Mahale Mountains Safari, Chimpanzee Trekking

5 Days
4 Nights

Weekly Departures Available

Tour Cost
Prices on request

overview

Venture into a captivating 5-day Mahale Mountains Safari starting from Arusha, offering a blend of cultural exploration, remote wilderness, and primate encounters. Begin with a day in the historic Stone Town, immersing yourself in its rich culture and history. Fly to the remote Katavi National Park for a thrilling game drive amidst its unspoiled landscapes, home to hippos, buffaloes, and predators. Continue to Lake Manyara National Park, renowned for its tree-climbing lions and stunning Rift Valley scenery. Conclude your adventure with two days in Mahale Mountains National Park, where you’ll trek through lush forests to observe chimpanzees and enjoy boat safaris along Lake Tanganyika. This itinerary provides an unforgettable journey through Tanzania’s diverse and breathtaking environments.

Day 1:
Arusha - Stone Town

Begin your Mahale Mountains Safari with a morning flight from Arusha to Stone Town, the historic heart of Zanzibar. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend the day exploring the narrow streets and bustling markets, visiting landmarks such as the House of Wonders, the Old Fort, and the Sultan’s Palace. Enjoy a traditional Swahili lunch at a local restaurant, followed by a guided walking tour that delves into the town’s storied past, including its role in the spice and slave trades. In the evening, head to Forodhani Gardens for a vibrant night market experience, savoring local delicacies as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay, reflecting on the unique blend of cultures and histories that define Stone Town.

Day 2:
Stone Town - Katavi National Park

Depart early in the morning for a flight to Katavi National Park, one of Tanzania’s most remote and unspoiled wilderness areas. Upon arrival, transfer to your lodge or camp and enjoy a hearty lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a game drive through the park’s diverse landscapes, which include floodplains, woodlands, and rivers. Katavi is renowned for its large concentrations of hippos, crocodiles, and buffaloes, as well as its impressive predator population. As you traverse the park, you may also encounter elephants, zebras, and a variety of bird species. Enjoy a sundowner in the bush before returning to your accommodation for dinner and an overnight stay, surrounded by the untouched beauty of Katavi.

Day 3:
Katavi - Lake Manyara National Park

After breakfast, catch a flight back to Arusha and then drive to Lake Manyara National Park. Upon arrival, check into your lodge or camp and have lunch before heading out on an afternoon game drive. Lake Manyara is famous for its scenic beauty and diverse habitats, which include the alkaline lake, dense woodlands, and open grasslands. During your game drive, keep an eye out for tree-climbing lions, large herds of elephants, and a wide variety of bird species, particularly around the lake’s shores. Enjoy the stunning views of the Great Rift Valley escarpment as you explore the park. Return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay, enjoying the peaceful ambiance and reflecting on the day’s sightings.

Day 4:
Lake Manyara - Mahale Mountains National Park

Depart early for a flight to Mahale Mountains National Park, located on the eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika. Upon arrival, transfer to your lodge or camp and settle in before enjoying lunch with a view of the lake. In the afternoon, embark on a boat safari along the shoreline, taking in the breathtaking scenery and spotting aquatic wildlife. Mahale is renowned for its chimpanzee population, and your guides will provide an introduction to the primates and the conservation efforts in place to protect them. Enjoy a relaxing evening by the lake, with dinner and an overnight stay in this remote and beautiful setting.

Day 5:
Chimpanzee Trekking in Mahale

Start your day with an early breakfast before setting out on a guided trek into the Mahale Mountains. The park’s lush forests are home to one of the largest populations of chimpanzees in Tanzania. Accompanied by experienced guides, you’ll track and observe these fascinating primates in their natural habitat, gaining insights into their behavior and social structures. The trek offers a chance to experience the park’s rich biodiversity, with sightings of various other wildlife and bird species along the way. After a packed lunch in the forest, continue your exploration of the park in the afternoon, returning to your lodge or camp in the late afternoon. Enjoy a final dinner by the lake, reflecting on the incredible wildlife encounters and the natural beauty of Mahale. Prepare for your departure the following morning, concluding your unforgettable safari adventure. This 5-day itinerary offers a diverse range of experiences, from the historic charm of Stone Town and the remote wilderness of Katavi, to the scenic beauty of Lake Manyara and the primate-rich forests of Mahale Mountains National Park.

SAFARI INCLUDES

  • Private guided by professional safari ranger
  • Safari in a 4×4 safari jeep
  • Parks entrance fees
  • Concession fees
  • Bottled water throughout the safari
  • Full board accommodation, breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Evacuation insurance policy in case of an emergency
  • All airport transfer

SAFARI EXCLUDES

  • International flights
  • Tips
  • Drinks and beverages
  • Things of personal nature

Getting There

This tour starts in Arusha, Tanzania’s Capital city.

We have local daily flights available on several airlines.

A transfer from and back to the airport is included

Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost

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