Jane went to Africa in 1957. She went to be a secretary on a friend's farm. Her friend tolled her to call Louis Leaky. Leaky was a Kenyan archaeologist and palaeontologist. He died on October 1, 1972. Leaky believed that the key to understanding the behavior of early hominids, was to study the existing great apes. Also, Leaky was looking for a Chimpanzee researcher. When Jane came to him he gave her the job. He needed someone who's mind that was not clouded by previous knowledge. Leaky admired Jane's strong will and determination. Leaky sent Jane to study primate behaviour with Osman Hill and primate anatomy with John Napier, in 1958. After very little education and some funds were raised, Jane and her Mother were sent to Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania. Jane's mother had to go with her because of safety concerns. After nearly five years in Africa, Jane when to Cambridge University, in 1962. There she obtained a Ph.D degree in Ethology. Jane is the eighth person ever to get a Ph.D without getting any other degrees. After she graduated, Jane returned to Africa.

To Africa