Chimpanzee safari in Gombe and Mahale Mountain National Park
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Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Dar es Salaam – Welcome to Tanzania
Arrive at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, where you’ll be warmly welcomed by our team. After a quick briefing about your upcoming 8-day chimpanzee safari, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for check-in. Take the rest of the day to relax and recover from your journey, or explore a bit of the city’s vibrant culture and coastal charm.
Enjoy a delicious dinner and a restful night as you prepare for the exciting adventure ahead—tracking wild chimpanzees in the remote rainforests of Gombe and Mahale Mountains National Parks.
| LUXURY LODGES AND CAMPS | MID - RANGE LODGES & CAMPS | BUDGET LODGES &CAMPS |
|---|---|---|
|
Dar Es Salaam Serena Hotel/ White Sand Resort |
Sea Cliff Dar es salaam / Four Point by Sheraton Dar Es Salaam |
Mediterraneo Boutique Hotel |
Dar Es Salaam Serena Hote
Sea Cliff Dar es salaam
Mediterraneo Boutique Hotel
Day 2: Flight to Kigoma – Transfer to Lodge on Lake Tanganyika
After breakfast, take a scenic flight from Dar es Salaam to Kigoma, a historic town on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Upon arrival, you’ll be met by your guide and transferred to your lakeside lodge, nestled peacefully along the water’s edge. Settle into your accommodation and soak in the tranquil atmosphere, surrounded by lush landscapes and the crystal-clear waters of one of Africa’s Great Lakes.
Spend the afternoon relaxing, taking a swim, or enjoying sunset views over the lake. This peaceful setting is the perfect start to your chimpanzee safari, as you prepare for the journey into Gombe Stream National Park the following day. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.
| LUXURY LODGES AND CAMPS | MID - RANGE LODGES & CAMPS | BUDGET LODGES &CAMPS |
|---|---|---|
|
Kigoma Hilltop Hotel |
Lake Tanganyika Hotel (Kigoma Town) |
Lake Shore Lodge (Kigoma Lakeside) |
Kigoma Hilltop Hotel
Lake Tanganyika Hotel
Lake Shore Lodge (Kigoma Lakeside)
Day 3: Gombe Stream National Park – Boat Transfer & Chimpanzee Trekking
After breakfast, embark on a scenic boat transfer across Lake Tanganyika to the legendary Gombe Stream National Park, famous for Dr. Jane Goodall’s groundbreaking chimpanzee research. The boat ride offers stunning views of the lake and forested mountains rising from the shoreline. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge or camp and enjoy a light lunch.
In the afternoon, set off on your first chimpanzee trekking adventure, accompanied by experienced local guides. Hike through the lush rainforest in search of wild chimpanzees, observing their natural behaviors up close. Along the way, spot other primates, colorful birds, and exotic flora. Return to camp for dinner and an overnight stay beside the peaceful lake.
| LUXURY LODGES AND CAMPS | MID - RANGE LODGES & CAMPS | BUDGET LODGES &CAMPS |
|---|---|---|
|
Mbali Mbali Gombe Lodge |
Gombe Forest Lodge |
Lake Shore Lodge (Kigoma Lakeside) |
Mbali Mbali Gombe Lodge
Gombe Forest Lodge
Lake Shore Lodge (Kigoma Lakeside)
Day 4: Full Day in Gombe – Chimpanzee Trekking & Hiking
Start your day with an early breakfast before heading deep into the forest for a second chimpanzee trekking experience. With your guide, follow the calls and tracks of a wild chimpanzee troop as they move through the dense jungle. Witness their fascinating social behavior, grooming, feeding, and playing in their natural habitat. After the trek, enjoy a picnic lunch by the lake or back at the lodge.
In the afternoon, take a guided hike to Jane’s Peak for panoramic views of the park or visit the beautiful Kakombe Waterfall. The park also offers sightings of colobus monkeys, baboons, and a variety of bird species. Return to your lodge for dinner and a relaxing evening by the lakeshore.
| LUXURY LODGES AND CAMPS | MID - RANGE LODGES & CAMPS | BUDGET LODGES &CAMPS |
|---|---|---|
|
Mbali Mbali Gombe Lodge |
Gombe Forest Lodge |
Lake Shore Lodge (Kigoma Lakeside) |
Mbali Mbali Gombe Lodge
Gombe Forest Lodge
Lake Shore Lodge (Kigoma Lakeside)
Day 5: Return to Kigoma – Boat Transfer to Mahale Mountains National Park
After breakfast, take a boat ride back to Kigoma, enjoying the serene beauty of Lake Tanganyika along the way. Once in Kigoma, relax for a short while before continuing your journey to Mahale Mountains National Park. This stunning park, famous for its diverse wildlife and chimpanzee populations, can be reached by boat or light aircraft.
