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 Mbali Mbali Mahale,  Kigoma Hilltop Hotel and Mbali Mbali Gombe

Itinerary (Departures on Monday)

Day 1 (Mon) – Arusha / Mahale Mountains National Park

Morning Shared Charter Flight from Arusha Airport to Mahale Airstrip. Dhow boat transfer (approx. 1.5 hours) to the lodge. Staff welcome and introductions followed by lunch. Afternoon/early evening chimpanzee trekking or forest walks (if time allows). Evening sundowners, dinner, and overnight at Mbali Mbali Mahale.

Day 2 – Mahale Mountains National Park

After breakfast, depart for morning chimpanzee trekking. Return to the lodge for hot lunch. Afternoon at leisure. Evening sundowners, dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Day 3 – Mahale Mountains National Park

After breakfast, depart for morning chimpanzee trekking. Return to the lodge for hot lunch. Afternoon at leisure perhaps to kayak. Evening sundowners, dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Day 4 – Mahale Mountains National Park / Gombe Streams National Park

After breakfast, morning boat transfer to Mahale Airstrip. Shared Charter Flight from Mahale Airstrip to Kigoma Airport. Airport transfer from Kigoma Airport to Kigoma Hilltop Hotel. Dhow boat transfer (approx. 1.5 hours) to the lodge. Staff welcome and introductions followed by lunch. Afternoon/early evening chimpanzee trekking or forest walks (if time allows). Evening sundowners, dinner, and overnight at Mbali Mbali Gombe.

Day 5 – Gombe Streams National Park

After breakfast, depart for morning chimpanzee trekking. Return to the lodge for hot lunch. Afternoon at leisure perhaps to kayak. Book an optional Boat Safari. Evening sundowners, dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Day 6 – Gombe Streams National Park

After breakfast, depart for morning chimpanzee trekking. Return to the lodge for hot lunch. Afternoon at leisure perhaps to kayak. Evening sundowners, dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Day 7 – Gombe Streams National Park / Kigoma

After breakfast, morning dhow boat transfer (approx. 1.5 hours) to Kigoma Hilltop Hotel.  Spend your afternoon at leisure perhaps by the swimming pool and then have dinner at the hotel restaurant. Overnight at Kigoma Hilltop Hotel.

Day 8  – Kigoma / Depart

After breakfast, proceed on an airport transfer to Kigoma Airport. Depart with Shared Charter Flight to Arusha Airport with packed lunch.

Optional / Additional activities include:

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