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20 Days Tanzania Big Game & Chimpanzee Expedition

From $6,600 /person

Duration 20 Days

Private Tour

Tour Overview

This 20-day overland expedition is one of the most comprehensive wilderness journeys in Tanzania, designed for travelers seeking true adventure beyond the classic safari circuit. The route crosses southern, western, and remote central Tanzania — from the wildlife-rich Rufiji River ecosystem in Nyerere National Park, through the baobab-studded plains of Ruaha, across the misty waterfalls of the Southern Highlands, into the raw wilderness of Katavi and Ugalla River National Parks, and finally into the ancient rainforest of Mahale Mountains, home to wild chimpanzees on the shores of Lake Tanganyika.

This is not a standard safari — it is a full immersion into Tanzania’s most untouched landscapes. Expect vast herds of elephants and buffalo, powerful predator encounters, hidden waterfalls, cultural experiences with local communities, night game drives, and unforgettable chimpanzee trekking deep in the rainforest.

Best Travel Season: June – December (dry season), when wildlife is concentrated around water sources and chimpanzee trekking conditions are ideal.

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Includes

  • Private 4×4 safari vehicle with driver-guide
  • All park entry & conservation fees
  • Chimpanzee trekking permits (Mahale)
  • Accommodation as per itinerary
  • All meals during safari
  • Chef services (where applicable)
  • Camping gear (Ugalla section)
  • Ranger services
  • Drinking water throughout
  • Boat transfers in Mahale & Lake Tanganyika
  • Night game drives (Ruaha & Katavi)
  • Domestic flight (Tabora – Dar es Salaam)
  • Pick-up & drop-off services
  • International flights
  • Visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips & gratuities (guides, cooks, trackers)
  • Alcoholic & soft drinks
  • Personal expenses & souvenirs
  • Any activities not mentioned in the itinerary

Full Tour Details

Day 1: Dar es Salaam – Nyerere National Park

Into the Wilderness of the Rufiji Ecosystem

Your journey begins with a drive from Dar es Salaam into southern Tanzania, arriving at the vast wilderness of Nyerere National Park. By afternoon, the landscape opens into riverine forests and floodplains shaped by the mighty Rufiji River.

In the evening, enjoy a scenic boat safari along the river. Hippos surface in pods, crocodiles rest along the muddy banks, and African fish eagles call overhead as the sun sets in golden tones across the water.

Dinner & Overnight: Selous River View Camp
Evening Story Session: Introduction to Nyerere ecosystem and safari briefing

Day 2: Full Day Safari in Nyerere National Park

The Land of Rivers and Giants

Spend a full day exploring one of Africa’s largest protected ecosystems. Traverse open plains, acacia woodlands, and river corridors in search of elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, and African wild dogs.

A picnic lunch is served in the heart of the wilderness before continuing deeper into the park for afternoon game viewing.

Dinner & Overnight: Selous River View Camp
Evening Story Session: Wildlife interpretation and next-day cultural experience briefing

Day 3: Bushmen Experience – Journey to Mikumi

Culture and Southern Landscapes

Begin the morning with a cultural encounter alongside traditional hunter-gatherer communities. Learn ancestral tracking skills, medicinal plant use, and survival techniques passed down for generations.

Continue north toward Mikumi National Park, passing through changing landscapes of rural Tanzania.

Overnight: Mikumi Bastian Camp
Evening Story Session: Cultural heritage and southern safari transition

Day 4: Mikumi – Southern Highlands Transition

Into the Highlands

Explore the Mkata Floodplain, often called a “mini Serengeti,” where elephants, giraffes, lions, and zebras roam freely.

After lunch, continue into the cooler Southern Highlands toward Iringa.

Overnight: Iringa Sunset View Lodge
Evening Story Session: Introduction to Ruaha wilderness

Day 5: Ruaha National Park

Land of Giants

Enter Tanzania’s largest national park — Ruaha, famous for its dramatic landscapes, baobab forests, and large predator populations.

Begin your first game drive through this remote and rugged wilderness.

Overnight: Ruaha Cottage
Evening Story Session: Predator ecology and Ruaha wildlife overview

Day 6: Full Day Ruaha Safari + Night Game Drive

Predator Country

Explore the Great Ruaha River ecosystem, where elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and wild dogs thrive.

In the evening, embark on a night game drive, revealing nocturnal wildlife such as hyenas, genets, civets, porcupines, and bush babies.

