Chimpanzee Wilderness Safari Experience

A 7 night / 8 day safari taking in 2 dramatic parks that rise up from the shores of Lake Tanganyika and home to Chimpanzees -  Mahale Mountains National Park and Gombe Streams National Park. This is an excellent safari to experience and learn about these amazing primates as it includes Chimpanzee trekking through the forest. The safari also includes a visit to the oldest town in Western Tanzania, once home to Dr David Livingstone.

Accommodation is at Kungwe Beach Lodge, Kigoma Hilltop Hotel and Gombe Forest Lodge. 

Itinerary (Departures on Monday or Thursday)

Day 1 (Mon or Thur) - Arusha / Mahale Mountains National Park

Early morning flight from Arusha to Mahale. Met at Mahale Airstrip and transfer (approx 90 mins) by dhow boat to the Kungwe Beach Lodge where you will be welcomed for lunch. Afternoon chimpanzee trekking or Forest Walk. Evening sundowners on the beach and dinner / overnight at Kungwe Beach Lodge.

Day 2 - Mahale Mountains National Park

After breakfast at the lodge, depart for a morning of chimpanzee trekking, returning to the lodge for lunch. Afternoon at leisure to walk along the beach, go fishing or bird watching. Evening sundowners on the beach and dinner / overnight at Kungwe Beach Lodge.

Day 3 - Mahale Mountains National Park

After breakfast at the lodge, depart for a morning of chimpanzee trekking, returning to the lodge for lunch. Afternoon at leisure to walk along the beach or go fishing on Lake Tanganyika. Evening sundowners and BBQ dinner on the beach. Overnight at Kungwe Beach Lodge.

Day 4: Mahale Mountains National Park / Kigoma

Depart the lodge after breakfast and take the dhow boat back to Mahale Airstrip. Fly to Kigoma where you will be met and transferred to Kigoma Hilltop Hotel for 1 night. Lunch at hotel. Take an afternoon trip to Ujiji and the Livingstone Memorial (or take a Fishing Village tour, optional and at a supplement). Return to Kigoma Hilltop Hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 5 - Kigoma / Gombe Streams National Park

After an early breakfast at the hotel, depart on the dhow boat transfer (approx 2 hours) to Gombe Stream National Park, made famous by the primatologist Dr Jane Goodall. Arrive at Gombe Forest Lodge for lunch. Take an afternoon trek in search of chimpanzees. Return to the lodge for evening sundowners, dinner and overnight.

Day 6 - Gombe Streams National Park

Breakfast at the lodge, then depart for a morning of chimpanzee trekking. Return to the lodge for lunch. Afternoon at leisure. Evening sundowners, dinner and overnight at Gombe Forest Lodge.

Day 7 - Gombe Streams National Park

Breakfast at the lodge, then depart for a morning of chimpanzee trekking. Return to the lodge for lunch. Afternoon at leisure. Evening sundowners, dinner and overnight at Gombe Forest Lodge.

Day 8  - Gombe Streams National Park

After breakfast at the lodge take the morning dhow transfer back to Kigoma where you will be met and transferred to Kigoma Airport. Fly to Arusha (picnic lunch supplied).

Optional / Additional activities include:

• Boat Safari and Fishing excursions or Snorkelling / Kayak trips
• Snorkelling
• Kigoma / Ujiji Town tour or Fishing Village tour

Notes:

• Ujiji Town tour can be combined with Airport pick-up on Day 4
• Fishing Village tour optional and at an additional cost
• Additional activities are optional, and are usually conducted after lunch or late afternoons
• Fishing excursions should be pre-booked and is at an additional cost