Embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of Tanzania’s most remote and pristine wilderness areas. This 8-day safari takes you to two of the country’s hidden gems, Katavi National Park and the Mahale Mountains National Park, offering an exclusive, off-the-beaten-path adventure. Starting in Katavi, you’ll experience the raw beauty of one of Tanzania’s least-visited parks, teeming with wildlife including elephants, lions, and buffaloes. Explore the park’s vast savannahs and floodplains on exciting game drives, and witness the abundance of wildlife in its untouched environment.
Next, travel to Mahale Mountains, a haven for chimpanzee trekking, where you’ll have the unique opportunity to track and observe one of the largest populations of wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Hike through the lush forested slopes of the Mahale Mountains, and enjoy the stunning views of Lake Tanganyika. This adventure also includes a visit to Gombe Stream National Park, renowned for its chimpanzee research and unforgettable wildlife experiences. Relax and unwind by the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tanganyika, and enjoy a range of activities, including boat rides and nature walks. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a nature lover, or seeking an adventurous escape from the crowds, this safari offers an intimate, immersive experience in some of Tanzania’s most remote and scenic landscapes.
8-Day Tanzania Adventure: Katavi, Mahale, and Gombe Stream
This unforgettable journey takes you through some of Tanzania’s most remote and iconic parks, focusing on breathtaking wildlife safaris and chimpanzee treks. From the untouched savannahs of Katavi to the serene beauty of Lake Tanganyika and the primates of Mahale and Gombe Stream, experience a blend of adventure, wildlife, and nature.
Day 1: Arrival in Dar es Salaam & Flight to Katavi National Park
Travel Details:
Flight: 3-hour flight from Dar es Salaam to Katavi National Park (1,000 km by air).
Drive: 15-minute drive (10 km) from Katavi airstrip to lodge.
Activities & Highlights:
Upon arrival at Dar es Salaam International Airport, you’ll be greeted and introduced to your journey. After a scenic flight, you’ll land in Katavi National Park, one of the most untouched and remote wildlife destinations in Tanzania. A short drive will take you to your luxury lodge, nestled in Katavi’s wild savannah.
Lunch at Lodge upon arrival.
Afternoon game drive: Explore the savannahs, home to elephants, giraffes, and pods of hippos.
Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Katavi Wildlife Lodge (or similar, located in Katavi National Park).
Day 2: Full-Day Game Drive in Katavi National Park
Travel Details:
Full-day game drive: 50–80 km depending on wildlife sightings.
Activities & Highlights:
Enjoy a hearty breakfast before venturing into Katavi’s diverse landscapes.
Spot wildlife such as buffalo, zebras, lions, and leopards as you explore the park.
Stop for a picnic lunch in the shade of acacia trees.
Return to your lodge by evening for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Katavi Wildlife Lodge
Day 3: Katavi to Mahale Mountains via Flight & Boat
Travel Details:
Flight: 1-hour flight (200 km by air) from Katavi to Mahale Mountains.
Boat Transfer: 1–2 hours across Lake Tanganyika (20–30 km) to lakeside lodge.
Activities & Highlights:
After breakfast, fly to Mahale Mountains National Park, located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. A leisurely boat ride takes you to your lakeside lodge with panoramic views of the lake and mountains.
Relax by Lake Tanganyika.
Optional boat ride or enjoy a sunset by the lake.
Accommodation: Mahale Lakeside Lodge (or similar, lakeside accommodation in Mahale).
Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking in Mahale Mountains
Travel Details:
Hiking distance: 3–8 km depending on chimpanzee location.
Duration: 3–6 hours, including observation time.
Activities & Highlights:
Start your day with breakfast before heading into Mahale’s lush rainforests for an unforgettable chimpanzee trekking adventure. Explore the dense habitat as you observe chimpanzees in their natural behaviors—playing, foraging, and swinging through trees.
Return to the lodge for lunch and afternoon relaxation.
Optional swimming or water sports on Lake Tanganyika.