Overnight: Ruaha Cottage
Evening Bonfire Session: Stories of the African night

Day 7: Ruaha – Mpanga Kipengele Waterfalls

From Savannah to Forest Highlands

Travel into lush highlands, visiting Kimani Waterfalls and surrounding forest landscapes. Enjoy swimming and relaxation in natural pools.

Overnight: Merere Cottage
Evening Story Session: Highland ecosystems and cultural legends

Day 8: Mpanga Kipengele Waterfalls Reserve

Wellness in Nature

Spend a full day exploring waterfalls including Lyamakunohila, Ikovo, and Makutano. Swim in natural pools, hike forest trails, and enjoy peaceful surroundings.

This is a day of rest, healing, and deep connection with nature.

Overnight: Merere Cottage
Evening Bonfire Session: Stargazing and storytelling

Day 9: Southern Highlands Journey – Sumbawanga

Remote Tanzania

Travel through rolling highlands, villages, and untouched landscapes toward Sumbawanga.

Overnight: Country Hotel
Evening Story Session: Western Tanzania overview

Day 10: Kalambo Falls & Lake Tanganyika

One of Africa’s Great Waterfalls

Visit Kalambo Falls, one of Africa’s highest uninterrupted waterfalls, followed by time along the shores of Lake Tanganyika.

Overnight: Country Hotel
Evening Story Session: Lake Tanganyika ecology and history

Day 11: Sumbawanga – Katavi National Park

Into the Wild Frontier

Arrive in Katavi National Park, one of Africa’s most untouched safari destinations. Begin an introductory game drive across floodplains and woodland habitats.

Dinner & Overnight: Katavi Bandas
Evening Guide Briefing: Katavi ecosystem introduction

Day 12: Full Day Safari & Night Game Drive – Katavi

Raw Wilderness

Spend the day among massive buffalo herds, elephants, hippos, and predators concentrated around shrinking water sources.

At night, explore Katavi on a spotlight safari revealing nocturnal wildlife.

Dinner & Overnight: Katavi Bandas
Evening Reflection Session: Night wildlife behavior

Day 13: Dawn Safari – Transfer to Mpanda

Sunrise Predators

Early morning game drive with high chances of predator sightings during hunting hours. After breakfast, transfer to Mpanda.

Overnight: Lilisha Executive Lodge
Evening Story Session: Katavi reflections & Mahale briefing

Day 14: Mpanda – Mahale Mountains National Park

Arrival at Lake Tanganyika

Drive and boat transfer into Mahale Mountains National Park, arriving at Kasiha on Lake Tanganyika.

Overnight: Kasiha Bandas
Evening Ranger Briefing: Chimpanzee trekking preparation

Day 15: Chimpanzee Trekking – Mahale

Forest Encounters

Track wild chimpanzees through rainforest terrain and spend one hour observing them in their natural habitat.

Overnight: Kasiha Bandas
Evening Story Session: Chimpanzee behavior insights

Day 16: Chimpanzees & Lake Tanganyika Sunset

Wilderness & Water

Second chimpanzee trekking experience followed by kayaking or relaxation. End the day with a sunset cruise and beach bonfire.

Overnight: Kasiha Bandas
Evening Bonfire Session: Safari storytelling

Day 17: Mahale – Kigoma

Return Journey

Boat transfer back to Kigoma via Malagarasi River crossing.

Overnight: Lake Tanganyika Hotel / Sunset Vista Hotel
Evening Story Session: Reflection and Ugalla introduction

Day 18: Ugalla River National Park

Hidden Wilderness

Travel into Ugalla River National Park, one of Tanzania’s least-visited ecosystems. Afternoon game drive along the river system.

Overnight: Riverside Special Campsite
Evening Campfire Session: Remote wilderness exploration

Day 19: Ugalla Safari – Tabora

River Ecosystems

Morning game viewing for crocodiles, sable antelope, roan antelope, elephants, and lions. After lunch, continue to Tabora.

Overnight: Leah Amenities Lodge
Evening Story Session: Journey reflection

Day 20: Return to Dar es Salaam

End of the Expedition

Transfer to Tabora Airport for your flight back to Dar es Salaam. Your journey ends with memories of Tanzania’s most diverse landscapes — rivers, mountains, forests, waterfalls, and chimpanzees.

Book This Tour

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

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