8-Day Chimpanzees & Wildlife Combo Safari
This unique 8-day itinerary combines the thrill of chimpanzee trekking in Mahale Mountains with classic big game drives in Katavi National Park — one of Tanzania’s most untouched safari destinations. Perfect for adventurous travelers, this fly-in safari offers rare wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and a truly off-the-beaten-path experience.
Luxury
From $3,550 Per Person
Mid-Range
From $3,350 Per Person
Budgeted
From $3,150 Per Person
Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Destinations: Katavi National Park, Mahale Mountains National Park
Safari Type: Fly-in Remote Safari (Chimpanzee Trekking + Game Viewing)
Starting Point: Arusha or Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Safari Highlights
Track wild chimpanzees in the remote Mahale Mountains
Game drives in Katavi – known for huge buffalo herds and predator activity
Scenic bush flights and boat transfers across Lake Tanganyika
Stunning views, unspoiled wilderness, and few other tourists
Luxury camps in remote locations
Great for experienced safari-goers or primate lovers
🗓️ Itinerary Overview
Day 1: Flight to Katavi National Park
Fly from Arusha or Dar es Salaam to Katavi. Upon arrival, transfer to your luxury tented camp. Enjoy lunch and your first afternoon game drive.
Overnight in Katavi.
Day 2: Full-Day Game Drive in Katavi
Explore the park’s vast plains and riverbanks. Watch massive buffalo herds, elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and lions in raw wilderness.
Overnight in Katavi.
Day 3: More Wildlife Adventures in Katavi
Enjoy morning and evening game drives. With few vehicles in the park, expect intimate wildlife encounters and great photographic opportunities.
Overnight in Katavi.
Day 4: Katavi to Mahale Mountains
After breakfast, take a road trip to Mahale, followed by a boat transfer on Lake Tanganyika. Settle into your lodge and enjoy the beach setting.
Overnight in Mahale.
Day 5: First Chimpanzee Trek in Mahale
Start your morning in the forest, tracking wild chimpanzees with expert guides. Watch them interact, groom, and feed in their natural home.
Overnight in Mahale.
Day 6: Second Chimp Trek or Optional Activities
Another chance to trek chimps or enjoy kayaking, swimming, or relaxing on the beach. Optional forest walk.
Overnight in Mahale.
Day 7: Return to Kigoma
Have breakfast, then board a boat to Mahale’s main gate for check-out. Continue with a road trip to Kigoma. Along the way, you will experience local activities such as palm oil processing, enjoying local coffee, and visiting rice farms. You will have lunch en route, then head to your hotel.
Day 8: Transfer to airport
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kigoma airport
End of tour.
✅ What’s Included
Return bush flights between parks and Kigoma
Boat transfers to/from Mahale
Park fees, chimp trekking permits, and game drives
7 nights’ accommodation in luxury safari camps/lodges
All meals and bottled water
Airport transfers and professional guides
Lake activities in Mahale (kayaking, swimming, etc.)
❌ What’s Not Included
International flights
Travel insurance and visas
Tips and gratuities
Optional premium drinks or spa treatments
Extra activities not listed (e.g. village tour)