overview
This 7-day chimpanzee safari is a once-in-a-lifetime journey into western Tanzania, where dense forests, mountains, and Lake Tanganyika form the backdrop for intimate encounters with our closest relatives — chimpanzees. Explore Gombe Stream National Park, made famous by Jane Goodall’s groundbreaking chimpanzee research, and venture deeper into the remote Mahale Mountains, home to one of the largest wild chimp populations in the world. Combine trekking, chimp tracking, boat rides, and authentic camping along the shores of Africa’s deepest lake.
itinerary
This 7-day chimpanzee safari is a once-in-a-lifetime journey into western Tanzania, where dense forests, mountains, and Lake Tanganyika form the backdrop for intimate encounters with our closest relatives — chimpanzees. Explore Gombe Stream National Park, made famous by Jane Goodall’s groundbreaking chimpanzee research, and venture deeper into the remote Mahale Mountains, home to one of the largest wild chimp populations in the world. Combine trekking, chimp tracking, boat rides, and authentic camping along the shores of Africa’s deepest lake.
- Tour Length: 7 Days / 6 Nights
- Accommodation: Public camping & lakeshore campsites
- Main Focus: Chimpanzee trekking, primates & unique wildlife
- Start/End Point: Kigoma / Arusha (via domestic flight)
- Morning flight from Arusha/Dar es Salaam to Kigoma (flight included).
- Transfer to Kigoma town for briefing, rest, and overnight at public campsite/lodge.
Main Destination: Kigoma Town
Accommodation: Public campsite in Kigoma
Meals: Dinner
- Morning boat ride along Lake Tanganyika to Gombe Stream.
- Afternoon chimpanzee tracking with experienced park rangers.
- Enjoy the forest, waterfalls, and birdlife.
- Overnight at Gombe public campsite.
Main Destination: Gombe Stream National Park
Accommodation: Gombe public campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Early breakfast, then head into the forest for chimp trekking.
- Learn about Jane Goodall’s pioneering chimpanzee studies.
- Afternoon relaxation by the lake or optional swim (safe area).
- Overnight at campsite.
Main Destination: Gombe Stream National Park
Accommodation: Gombe public campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinne
- Return by boat to Kigoma, then continue to Mahale Mountains by motorized dhow (boat transfer).
- Afternoon game viewing or short forest walk.
- Dinner and overnight at Mahale public campsite.
Main Destination: Mahale Mountains National Park
Accommodation: Mahale public campsite (by the lakeshore)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Full-day chimpanzee trekking in Mahale Mountains.
- Track the famous M-group chimpanzees with expert guides.
- Explore lush forest trails, waterfalls, and mountain scenery.
- Return to campsite for dinner and overnight.
Main Destination: Mahale Mountains National Park
Accommodation: Mahale public campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Another opportunity for chimp tracking.
- Afternoon boat safari on Lake Tanganyika – spot hippos, crocodiles, and amazing birdlife.
- Relax by the campfire under the stars.
Main Destination: Mahale Mountains National Park
Accommodation: Mahale public campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Morning boat transfer back to Kigoma.
- Afternoon flight to Arusha or Dar es Salaam (end of tour).
Main Destination: Kigoma → Arusha
Accommodation: None (end of tour)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Costing
What’s Included
- Domestic flights (Arusha/Dar – Kigoma roundtrip)
- Boat transfers to/from Gombe & Mahale
- All park entrance & chimpanzee tracking fees
- Professional English-speaking guide/ranger
- 6 nights camping accommodation (public campsites)
- Camping gear & support crew
- Meals as per itinerary
- Drinking water during safari
- Government taxes & VAT
What’s Excluded
- International flights & visas
- Travel insurance
- Sleeping bag (available for hire)
- Extra accommodation before/after safari (on request)
- Airport transfers (optional extra)
- Tips & gratuities
- Alcoholic/soft drinks
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, phone/internet)