visiting Gombe Stream National Park?

When visiting this region of Tanzania, it's crucial to have up-to-date vaccinations, including yellow fever, and to take malaria prophylaxis. Always drink bottled water, protect yourself from the sun and insects, and follow your guide's instructions diligently during chimpanzee treks. The lodge staff can also provide local safety advice.

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