7 Days Tanzania Chimpanzee Safari

Price

On Request

Best time

All year round

Trip Overview

Journey to the remote and enchanting western circuit of Tanzania, where adventure meets tranquility and wildlife thrives untouched. This 7-day safari immerses you in the lush forests of Mahale Mountains National Park and Gombe Stream National Park, home to wild chimpanzees and diverse birdlife. Glide across the sparkling waters of Lake Tanganyika, explore hidden waterfalls, and witness landscapes so stunning they feel otherworldly.

Every day is an invitation to connect with nature, from tracking our closest primate relatives to soaking in panoramic vistas, creating memories that will linger long after you leave.

Trip Gallery

endless memory to capture

Destinations

Mahale Mountains, Gombe Stream, Lake Tanganyika, Kigoma

What to expect

Chimpanzee tracking, birdwatching, and immersive cultural encounters

Day by day description

Day 1: Transfer to Mahale Mountains National Park – First Encounter with the Wild

Your journey begins in Arusha, where a shared charter flight carries you westward toward Mahale Mountains National Park. Upon arrival, a boat transfer brings you to your lodge, nestled along the tranquil shores of Lake Tanganyika.

After a hot lunch, venture into the dense forest for your first chimpanzee tracking experience. Hearing the forest come alive around you, spotting playful chimpanzees swinging through the trees it’s a moment that instantly connects you to the magic of Tanzania’s wilderness. Return to the lodge for dinner and fall asleep to the gentle lapping of lake waters.

Day 2: Mahale Mountains – Morning Tracking and Lake Safari

Wake early to the chorus of the forest for another chimpanzee tracking expedition. Observe the chimpanzees’ fascinating social interactions as your guide shares insights into their behavior and habitat.

After a fulfilling lunch at the lodge, embark on a boat safari across Lake Tanganyika, where the sunlight dances on turquoise waters and birds swoop gracefully overhead. The afternoon offers a serene contrast to the morning’s forest adventure, letting you absorb the beauty of this remote paradise. Dinner and overnight await at the lodge.

Day 3: Mahale Mountains – Exploring Lake and Forest

Another morning begins with tracking chimpanzees, discovering the forest’s secrets and the playful antics of its inhabitants. After lunch, you might try fishing in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tanganyika or simply relax along the lakeshore, watching the changing hues of the sky reflected in the lake. The day closes with dinner at the lodge, and the evening stars above the forest feel like a private show.

Day 4: Transfer to Kigoma and Gombe Stream – Journey Across Lake Tanganyika

After breakfast, transfer to the lake for a scenic boat ride to Kigoma town. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at Kigoma Hilltop Hotel, soaking in panoramic views over the town and lake.

Later, continue by boat to Gombe Stream National Park, where Jane Goodall famously studied wild chimpanzees. As the lodge welcomes you, you’ll feel the anticipation building for the next chapter of your chimpanzee safari. Dinner and overnight are at Gombe Camp.

Day 5: Kakombe Waterfalls – Forest and Falls

Start the day with a morning of chimpanzee tracking, venturing deeper into Gombe’s pristine forest. If weather permits, hike to Kakombe Waterfalls, where cascading waters and lush greenery create a perfect backdrop for reflection and photos.

Return to Gombe Camp for dinner and an evening surrounded by the sounds of the forest.

Day 6: Gombe Stream National Park – Jane’s Peak

Begin with another morning of chimpanzee tracking, learning more about these fascinating primates and their family dynamics. In the afternoon, hike to Jane’s Peak, named after Jane Goodall, for panoramic views of the forest canopy and the vast expanse of Lake Tanganyika stretching into the horizon. Spend your final night in Gombe Camp, savoring the last moments in this untouched wilderness.

Day 7: Departure – Farewell to the Western Circuit

After breakfast, take a boat back to Kigoma town, reflecting on the memories made over the past week. Enjoy a city tour of Kigoma and historic Ujiji, where explorers Stanley and Livingstone first met, adding a cultural and historical layer to your adventure.

Lunch is served at Kigoma Hilltop Hotel, after which you’ll transfer to the airport for a Precisionair flight to Dar es Salaam or Arusha. Your western Tanzania chimpanzee safari concludes, but the sights, sounds, and encounters from Mahale and Gombe will remain etched in your memory forever.