10 Days Gombe, Mahale & Katavi Safari Itinerary

Overview

Embark on an unforgettable 10-day safari adventure through Tanzania’s wildest and least explored parks: Gombe Stream National Park, Mahale Mountains National Park, and Katavi National Park. Witness chimpanzees in Gombe, trek along Mahale’s forested hills, and experience untamed wildlife in Katavi, where herds of elephants, buffaloes, and hippos roam freely. This journey combines primate tracking, game drives, boat safaris, and immersive nature experiences, ideal for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers seeking rare encounters.

Safari Highlights

• Gombe Stream National Park: Trek to observe wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat.

• Mahale Mountains National Park: Jungle hiking and chimpanzee tracking in pristine rainforest.

• Katavi National Park: Remote safari with large wildlife concentrations; enjoy boat safaris on seasonal rivers.

• Exclusive Wildlife Viewing: Small-group experiences with expert guides, ensuring personal attention.

• Cultural Encounters: Opportunities to meet local communities near park boundaries.

• Scenic Landscapes: From Lake Tanganyika’s shores to Katavi’s savannah plains, capture breathtaking vistas.

Belief Itinerary

We believe in responsible tourism: sustainable travel, minimal disturbance to wildlife, and supporting local communities. Our safaris prioritize small groups, expert guides, and ethical wildlife experiences, ensuring your adventure leaves positive footprints.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigoma

Activities: Arrive at Kigoma Airport, where you will be warmly welcomed by your safari guide. Transfer to a lakeside lodge overlooking the vast waters of Lake Tanganyika. Take time to relax after your flight, enjoy the scenic lake views, and soak in the calm, tropical atmosphere. Attend a short orientation briefing to familiarize yourself with the upcoming safari activities. Capture your first photos of the lake at sunset and unwind with a delicious dinner at the lodge.

Accommodation: Lakeside Lodge or similar
Meals: Dinner included
Highlights: Scenic Lake Tanganyika views, lodge relaxation, sunset photography, pre-safari briefing

Day 2: Gombe Stream National Park

Activities: After an early breakfast, take a morning boat transfer across Lake Tanganyika to Gombe Stream National Park. Embark on your first chimpanzee trekking adventure through the dense, tropical forest, guided by experienced trackers. Observe the chimpanzees in their natural habitat as they feed, play, and interact with each other. Along the trail, enjoy a guided forest walk, spotting unique birds, colorful butterflies, and other primates. Return to your lodge for a relaxing evening.

Accommodation: Gombe Forest Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included
Highlights: Chimpanzee observation, birdwatching, immersive rainforest experience, primate photography

Day 3: Gombe & Lake Activities

Activities: Spend the day exploring more of Gombe’s forest with optional additional chimpanzee trekking or a lake-based excursion. Activities may include canoeing on Lake Tanganyika, quiet birdwatching, or relaxing on the shore. Take time for nature photography, enjoy the forest sounds, and capture the serene lake reflections at sunset.

Accommodation: Gombe Forest Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included
Highlights: Primate photography, tranquil forest ambiance, scenic lake views, optional canoeing

Day 4: Transfer to Mahale Mountains

Activities: Take a scenic boat transfer to Mahale Mountains National Park, enjoying spectacular lake vistas en route. Upon arrival, settle into the remote lodge set within lush forest and overlooking Lake Tanganyika. Spend the afternoon exploring the surroundings or relaxing in the pristine natural environment.

Accommodation: Greystoke Mahale or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included
Highlights: Arrival in a remote wilderness, stunning lake and forest scenery, lodge relaxation

Day 5: Mahale Chimpanzee Tracking

Activities: Embark on a full-day guided chimpanzee trekking expedition in Mahale Mountains National Park. Track wild chimpanzees through dense forest, observing their behaviors, social interactions, and playful antics. Guides will provide insights on primate conservation and forest ecology. Take time for photography and enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the forest. Evening relaxation at the lodge with breathtaking sunset views over the lake.

Accommodation: Greystoke Mahale
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included
Highlights: Close encounters with chimpanzees, forest photography, primate behavior learning, remote wilderness experience

Day 6: Mahale Exploration & Lake Relaxation

Activities: Begin the day with an optional morning chimpanzee tracking or guided forest hike, discovering waterfalls, rare birds, and orchids. In the afternoon, enjoy leisure time by Lake Tanganyika — swimming, kayaking, or simply relaxing on the shore. Opportunities for scenic photography, birdwatching, and nature observation abound.

Accommodation: Greystoke Mahale
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included
Highlights: Scenic hikes, lake-based relaxation, wildlife observation, photography

Day 7: Transfer to Katavi National Park

Activities: Depart Mahale via boat transfer back to Kigoma and fly to Katavi National Park. Upon arrival, settle into your safari lodge or tented camp and embark on an afternoon game drive, spotting your first herds of elephants, buffalo, and antelopes in this remote wilderness. Enjoy the tranquil sounds of Africa’s untouched savannah at sunset.

Accommodation: Chada Katavi Safari Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included
Highlights: Remote wilderness safari, initial wildlife sightings, sunset photography

Day 8: Katavi Game Drives

Activities: Full day of exploration in Katavi National Park, including early morning and late afternoon game drives. Spot elephants, lions, hippos, and buffalo, along with a diversity of bird species. Between drives, enjoy a boat safari on Katuma River, observing hippo pools and waterbirds in their natural habitat. Return to the lodge for evening relaxation and dinner.

Accommodation: Chada Katavi Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included
Highlights: Big game viewing, boat safari, birdwatching, sunset photography

Day 9: Full-Day Katavi Safari

Activities: Spend the day on extended game drives and optional guided walking safaris, venturing deeper into Katavi’s remote savannahs. Look out for elusive predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs, and enjoy the untouched wilderness of one of Tanzania’s least-visited parks. Picnic lunches can be enjoyed in the heart of the park, surrounded by wildlife.

Accommodation: Chada Katavi Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included
Highlights: Remote game viewing, predator spotting, photography, wilderness immersion

Day 10: Departure

Activities: Optional morning game drive for one last opportunity to see wildlife. Return to Mpanda or Kigoma Airport for your onward flight, reflecting on an unforgettable journey through Tanzania’s forests, lakes, and savannahs.

Meals: Breakfast included
Highlights: Last wildlife sightings, farewell to Tanzania’s wilderness

Accommodation & Meal Plan

• Comfortable lodges or tented camps in each park

• Full board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) at lodges and camps

Inclusive

• All park entry fees and conservation fees

• Accommodation and full-board meals

• Guided chimpanzee trekking and all game drives

• Domestic flights and boat transfers within the safari

• Expert English-speaking safari guides

Exclusive

• International flights

• Travel insurance

• Personal items, tips, and optional excursions

• Alcoholic beverages

What to Pack

• Lightweight, neutral-colored clothing suitable for safari

• Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots

• Wide-brim hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen

• Lightweight rain jacket and warm layers for early mornings

• Binoculars and camera with extra batteries

• Insect repellent

• Refillable water bottle

Book this Trip with Us!