Beacon adventure & Safaris

15-Day The Ultimate Western Tanzania Safari

15 Days / 14 Nights•Primate Trekking, Big Game & Lake Tanganyika Expedition• Gombe Stream, Mahale Mountains, Katavi National Park, Lake Tanganyika (Kipili)

Return to Chimpanzee Trekking Safari

Expedition Overview

15 DAYS / 14 NIGHTS: THE ULTIMATE WESTERN TANZANIA SAFARI Gombe - Mahale - Katavi + Lake Tanganyika (Kipili Lake Shore Lodge) with an expert local guide. Embark on the ultimate off-the-beaten-path African adventure across Tanzania's wild west. This comprehensive 15-day expedition takes you deep into the pristine rainforests of Gombe Stream and Mahale Mountains to walk alongside wild habituated chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Explore the raw, untamed plains of Katavi National Park—renowned for massive buffalo herds and dramatic predator encounters—and unwind with snorkeling, kayaking, and sunset cruises along the turquoise waters of Lake Tanganyika at Kipili.

Tiered Group Pricing

All inclusive rates

Mid-Luxury: 1 Person Private

$7,650

1–1 Travelers

Included

•All Park Fees & Chimpanzee Trekking Permits (Gombe & Mahale)
•All accommodation Full Board (3 meals per day + drinking water)
•Professional English-speaking local guide (Khalfan)
•All boat transfers & 4x4 Land Cruiser safari car (at Katavi National Park)
•Game drives & boat cruises as per itinerary
•Cultural tours: Local dance, Dr. Livingstone Museum, village visit
•Filtered drinking water during treks & drives
•All government taxes & concession fees

Not Included

•International & domestic flights (Kigoma - Mpanda - Dar es Salaam)
•Tips for guide & crew ($15–20 per day recommended)
•Personal expenses, laundry & alcoholic beverages
•Travel insurance & Tanzania entry visa

Please note: Domestic and international flights are not included in this package.

Day by Day

The Itinerary

Welcome at Kigoma Airport. Pick up by your English-speaking guide. Transfer to Kigoma town for breakfast/lunch. Afternoon boat ride to Gombe (1.5 hrs). Check in at Kasekela Special Tents. Expedition briefing. Relax on the beach and enjoy sunset over Lake Tanganyika. Dinner & overnight at Kasekela Special Tents.

Early breakfast. Full day chimpanzee trekking with an official TANAPA ranger. Track the famous Kakombe community, observe chimps grooming, foraging, and playing, and spot baboons and monkeys. Return to camp for a hot lunch. Afternoon leisure and swimming in Lake Tanganyika. Dinner & overnight at Kasekela Special Tents.

Morning trek to see chimpanzee feeding stations. Hike up to Kakombe Waterfall and Jane's Peak for breathtaking panoramic views across the park and Lake Tanganyika. Afternoon visit to the Jane Goodall Research Center to meet researchers and learn the history of primate conservation. Dinner & overnight at Kasekela Special Tents.

Morning half-day forest trek. Enjoy hot lunch at camp. Scenic boat transfer back to Kigoma (2 hrs). Visit the historic Dr. Livingstone Memorial Museum in Ujiji. Evening cultural tour with traditional local dancing, cassava ugali making, and palm oil processing demonstrations. Dinner & overnight at Kigoma Hilltop Hotel (or similar).

Early breakfast. Drive towards Mahale (7–8 hrs) with picnic lunch boxes. Scenic overland route through vibrant remote Tanzanian villages. Afternoon boat ride to Mahale. Check in at Mango Bandas. Expedition briefing, sunset over the lake, dinner & overnight.

First full day dedicated to chimpanzee tracking in Mahale Mountains. Morning rainforest trek (2–5 hrs) to find the habituated M-Group (60+ chimps) and spend 1 unforgettable hour in their company. Afternoon boat cruise on Lake Tanganyika for bird watching and sport fishing. All meals & overnight at Mango Bandas.

Second full day in Mahale. Morning trek with expert trackers deeper into the forest to observe chimp social structures, vocalizations, and foraging behaviors. Afternoon boat excursion to visit the historic Bilenge fishing village and relax on the sandy shores. All meals & overnight at Mango Bandas.

Third full day immersed in Mahale's pristine biodiversity. Morning chimpanzee tracking session. Afternoon leisure on the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tanganyika with swimming, snorkeling, or relaxation. All meals & overnight at Mango Bandas.

Morning boat transfer from Mahale. Overland drive to Mpanda (6 hrs) with picnic lunch boxes. Continue the journey to Mbali Mbali Katavi (Foxes Camp). Expedition briefing, dinner & overnight.

Full day intensive game drive in Katavi with picnic lunches. Explore the Katuma River floodplains, teeming with massive herds of buffalo (often 1,000+ strong), elephants, lions, and hundreds of hippos packed in seasonal pools. Return to camp for dinner & overnight.

Early morning game drive in Katavi. Midday visit to a nearby local village for a traditional dance and authentic local food experience. Afternoon drive to Kipili (5 hrs). Check in at Lake Shore Lodge, Kipili. Dinner & overnight overlooking Lake Tanganyika.

Full day of leisure and exploration at Lake Shore Lodge. Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tanganyika, swim, kayak along the rocky islands, or explore nearby traditional fishing villages. All meals & overnight at Lake Shore Lodge.

Second full day of serene lake relaxation at Kipili. Take a guided boat trip to secluded archipelago islands, paddle board, enjoy spa treatments, or sip sundowners on a scenic sunset boat cruise. All meals & overnight at Lake Shore Lodge.

Relaxed morning breakfast with lake views. Scenic drive back to Mpanda town. Check in at Nangero Royal Hotel. Enjoy lunch, town exploration, and rest. Dinner & overnight at Nangero Royal Hotel.

Breakfast at hotel. Private transfer to Mpanda Airport for your flight to Dar es Salaam. End of an epic Western Tanzania expedition. Asante Sana na Safari Njema!

Visual Journey

Expedition Gallery

15-Day The Ultimate Western Tanzania Safari Gallery Photo 1

15-Day The Ultimate Western Tanzania Safari Gallery Photo 2

15-Day The Ultimate Western Tanzania Safari Gallery Photo 3

15-Day The Ultimate Western Tanzania Safari Gallery Photo 4