This safari pairs classic game viewing with chimpanzee trekking in Tanzania’s western rainforests — Mahale or Rubondo Island — one of Africa’s most memorable and least-crowded wildlife experiences.
This is a private departure that can start on dates to suit you, with your own guide and 4×4 throughout. The day-by-day plan below is a suggested flow — we tailor lodges, pacing and extensions to your wishes.
9-Day Katavi & Mahale Chimpanzee Fly-in Safari takes you through Tanzania's most celebrated national parks. Each day is a different landscape, a different wildlife encounter.
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Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
You are met on arrival in Arusha and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay and trip briefing.
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Day 2: Katavi National Park
You fly by light aircraft to the first camp and begin your safari. Katavi is wild and rarely visited, famous for enormous hippo pods, big buffalo herds and a true off-grid wilderness feel. Game drives run morning and afternoon.
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Day 3: Full day in Katavi National Park
A full day exploring Katavi National Park. Katavi is wild and rarely visited, famous for enormous hippo pods, big buffalo herds and a true off-grid wilderness feel. Morning and afternoon game drives make the most of the area.
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4
Day 4: Full day in Katavi National Park
A full day exploring Katavi National Park. Katavi is wild and rarely visited, famous for enormous hippo pods, big buffalo herds and a true off-grid wilderness feel. Morning and afternoon game drives make the most of the area.
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5
Day 5: Mahale Mountains National Park
Mahale rises straight out of Lake Tanganyika and is one of the best places on Earth to trek habituated chimpanzees, with swimming and kayaking on the lake afterwards. Game drives run morning and afternoon.
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Day 6: Full day in Mahale Mountains National Park
A full day exploring Mahale Mountains National Park. Mahale rises straight out of Lake Tanganyika and is one of the best places on Earth to trek habituated chimpanzees, with swimming and kayaking on the lake afterwards. Morning and afternoon game drives make the most of the area.
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Day 7: Lake Tanganyika
The world’s longest freshwater lake, with crystal-clear water for swimming, snorkelling and sunset boat cruises beside Mahale. Game drives run morning and afternoon.
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Day 8: Full day in Lake Tanganyika
A full day exploring Lake Tanganyika. The world’s longest freshwater lake, with crystal-clear water for swimming, snorkelling and sunset boat cruises beside Mahale. Morning and afternoon game drives make the most of the area.
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Day 9: Departure from Arusha
After a final morning you transfer to the airport in Arusha for your departure flight.
The displayed figure is an indicative planning reference. Final pricing requires current supplier, permit, flight, park-fee and exchange-rate confirmation.
- Park and conservation area entry fees
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Domestic light-aircraft flights as per the itinerary
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Accommodation as specified in the itinerary
- Meals as specified on safari
- Drinking water during game drives
- Airport transfers
- Government taxes and VAT
- Chimpanzee trekking permit
- International flights
- Tanzania entry visa
- Travel and medical insurance
- Tips and gratuities for guides and staff
- Personal items, drinks and laundry
- Optional activities unless stated
Extend with a Zanzibar beach stay, a hot-air balloon flight over the Serengeti, a Kilimanjaro day hike, or extra nights in any park. Ask us to tailor this trip to you.
Chimpanzee trekking
A guided trek to track a habituated chimpanzee community on foot through the forest with a ranger.
Included
Game drives in a 4x4
Morning and afternoon game drives in a private vehicle with a pop-up roof and a window seat guaranteed.
Included
Sundowner on the plains
Sunset drinks at a scenic viewpoint as the day's light fades over the savannah.
Included-
Are chimp sightings guaranteed?
No. Tracking depends on permits, habituated groups, weather and chimp movement.
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How difficult is chimp trekking?
Forest terrain, heat and walking duration can be challenging.
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Are flights included?
Only the named charter or scheduled sectors in the quotation are included.
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Can children trek chimpanzees?
Minimum ages and rules are set by the park and must be confirmed.
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