Explore the wild beauty of Kigoma, Tanzania, with this 4-day itinerary featuring stays at the top-rated lodges and campsites perfect for your safari adventure. This itinerary includes accommodations that offer luxury, comfort, and close proximity to some of the best wildlife experiences in the region, including Gombe Stream National Park and Mahale Mountains National Park. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious lodge or a rustic campsite, this guide will help you plan the perfect safari stay in Kigoma.
Morning:
- 8:00 AM: Arrive in Kigoma via flight or train.
- 9:00 AM: Transfer to Kigoma Hilltop Hotel, one of the top-rated lodges in the region, offering stunning views of Lake Tanganyika.
- 10:00 AM: Check into your lake-facing room, where you can enjoy a welcome drink as you settle in.
Afternoon:
- 12:00 PM: Enjoy a leisurely lunch at the hotel’s restaurant, which offers a variety of local and international dishes.
- 2:00 PM: Spend the afternoon relaxing by the hotel’s pool or take a guided tour of Kigoma town, including a visit to the local market and Ujiji, the historic site of the Stanley and Livingstone meeting.
Evening:
- 6:00 PM: Return to the hotel for dinner, featuring fresh Tanganyika Fish and other local specialties.
- 8:00 PM: Enjoy a peaceful evening at the hotel, perhaps taking a stroll along the lake’s shore.
Overnight: Kigoma Hilltop Hotel.
Morning:
- 7:00 AM: Have an early breakfast at Kigoma Hilltop Hotel.
- 8:00 AM: Transfer to the Kigoma port for a boat ride to Gombe Stream National Park.
- 10:00 AM: Arrive at Mbali Mbali Gombe Lodge, a top-rated lodge within the park offering luxury tented accommodations right on the shores of Lake Tanganyika.
Afternoon:
- 12:00 PM: Enjoy lunch at the lodge, with views of the lake and the surrounding forest.
- 1:00 PM: Set out on your first chimpanzee trekking adventure in Gombe Stream National Park. Follow experienced guides as you track these fascinating primates in their natural habitat.
Evening:
- 5:00 PM: Return to the lodge for a relaxing evening. Freshen up and enjoy a sundowner drink by the lake.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner is served at the lodge’s open-air dining area, under the stars.
Overnight: Mbali Mbali Gombe Lodge.
Morning:
- 6:30 AM: Early breakfast at the lodge.
- 7:30 AM: Head out for a second day of chimpanzee trekking, exploring deeper into the forest and learning about the park's unique ecosystem.
- 11:00 AM: Visit Kakombe Waterfall for a refreshing break and enjoy the stunning natural surroundings.
Afternoon:
- 12:30 PM: Return to the lodge for lunch.
- 2:00 PM: Enjoy a free afternoon to relax at the lodge, swim in the lake, or take a short hike to Jane’s Peak for panoramic views of the park.
Evening:
- 6:00 PM: Wind down with a quiet evening at the lodge. Reflect on the day’s experiences and enjoy a final dinner featuring local and international cuisine.
Overnight: Mbali Mbali Gombe Lodge.
Morning:
- 7:00 AM: Early breakfast and check out from Mbali Mbali Gombe Lodge.
- 8:00 AM: Take a boat transfer from Gombe Stream National Park to Mahale Mountains National Park.
- 10:00 AM: Arrive at Greystoke Mahale, a luxury lodge located in a remote and pristine area of the Mahale Mountains, known for its exclusive access to chimpanzee trekking and breathtaking views of Lake Tanganyika.
Afternoon:
- 12:00 PM: Enjoy a gourmet lunch at the lodge, prepared by skilled chefs using fresh local ingredients.
- 1:30 PM: Embark on a guided chimpanzee trek in Mahale Mountains National Park. Mahale is one of the best places in the world to observe wild chimpanzees, and the experience here is truly unforgettable.
Evening:
- 5:00 PM: Return to Greystoke Mahale for a relaxing evening. Enjoy the lodge’s luxurious amenities, including private decks and a beach area.
- 7:00 PM: Have a farewell dinner at the lodge, celebrating the end of your Kigoma safari adventure with a delicious meal.
Overnight: Greystoke Mahale.
