Logo
+255 799 433 408
ENQUIRE NOW

10-Days Chimpanzee Safari

– Gombe, Mahale Mountains & Katavi National Park

Overview

A Journey Through Tanzania’s Most Remote and Untouched Parks

This exclusive 10-day safari takes you deep into the heart of western Tanzania, one of Africa’s last true wilderness frontiers. Trek wild chimpanzees in the legendary forests of Gombe Stream and Mahale Mountains, then explore the vast open plains of Katavi National Park, known for its high concentrations of big game and low tourist traffic. Designed for adventurous travellers, researchers, photographers, or anyone seeking an immersive and private wildlife experience.

Safari Highlights:

  • Up-close encounters with wild chimpanzees in Gombe & Mahale
  • Scenic boat rides across Lake Tanganyika
  • Game drives in Katavi, one of Tanzania’s most remote and wildlife-rich parks
  • Incredible views, dramatic landscapes, and total immersion in nature
  • Expert-guided treks and personalized attention throughout

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival – Dar es Salaam to Kigoma

  • Arrive in Dar es Salaam and take a scheduled flight to Kigoma.
  • Transfer to your hotel/lodge in Kigoma for overnight.
  • Overnight: Kigoma Hilltop Hotel (or similar)
  • Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Kigoma – Transfer to Gombe National Park (Boat Ride)

  • Morning boat transfer (approx. 1–2 hours) along Lake Tanganyika to Gombe Stream National Park.
  • Afternoon trek to spot chimpanzees and explore Jane Goodall’s research area.
  • Overnight: Gombe Forest Lodge (or similar)
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Full-Day Chimpanzee Trekking in Gombe

  • Morning trek with park rangers in search of the resident chimpanzee families.
  • Opportunity to spot colobus monkeys, forest birds, and swim in waterfalls.
  • Afternoon at leisure or optional second trek.
  • Overnight: Gombe Forest Lodge
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Gombe – Return to Kigoma

  • Morning at leisure or short forest walk.
  • Return boat transfer to Kigoma for overnight stay.
  • Overnight: Kigoma Hilltop Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Kigoma – Flight to Mahale Mountains

  • Charter flight or boat transfer to Mahale Mountains National Park.
  • Afternoon hike and orientation.
  • Overnight: Greystoke Mahale / Mbali Mbali Mahale Lodge
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Full-Day Chimpanzee Trekking in Mahale Mountains

  • Early start for guided chimpanzee trekking in the lush Mahale forest.
  • Observe the chimps in their natural habitat – feeding, grooming, and playing.
  • Return for lakeside relaxation or optional kayaking.
  • Overnight: Mahale Lodge
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Second Day of Trekking & Lake Activities

  • Optional second trek or leisure day by the lake (snorkeling, birding, nature walks).
  • Overnight: Mahale Lodge
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Mahale – Fly to Katavi National Park

  • Depart by charter flight to Katavi National Park.
  • Afternoon game drive through Katavi’s remote and wildlife-rich plains.
  • Overnight: Katavi Wildlife Camp / Mbali Mbali Katavi
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Full-Day Game Drive in Katavi

  • Explore vast open floodplains, home to elephants, buffalo herds, crocodiles, hippos, lions, and leopards.
  • Picnic lunch in the bush.
  • Sunset game drive or campfire experience.
  • Overnight: Katavi Camp
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Katavi – Fly to Dar es Salaam & Departure

  • Morning flight from Katavi to Dar es Salaam.
  • Connect to your international flight or optional overnight in Dar.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation

Budget Accommodation

Safari using affordable Hotels, Lodges, or Camps, comparable to a 1-2 star Hotel. Accommodation is usually located outside the National Park.

Mid-range Accommodation

Safari using medium to large–scale Lodges, tented camps, or Cottage Camps, comparable to a 3-star Hotel

Luxury – Accommodation

Safari using deluxe tented camps or Lodges usually located inside the National Park and comparable to a 4-star hotel. Accommodation is usually located inside the Park.

Luxury+ – Accommodation

Safari using extremely luxurious tented camps or Lodge, usually located in a private wildlife – Viewing area and comparable to a 5-star Hotel. Expect great food, excellent service, top-quality guiding, and gorgeous tents or rooms. Most luxury + properties charge around USD$ 850 to 1850 per person per night!

Includes & Excludes

  • All Park entry fees – All Park Camping fees
  • Pick up from the Airport
  • Boat & walking safari
  • Transport 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser with pop-up roof with driver cum guidePick up from the Airport
  • Overnight at the Hotels/Lodge/Tented Camps/Campsites according to the program
  • Chef/Meals as per the above itinerary
  • Complimentary bottles of drinking water 1.5 litter per person per day during safari
  • 1-night free Hotel accommodation on your arrival in Dar with bed & breakfast
  • Tents/Sleeping mats/Sleeping bags/Chairs/Table/Pillow
  • International flights & Domestic flights
  • Fees for passports, visas, immunisations, and insurance
  • Expenses of personal nature (like souvenirs)
  • Tips for staff such as driver cum guides/chef/porter

Note (COVID-19)

“Please note that all these are sample itineraries. We will tailor-make your safari according to your wish and due to COVID-19 restrictions on travel around the world, it is free to postpone your travel up to 1 year after the original travel date”

Trip Navigate

Places: Dar es Salaam, Mikumi & Ruaha National Park

Let us tailor-make a safari suited to you.

This is just one example of a trip we could design for you. We tailor-make safari holidays that take you to Tanzania – no readymade tours or set departures. Get in touch today to start creating your bespoke itinerary

Contact us