As you approach Mahale, the towering mountains rise dramatically over the lake, setting the stage for an unforgettable adventure. Upon arrival at your lodge, check in and unwind with a leisurely lunch, followed by the evening at leisure. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings and prepare for the exciting chimpanzee trekking experiences in Mahale the following day.
| LUXURY LODGES AND CAMPS | MID - RANGE LODGES & CAMPS | BUDGET LODGES &CAMPS |
|---|---|---|
|
Kigoma Hilltop Hotel |
Lake Tanganyika Hotel (Kigoma Town) |
Lake Shore Lodge (Kigoma Lakeside) |
Kigoma Hilltop Hotel
Lake Tanganyika Hotel
Lake Shore Lodge (Kigoma Lakeside)
Day 6: Chimpanzee Trekking in Mahale Mountains National Park
Begin your day with an early breakfast before setting off on a thrilling chimpanzee trekking adventure in Mahale Mountains National Park. Accompanied by expert guides and trackers, hike through lush rainforest trails as you follow the calls and signs of the park’s famous wild chimpanzees. Witness their social interactions up close—grooming, playing, and foraging—offering a truly intimate and unforgettable experience.
The trek also offers chances to see other wildlife, including red colobus monkeys, bushbucks, and vibrant bird species. After returning to the lodge, enjoy lunch and spend your afternoon relaxing on the pristine shores of Lake Tanganyika, kayaking, swimming, or simply soaking in the stunning natural beauty. Dinner and overnight at Mbali Mbali Mahale Lodge.
| LUXURY LODGES AND CAMPS | MID - RANGE LODGES & CAMPS |
|---|---|
|
Greystoke Mahale/ Mbalimbali Mahale |
Nkungwe Luxury Tented Camp |
Greystoke Mahale
Nkungwe Luxury Tented Camp
Day 7: Return to Kigoma – Scenic Boat or Flight
After a peaceful breakfast at the lodge, it’s time to say farewell to the beautiful Mahale Mountains. Begin your return journey to Kigoma, either by a scenic boat ride across Lake Tanganyika or by a chartered flight, depending on your travel arrangements.
The journey offers one last chance to take in the incredible landscapes, from forested mountains to the sparkling waters of the lake. Upon arrival in Kigoma, you’ll be transferred to your hotel or lodge for an afternoon of rest and relaxation. Enjoy your final evening by the lake, reflecting on your amazing chimpanzee trekking adventures and the untouched beauty of western Tanzania. Dinner and overnight stay in Kigoma.
| LUXURY LODGES AND CAMPS | MID - RANGE LODGES & CAMPS | BUDGET LODGES &CAMPS |
|---|---|---|
|
Kigoma Hilltop Hotel |
Lake Tanganyika Hotel (Kigoma Town) |
Lake Shore Lodge (Kigoma Lakeside) |
Kigoma Hilltop Hotel
Lake Tanganyika Hotel
Lake Shore Lodge (Kigoma Lakeside)
Day 8: Flight to Dar es Salaam – International Departure or Transfer to Zanzibar
After breakfast at your hotel in Kigoma, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Dar es Salaam. Upon arrival, you’ll be assisted with your international departure or connected to a domestic flight to Zanzibar for a relaxing beach extension.
Whether heading home or continuing your adventure, take a moment to reflect on your incredible journey—trekking with wild chimpanzees, exploring the rainforests of Gombe and Mahale, and cruising across the sparkling waters of Lake Tanganyika. For those traveling to Zanzibar, get ready to swap forest trails for white sands and turquoise waters. Thank you for choosing this unforgettable Tanzanian experience—safe travels and karibu tena
Price Per Person
Low Season (April, May & November)
Quote for 7 Days Gurumeti River Great Migration Crossing
| GS | PP |
|---|---|
|
2 |
USD 5000 |
|
3 |
USD 5000 |
|
4 |
USD 5000 |
|
5 |
USD 5000 |
|
6 |
USD 5000 |
High Season (Rest of the Year)
Quote for 7 Days Gurumeti River Great Migration Crossing
| GS | PP |
|---|---|
|
2 |
USD 5000 |
|
3 |
USD 5000 |
|
4 |
USD 5000 |
|
5 |
USD 5000 |
|
6 |
USD 5000 |
- Price Includes
Transport as described in the itinerary
Safari activities-unlimited day game drives, nature walks, hiking and walks with local people (where specified), English-speaking driver-guide, expert local guides where necessary
All National Park and Conservancy fees
Accommodation as described in the itinerary (double/twin or triple rooms)
All meals while on safari-breakfasts, lunches (picnic lunch boxes when necessary) and dinners
Bottled drinking water during game drives
Flying Doctor emergency evacuation cover
- Price Excludes
- Entry Visas
- Airport transfers
- Activities cited as “optional” in the itinerary
- Travel Insurance
- Single Room Supplements.
- Personal spending-services or meals not mentioned as included, beverages in hotels, telephone calls and laundry etc.
- Tips/Gratuities (Kenya policy)
- Extra costs incurred as a result of alterations to the original tour plan e.g. different accommodations and services
Related Tours
- 8 Days
- Migration Crossing
Chimpanzee safari in Gombe and Mahale Mountain National
From $ 5400
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