This exclusive 5-Day Katavi & Mahale Mountains Chimpanzee Adventure – Ultimate Western Tanzania Combo blends two of Tanzania’s most extraordinary wilderness destinations:

Katavi National Park, home to giant buffalo herds, huge hippo pods, and untouched floodplains, paired with the breathtaking Mahale Mountains, the best place in Africa for wild chimpanzee trekking.

From flying into remote parks, exploring vast savannas, trekking through emerald forests, and cruising across the turquoise waters of Lake Tanganyika, this journey offers unmatched luxury, exclusivity, and adventure. Perfect for photographers, wildlife enthusiasts, honeymooners, and travelers seeking a safari far away from the crowds.

BESTSELLER COMBO EXPERIENCE

✔️ Chimpanzee trekking in Mahale Mountains

✔️ Big-game safari in Katavi National Park

✔️ Boat transfers on Lake Tanganyika

✔️ Perfect for photographers, wildlife lovers, and adventure travelers

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Safari Highlights

Fly to the untouched wilderness of Katavi National Park

See giant buffalo herds, elephants, lions & huge hippo pods

Trek wild chimpanzees in Mahale Mountains National Park

Scenic boat transfers on Lake Tanganyika

Unforgettable photography moments in remote Tanzania

Stay in intimate camps surrounded by pristine nature

Authentic safari + jungle trekking in one powerful combo

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Detailed 5-Day Itinerary

DAY 1: Fly to Katavi National Park + Afternoon Game Drive

Start your adventure with a morning flight from Arusha or Dar es Salaam to Katavi National Park. Enjoy your first game drive as you head to the lodge—giraffes, zebras, buffalo, elephants, and antelope are everywhere.

Afternoon:

A thrilling game drive across the Katuma River and Chada Plains—prime lion, hippo, and crocodile territory.

Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Katavi Wilderness Camp / Katavi Wildlife Lodge

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DAY 2: Full-Day Game Drive – Wild Katuma & Chada Plains

Spend a full day exploring Katavi’s raw landscapes:

Hippo pods packed into shrinking pools

Massive herds of buffalo

Predators stalking the plains

Elephants wandering the woodlands

Huge crocodile gatherings

Break for a relaxing bush lunch under acacia trees before continuing your safari.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3: Flight to Mahale Mountains + Boat Transfer on Lake Tanganyika

In the morning, fly from Katavi to Mahale Mountains National Park. After landing at the airstrip, board a scenic traditional dhow boat or speedboat across Lake Tanganyika, surrounded by turquoise waters and towering green mountains.

Arrive at your lodge, check in, and enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the beach or take a gentle nature walk.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Mbali Mbali Mahale Lodge / Kungwe Beach Lodge

DAY 4: Chimpanzee Trekking in Mahale Mountains

Today you enter the magical forests of Mahale—home to the world-famous M Group chimps, one of Africa’s most studied communities.

Guided by expert trackers, follow trails through lush jungle until you meet the chimpanzee families.

Watch them:

Groom

Play

Nurse their young

Communicate and interact

Swing through the trees

Return to the lodge for lunch and enjoy an afternoon swim, lake kayaking, or beach relaxation.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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DAY 5: Morning at Leisure + Boat & Flight Back to Dar/Arusha

Enjoy a relaxed morning—swim, kayak, or simply enjoy the lake views. Later, cruise back across Lake Tanganyika to the airstrip and take your flight back to Arusha or Dar es Salaam.

Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included

All scheduled flights: Arusha/Dar → Katavi → Mahale → Arusha/Dar

Airport pick-up and drop-off

Boat transfers on Lake Tanganyika

All park and conservation fees

Chimpanzee trekking permits

Full-board accommodation (4 nights)

Professional local safari guides

All game drives in Katavi

Drinking water during activities

What’s Not Included

International flights

Travel insurance

Tips for guides & camp staff

Additional drinks

Personal expenses

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How difficult is the chimp trekking?

Moderate — trekking can take 1–4 hours depending on where the chimps are.

2. What wildlife will I see in Katavi?

Huge buffalo herds, hippos, elephants, lions, hyenas, crocodiles, giraffes, zebras & birdlife.

3. What is the best time for this safari?

July–October for best wildlife visibility.

November–March for lush forests and great photography.

4. How long is the boat ride in Mahale?

Between 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on the lodge.

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