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  5. 10 Days Western Tanzania Wilderness Expedition

10 Days Western Tanzania Wilderness Expedition

From $3,965 /person

Duration 10 Days

Private Tour

Tour Overview

Ugalla River, Katavi & Mahale Mountains Safari

Discover one of Africa’s last great wilderness frontiers on this extraordinary 10-day expedition through Western Tanzania. Designed exclusively for adventurous travelers seeking authentic experiences far from the traditional safari circuit, this journey combines remote wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable chimpanzee trekking experiences in some of Tanzania’s most untouched destinations.

From the vast Miombo woodlands of Ugalla River National Park to the wildlife-rich floodplains of Katavi National Park and the pristine shores of Lake Tanganyika beneath the Mahale Mountains, this safari showcases Tanzania at its wildest and most authentic. Encounter enormous crocodiles, rare antelope species, vast buffalo herds, thriving predator populations, and one of Africa’s most celebrated chimpanzee communities.

This is not simply a safari—it is a journey into the heart of untamed Africa, where every day reveals landscapes few travelers ever experience and where nature still reigns supreme.

Season: June to December only
Style: Private Overland Safari

 

chimp3 chimp4 Chimp-Trek chimpanzee

Includes

  • Airport transfers
  • Domestic flight: Dar es Salaam – Tabora
  • Domestic flight: Kigoma – Dar es Salaam
  • All National Park entry fees
  • Conservation and camping fees
  • Special camping equipment at Ugalla
  • Professional English-speaking safari guide
  • Park ranger fees
  • Chimpanzee trekking permit
  • Night game drive in Katavi National Park
  • All accommodation as specified
  • All meals according to itinerary
  • Drinking water throughout the safari
  • Private safari chef
  • Boat transfers in Mahale
  • Sunset boat cruise on Lake Tanganyika
  • Government taxes and VAT
  • International flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa fees
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
  • Personal expenses and souvenirs
  • Laundry services
  • Optional activities not specified
  • Any items not specifically mentioned in the inclusions

Full Tour Details

Day 1: Dar es Salaam – Tabora – Kaliua – Ugalla

Your adventure begins with a morning flight from Dar es Salaam to Tabora, the historic gateway to Western Tanzania. Upon arrival, meet your professional Bahati Safaris guide and enjoy lunch before beginning the overland journey toward the Ugalla wilderness.

Travel through the Kaliua Corridor, where rural villages, woodland scenery, and traditional Tanzanian life unfold before you. As civilization gradually fades behind, arrive at your special campsite nestled on the edge of the wilderness.

Spend the evening relaxing around the campfire beneath a canopy of stars while the sounds of the African bush create the perfect introduction to your expedition.

Accommodation: Ripiter Special Camping / Mhuba Camping
Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Full-Day Safari in Ugalla River National Park

After breakfast, enter the remarkable Ugalla River National Park for a full day of exploration in one of Tanzania’s least-visited protected areas.

The Ugalla River forms the lifeline of this vast ecosystem and is famous for harboring some of Africa’s largest crocodiles. Accompanied by your guide, explore diverse habitats including Miombo woodlands, floodplains, river valleys, and wetlands that support an incredible variety of wildlife.

Look for elephants, buffaloes, lions, hippos, zebras, jackals, topis, roan antelopes, sable antelopes, Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, and the elusive sitatunga antelope. Lucky visitors may also encounter leopards and African wild dogs.

Enjoy a packed lunch in the bush before returning to Tabora for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Leah Amenities Lodge or Similar
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Tabora – Mpanda – Katavi National Park

After breakfast, embark on a scenic overland journey to Katavi National Park via Mpanda.

This drive offers a fascinating glimpse into rural Tanzania, passing through remote communities, agricultural landscapes, dense woodlands, and regions rarely visited by international travelers.

Arrive in Katavi during the late afternoon and settle into your accommodation as the golden light of sunset illuminates the surrounding wilderness.

Accommodation: Katavi National Park Bandas
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Full-Day Game Drive in Katavi National Park

Today is dedicated to exploring one of Africa’s most spectacular wilderness areas.

