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8 Days Katavi & Mahale Chimpanzee Safari

From $3,919 /person

Duration 8 Days

Private Tour

Tour Overview

There are safaris that fill your camera with incredible photographs, and there are journeys that leave a permanent mark on your soul.

This exclusive Western Tanzania expedition takes you far beyond the traditional safari circuit into some of Africa’s most remote and untouched wilderness areas. From the vast floodplains of Katavi National Park—where wildlife roams freely without crowds—to the emerald rainforests of Mahale Mountains National Park along the shores of Lake Tanganyika, every day reveals a new chapter of adventure, discovery, and connection.

Track large herds of buffalo across endless plains, witness predators in one of Tanzania’s wildest ecosystems, cruise the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tanganyika, and experience the profound privilege of spending time with wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat. This is a safari crafted for travelers seeking authenticity, exclusivity, and unforgettable moments in places few visitors ever reach.

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Includes

  • International flights
  • Tanzania visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Laundry services
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Alcoholic and premium beverages
  • Optional fishing activities
  • Additional activities not specified in the itinerary
  • Items of a personal nature
  • International flights
  • Arrival flight to Arusha
  • Tanzania visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Laundry services
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Alcoholic and premium beverages
  • Optional fishing excursions on Rubondo Island
  • Additional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Items of a personal nature

Full Tour Details

Day 1: Dar es Salaam – Katavi National Park

Flight to Mpanda & Afternoon Safari Adventure

Your journey begins with a scheduled flight from Dar es Salaam to Mpanda, the gateway to Western Tanzania’s hidden wilderness. Upon arrival, enjoy a scenic one-hour drive into the heart of Katavi National Park.

Arrive in time for an afternoon game drive as the golden light of late day transforms the landscape into a photographer’s dream. Katavi is famous for its immense buffalo herds, large elephant populations, crocodile-filled rivers, and thriving predator population.

As the sun sets across the floodplains, return to camp and enjoy dinner beneath the African sky while listening to the sounds of the wilderness surrounding you.

Accommodation: Katavi Bandas
Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Full-Day Safari in Katavi National Park

Today is dedicated to exploring one of Africa’s most pristine safari destinations.

Unlike many famous parks, Katavi remains wonderfully remote, offering a rare sense of solitude and exclusivity. Accompanied by your professional guide, spend the day exploring seasonal lakes, open grasslands, river systems, and wildlife-rich floodplains.

Watch massive buffalo herds numbering in the hundreds, elephants gathering near water sources, hippos crowding shrinking pools, and predators taking advantage of the abundant prey.

Enjoy a picnic lunch in the wilderness before continuing your afternoon game drive through this extraordinary ecosystem.

Accommodation: Katavi Bandas
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Sunrise Safari & Transfer to Mpanda

Rise early for a final morning game drive when wildlife is most active and the wilderness is at its most peaceful.

This is often the best time to encounter predators returning from the hunt, elephants emerging into the open plains, and birdlife becoming active as the day begins.

After brunch, depart Katavi and return to Mpanda for a relaxing evening. This transition day offers time to unwind and reflect on your experiences in one of Tanzania’s last true wilderness areas.

Accommodation: Lilisha Lodge, Mpanda
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Mpanda – Mahale Mountains National Park

After breakfast, begin a scenic journey toward the magnificent Mahale Mountains National Park.

Travel through remote villages, agricultural landscapes, and the beautiful Mwese Forest Reserve before reaching Mahale Headquarters. From here, board a boat for a spectacular cruise along the shores of Lake Tanganyika toward Kasiha.

As the boat glides across crystal-clear waters, enjoy breathtaking views of forest-covered mountains rising directly from the lake, secluded beaches, and untouched wilderness stretching to the horizon.

Upon arrival at Kasiha, settle into your lakeside bandas and enjoy an evening campfire briefing where your guide shares fascinating insights into Mahale’s chimpanzees, conservation history, and trekking experiences.

Accommodation: Kasiha Bandas
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking in Mahale Mountains

After breakfast, meet your guide and experienced trackers for one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife experiences.

Following recent chimpanzee movements, venture into the rainforest on foot while learning about Mahale’s unique ecosystem and the behavior of its famous chimpanzee communities.

The moment you encounter the chimpanzees is unforgettable. Watch them feed, communicate, groom, play, and move effortlessly through the forest canopy. Spending time with these remarkable primates in their natural environment creates an emotional and deeply memorable connection.

Return to camp for lunch and a relaxed afternoon. Optional activities include swimming in Lake Tanganyika, kayaking, beach walks, or simply enjoying the tranquility of this spectacular location.

Accommodation: Kasiha Bandas
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Chimpanzee Trekking, Nsansa Waterfall & Sunset Cruise

Today offers another opportunity to explore a different section of the forest in search of another chimpanzee family.

Each trek presents unique encounters and fresh opportunities to observe different behaviors among these fascinating primates.

After lunch, embark on a boat excursion to the spectacular Nsansa Waterfall, the largest waterfall in Mahale National Park. Surrounded by lush rainforest and dramatic scenery, it is one of Western Tanzania’s most beautiful hidden treasures.

Later, enjoy a sunset cruise on Lake Tanganyika as the mountains glow in warm evening light and the lake reflects the colors of the African sunset.

After dinner, gather around the beach bonfire to share stories and celebrate your experiences beneath a sky filled with stars.

Accommodation: Kasiha Bandas
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Mahale Mountains – Kigoma

After breakfast, depart for Kigoma on a scenic journey following the shores of Lake Tanganyika.

Travel through traditional villages, rolling hills, forest landscapes, and remote communities while experiencing everyday life in one of Tanzania’s least-visited regions.

Along the route, cross the impressive Malagarasi River by ferry before continuing to Kigoma.

Arrive in the evening and enjoy a comfortable overnight stay while reflecting on the remarkable adventures of the past week.

Accommodation: Sunrise Vista Hotel, Kigoma
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8: Kigoma – Flight to Dar es Salaam

Enjoy breakfast before transferring to Kigoma Airport for your scheduled flight back to Dar es Salaam.

As your Western Tanzania adventure comes to an end, you depart with memories of vast wilderness landscapes, extraordinary wildlife encounters, breathtaking lake scenery, and the unforgettable experience of meeting wild chimpanzees in the forests of Mahale.

Some destinations are visited once. Others remain with you forever.

Meals: Breakfast

Book This Tour

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

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