Accommodation: Mahale Lakeside Lodge
Day 5: Full-Day Exploration of Mahale Mountains & Optional Activities
Travel Details:
Hiking distance: 5–10 km depending on exploration choice.
Activities & Highlights:
Today offers flexibility for exploration. Choose between a second chimpanzee trek, a rainforest walk, or lake-based activities.
Spot colorful birds, butterflies, and other wildlife during a nature walk.
Participate in activities such as kayaking or scenic boat rides.
Enjoy a picnic lunch in the wild and return to the lodge for dinner and a lakeside evening.
Accommodation: Mahale Lakeside Lodge
Day 6: Mahale to Gombe Stream National Park
Travel Details:
Boat Transfer: 5–6 hours across Lake Tanganyika (150 km) to Gombe Stream National Park.
Short Walk: 1–2 km to your lodge upon arrival.
Activities & Highlights:
After breakfast, set off on a boat transfer across the lake to Gombe Stream National Park, home to fascinating wildlife and Jane Goodall’s famous chimpanzee research.
Explore Gombe’s wildlife and take a relaxing nature walk upon arrival.
Spend the afternoon unwinding by the lake or enjoy an optional guided walk.
Accommodation: Gombe Stream Lodge (or similar, lakeside accommodation).
Day 7: Chimpanzee Trekking in Gombe Stream National Park
Travel Details:
Hiking distance: 3–6 km depending on chimpanzee movements.
Activities & Highlights:
Embark on a second chimpanzee trekking adventure. Your guide will lead you through the park’s rainforests as you track these fascinating creatures.
Relax by the lake afterward or join an optional boat ride.
Enjoy dinner and share stories of your encounter with these incredible primates.
Accommodation: Gombe Stream Lodge
Day 8: Gombe Stream to Dar es Salaam
Travel Details:
Boat Transfer: 1–2 hours (20–30 km) from Gombe to Kigoma.
Flight: 3 hours (1,200 km by air) from Kigoma to Dar es Salaam.
Activities & Highlights:
On your final morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and one last nature walk or game drive in Gombe Stream.
Transfer by boat back to Kigoma and board your flight to Dar es Salaam.
Upon arrival in Dar es Salaam, connect to your international flight home.
This marks the conclusion of your unforgettable safari journey.
What’s Included:
-Accommodation: Lodges and camps as specified in the itinerary.
-Meals: Full-board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the safari and trekking activities.
-Transportation:
-Domestic flights (Dar es Salaam–Katavi, Katavi–Mahale, and Kigoma–Dar es Salaam).
-Boat transfers within Lake Tanganyika (Mahale to Gombe and return to the mainland).
-Game drives and transfers in 4×4 safari vehicles with a professional driver-guide.
-Activities:
-Game drives in Katavi National Park.
-Chimpanzee trekking in Mahale Mountains and Gombe Stream National Parks.
-Guided nature walks and forest exploration.
-Boat rides and optional water activities at Lake Tanganyika.
-Park Fees: Entry fees to Katavi, Mahale, and Gombe parks.
-Guide Services: Professional and knowledgeable English-speaking guides.
-Drinking Water: Bottled water provided during activities and transfers.
-Government Taxes and Levies: All applicable taxes and fees.
What’s Not Included:
-International Flights: To and from Dar es Salaam.
-Visas: Tanzania entry visa fees.
-Optional Activities: Additional excursions or activities not mentioned in the itinerary (e.g., kayaking or private boat rides).
-Travel Insurance: Personal travel, medical, and evacuation insurance.
-Tips and Gratuities: For guides, drivers, and lodge staff.
-Personal Expenses:
-Laundry services.
-Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks.
-Telephone calls and souvenirs.
-PCR/Antigen Tests: COVID-19 testing (if required).
This 8-day safari offers an immersive wilderness experience in some of Tanzania’s most remote and pristine parks. Whether tracking chimpanzees in Mahale and Gombe or exploring the wildlife-rich Katavi National Park, you’ll be treated to some of the best nature encounters in Africa.
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“Please note that these are sample itineraries. We will tailor your safari according to your preferences.”
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