Katavi National Park is renowned for its dramatic dry-season wildlife concentrations. Vast herds of buffalo and elephant gather around shrinking water sources while predators take advantage of abundant prey opportunities.

Spend the morning searching for wildlife across the floodplains, seasonal lakes, and river systems. During the dry season, hundreds of hippos crowd into diminishing pools, creating one of Tanzania’s most extraordinary wildlife spectacles.

After lunch and relaxation at camp, enjoy an afternoon game drive along the shores of Lake Katavi as wildlife becomes increasingly active before sunset.

Accommodation: Katavi National Park Bandas
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Morning Safari & Night Game Drive

Enjoy another morning exploring Katavi’s diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife.

The early hours offer excellent opportunities to encounter predators, large herbivore herds, and numerous bird species while the wilderness is at its most active.

After lunch and a period of relaxation, prepare for one of the highlights of the safari—a thrilling Night Game Drive.

As darkness descends, venture into the park to discover a completely different side of the ecosystem. Search for civets, genets, porcupines, bush babies, hyenas, lions, and leopards that become active after sunset.

Few safari destinations in Tanzania offer such an exclusive nocturnal wildlife experience.

Accommodation: Katavi National Park Bandas
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Katavi – Mahale Mountains National Park

After breakfast, depart Katavi and journey toward the magnificent Mahale Mountains.

Travel through the remote Mwese Forest Reserve, passing dense forests, fertile valleys, traditional villages, and beautiful rural landscapes that showcase the diversity of Western Tanzania.

The route itself is a remarkable adventure, revealing a side of Tanzania rarely seen by visitors.

Arrive at Kasiha in the late afternoon, where the forested slopes of Mahale meet the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tanganyika.

Accommodation: Kasiha Bandas
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Chimpanzee Trekking in Mahale Mountains

Today offers one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife experiences.

After an early breakfast and briefing, accompany experienced trackers into the ancient rainforest in search of Mahale’s famous chimpanzees.

The trek winds through towering tropical forests, mountain streams, and dense vegetation while your guide interprets the ecosystem and explains chimpanzee behavior.

Upon locating the chimpanzees, spend a magical hour observing these remarkable primates in their natural habitat as they feed, groom, communicate, and interact within their family groups.

Return to camp for lunch and enjoy a relaxing afternoon by the shores of Lake Tanganyika.

Accommodation: Kasiha Bandas
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8: Chimpanzee Trekking, Natural Pool & Sunset Cruise

A second chimpanzee trek provides another opportunity to observe different individuals and experience a new section of the forest.

After lunch, visit the beautiful Kasiha Natural Pool, a hidden freshwater oasis surrounded by tropical forest. Enjoy swimming in its crystal-clear waters and soaking in the peaceful surroundings.

Later in the afternoon, embark on a spectacular sunset cruise across Lake Tanganyika. As the sun dips behind the mountains, watch the lake transform into a canvas of golden reflections and vibrant colors.

This is the perfect conclusion to your Mahale experience.

Accommodation: Kasiha Bandas
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9: Mahale – Kigoma

After breakfast, board a boat for a scenic transfer to Bilenge Headquarters on the lakeshore.

From here, begin the overland journey to Kigoma, traveling through Ilagala and crossing the historic Malagarasi River by ferry.

The route showcases beautiful landscapes, traditional villages, and everyday life along the shores of Lake Tanganyika.

Arrive in Kigoma during the evening and enjoy a farewell dinner celebrating the remarkable experiences of the past ten days.

Accommodation: Sunset Vista Hotel or Similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10: Kigoma – Dar es Salaam

After breakfast, transfer to Kigoma Airport for your scheduled flight to Dar es Salaam.

As your flight departs above the vast waters of Lake Tanganyika and the forests of Western Tanzania fade into the distance, reflect on a journey that few travelers ever experience—a journey through some of Africa’s last truly wild places.

Meals: Breakfast

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Enjoy a private Tanzania safari with your own guide, vehicle, and a flexible itinerary tailored to you.

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